National automaker Proton has continued its product update exercise for 2026 by unveiling the latest version of the Proton X90 three-row SUV.
This flagship three-row SUV becomes the fourth Geely-based Proton model to get this model year change update, with the biggest change being the new 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbocharged i-GT engine that replaces the outgoing three-pot mild hybrid (MHEV) unit.
Three Variants Available, No ‘Flagship’ Guise
For the 2026 update, the new X90 now comes in only three variants instead of four for the original model, starting with Lite, Prime, and Premium, with their respective on-the-road prices listed below:
- 2026 Proton X90 Lite: RM106,800 (RM99,800 with Launch Rebate)
- 2026 Proton X90 Prime: RM116,800 (RM109,800 with Launch Rebate)
- 2026 Proton X90 Prime X: RM122,800 (RM115,800 with Launch Rebate)
Mind you, the prices listed above are inclusive of the standard 5-year, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty plus five years free labour for service.
New 1.5TD i-GT Heart with No Electrification
Perhaps the biggest and most important change given by Proton for the Minor Change 1 (MC1) X90 lies inside the hood, where the three-row SUV drops the previous 1.5-litre 3-cyl MHEV powertrain for a new 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbocharged i-GT petrol engine—the same unit seen on its newly-updated, Geely-based siblings.
Just like in the aforementioned models, this four-pot turbocharged engine is still rated at 181 PS and 290 Nm, with all its power being sent exclusively to the front wheels (FWD) via a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox that Proton claims has been reworked to suit the larger and heavier X90.
This also means that the new X90 loses its 48-volt belt starter-generator (BSG) mild hybrid system, although it’s still too early for us to know whether this change may have any positive or negative effects on its drivability.
That said, Proton still claims that the new X90, even with its new, hybrid-less turbocharged engine, can still get a relatively decent fuel economy rate of 6.9 litres per 100 km.
Minor Exterior Change, New Colourway
At one glance, we can see that the new X90 bears little to no exterior changes over the outgoing model, with the most notable change being the new Quartz Black exterior colourway.
The addition of the new all-black colourway does see both the Ruby Red and Cinnamon Brown colour options offered previously being dropped for the 2026 lineup.
Upon further inspection, you’ll immediately notice that all variants of the new X90 now come with the same 18-inch alloy wheels shod in Giti GitiControl P10 tyres. Not to forget, this D-segment SUV also comes standard with roof rails now, which Proton claims can support loads weighing up to 75 kg.
Keen eyes, however, will notice that the new X90 does not come with the same monocular camera setup on its front windscreen—a fact that has to do with our next point…
Now with Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, No ADAS!
Onboard, the new X90 is still offered in either six- or seven-seat configurations, with the former only reserved for the now top-spec Prime X variant.
The two baseline models get a three-seat bench in the second row, with all the seats being wrapped in the same, dark-hued leatherette upholstery. The Prime X, on the other hand, ups the ante with two captain-style chairs with ventilation function and ergonomic headrests for the second row, while all the seats are wrapped in plush Nappa leather upholstery instead.
Another new addition for the updated X90 is the wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration into its 12.3-inch infotainment unit across all variants. Said head unit also supports the 360-degree HD camera system for the two top-specced variants.
On the topic of screens, both the Prime and Prime X variants get a fancier 10.3-inch digital metre cluster, whereas the entry-level Lite makes do with a 3.5-inch combination metre cluster instead.
Rounding off the interior bits are the seven USB ports, dedicated A/C vents across all rows of seats, six speakers, a sizable 275-litre boot space expandable to 1,011 litres, a built-in Digital Video Recorder (DVR) for the Prime X, and more.
Perhaps the more interesting bit for the new X90 is the exclusion of the ADAS functions across all variants—yes, the updated model now does not support Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities like the previous model. Not to mention, the powered tailgate function has also been omitted in the updated version.
That said, the model still gets several basic safety bits like six airbags, parking sensors (rear-only for Lite), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (Prime & Prime X), and a space-saver spare wheel mounted inside the rear bumper.
So folks, what do you think of the newly updated 2026 Proton X90 MC1? Could all these minor changes and re-speccing jobs make this three-row SUV more accessible for many Malaysians out there?
