Just one day after Chery unveiled the Sport Edition of its Tiggo Cross B-SUV, national automaker Proton has responded with an even sportier version of its best-selling SUV model, the Proton X50.
Simply known as the 2026 Proton X50 Sport Edition, this compact crossover gets the same aggressive and sporty design upgrades we’ve seen on previous Proton SE models, this time around using the facelifted X50 as its base.
Sportiest X50 Ever?
The design changes for the new X50 SE start with the exterior, where the model wears a special bodykit finished in gloss black with Signature Red detail to create a sportier, more aggressive presence for this already sporty B-SUV.
The front fascia is now dressed with a new Sport Edition front skirting that features a small SE emblem and wind-blade-inspired edges at both ends, a la racing canards. The rest of the front bumper design remains unchanged from the standard X50, but some of the parts, like the front upper garnish on the front grille and the lower bumper garnish, are now dressed in black to match the new front lip.
Also being blacked out are the 18-inch alloy wheels the X50 SE rides on, which feature the same “Battle Axe” spoke design we’ve seen on the original version with red-hued brake callipers to match the overall SE aesthetics.
The contrasting red accents are also present on the side skirts of the X50 SE, while the rear part is now dressed with the SE rear skirting with rear winglets at the edges, while the side port trim garnish is now finished in matching gloss black.
Rounding off the SE treatment outside is the Sport Edition badge on the tailgate, while the Batman-esque rear wing design remains unchanged from before. We’ve also been told that the X50 SE will be exclusively available in this Quartz Black colour option as standard.
Black-and-Red Interior
Inside, the new X50 SE also gains several new design elements, and again the black-and-red colour theme is also present in the cabin.
Some new additions include the Sport Edition embossing on the front seats, which are now wrapped in this black leather upholstery with contrasting red stitches and piping. The black-and-red theme continues on the floor mats of this B-SUV, which also feature the SE emblem for good measure.
Also new here are the black leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, as well as the Sport Edition metal door scuff plates that greet you every time you step into this sporty crossover.
And given that the new X50 SE is based on the Flagship variants, buyers will get the same cabin amenities as the top-spec model, including:
- 14.6-inch central touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 8.88-inch digital metre cluster
- 72-colour ambient lighting system
- Panoramic sunroof
- 360-degree camera system
- Single-zone A/C with dedicated rear vents
- Level 2 ADAS
Same 1.5TD Engine
Despite its name, the SE treatment only applies for cosmetic and equipment changes, with no significant powertrain or mechanical upgrades given to this sporty crossover.
It continues to draw power from the same 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbocharged BHE15TD petrol engine as the standard X50, which is rated at 181 PS and 290 Nm as standard. Said mill is then mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox that drives the front wheels (FWD), enabling this crossover to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.
As of now, Proton has yet to announce any price indications for the upcoming 2026 Proton X50 Sport Edition, but given that it is based on the Flagship variant, we can expect it to be priced in the similar region.
For reference, the 2025 Proton X50 1.5TD Flagship currently retails at RM113,300, which includes the standard 5-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty and six times free labour for scheduled service.
