Review: Proton X90 Flagship – The Perfect Budget Boss Ride?

Is the Proton X90 a worthy choice from its segment? We set out to ascertain just that in our recent test-drive with it...

Another Crossover SUV? What’s Different Here Then?

It’s been about a year since national carmaker Proton officially launched its first D-segment crossover SUV offering that is the X90 pictured. Not only larger than its two other SUVs, the X90 also doubled up as Proton’s first New Energy Vehicle (NEV) thanks to its mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrain.

Moreover, its tempting price tag, plus the choice of four guises with two seating configurations, meant this crossover SUV wasn’t just built to woo family-conscious buyers. In fact, the X90 is positioned to also bait prospects who seek a plush and comfy but low-key ride to be daily-driven in.

Well, we put ourselves in the shoes of both buyer types when we took the X90 in range-topping Flagship form for a proper road test recently. From which, we’re certain that there’s enough going on in the X90’s recipe to woo both buyer types, and that’ despite a few misgivings…

Sitting 4,830 MM long with a 2,805 MM wheelbase, 1,900 MM wide, and 1,764 MM tall, there's no hiding the fact that the X90 at being large - and very squared in looks too.

It Certainly Looks Very… Square

If you fancied how Proton re-styled its Geely-based models like the X50 and X70 crossovers, as well as the more recent S70 sedan, we’re certain you wouldn’t mind the X90’s looks. Obviously, this is a much more squared-looking thing over the  X50 and X70 mentioned, but there are good reasons for this that we’ll detail later on.

Proton did well at staving the X90 off of any excessive tacky chrome brightworks, but did endow it with fitting 19-inch wheels (left) and a distinctive grille design (right).

The forward lighting are all-LED powered, and gives a very upmarket look and feel. The latter is bolstered by the addition of sequential turn signals in the headlamps.

Nevertheless, we’ll give credit where it is due, and Proton certainly tried its best to jazz up the X90’s rather large and squared body. This is evident through the grille design, snazzy 19-inch alloy wheels, as well as the minimal count of tacky chrome exterior trims. What truly adds an upmarket look and feel here is the all-LED forward lighting module that also boasts sequential turn signals.

Overall though, in the case of the Flagship variant tested, there’s not much to loathe with its exterior styling, and we reckon this ‘safe’ approach was meant to keep the X90 both approachable and appealing to a wider set of prospecting buyers. Thankfully, there’s more to the X90 than just looks, and much of this stems from its spaciously plush innards…

Perhaps the X90 Flagship variant's key trait is its second-row Captain Seats (left), which come laced with built-in seat ventilation and a 'Boss Switch' (right).

Tell Us, How’s Life On The Inside?

Unlike crossover SUVs from a segment below, both space and luxury are key assets for any fighter in the D-segment SUVs space. Thankfully, the X90 in Flagship form as tested delivers on both, and there’s enough substance here to please either heads of a household, or business organisation.

We’ll start with space which, aptly, is abundant in the X90 – a trait expected of any cabin housing three rows of seats. Said abundance is made very clear when you realise how respectably comfortable the third row seats are for any average-sized adult despite lacking slightly with legroom.

Space in the third-row proved surprisingly adequate, only lacking slightly in legroom. Nevertheless, we can confirm that average-sized adults won't find this space too discomforting.

Obviously, in Flagship form, maximum comfort is reserved for this variant’s coveted second-row Captain Seats. Despite lacking power adjustability, it’s not hard to manually adjust and get comfy in them, whilst the presence of a ‘Boss Switch’ feature further bolsters comfort levels here.

More impressively though is the fact that, like the first row, said Captain Seats in this Flagship variant are laced with built-in seat ventilation function – a rather nifty addition, given our climate, and the recent heat wave we endured. This certainly proved itself during our test.

Second-row console sees dedicated air-cond fan speed and seat ventilation controls for the second row (left), the former controlling the second- and third-row air-cond vents primed as standard (right).

That aside, much of the basics are covered well through the presence of plush leather upholstery, dedicated second- and third-row air-cond vents with dedicated fan speed controls in the second row, followed by the presence of USB charging ports across all rows of seats.

Specific to the flagship variant is the large panoramic sunroof, which arguably adds a touch of class here. Lastly, life in the first row is far from shabby too thanks again to the leather-covered front seats that boasts power-adjustability and built-in seat ventilation.

As far as people-moving talents go, it’s plain to see how stellar the  X90 is on this front, more so when you consider it doesn’t come from a huge trade-offs in luggage space…

Nifty here is the presence of a powered tailgate which, in Flagship variant as tested, boast kick-sensor and remote keyfob activation, amongst many other additions.

Even with the third-row seats up (left), there's a decent 257-litre boot space present, though this can be expanded drastically to 1,200 litres with said third-row dropped (right).

What About Boot Space Then?

Even with the third-row seats up, the X90 in Flagship form as tested still offers a rather decent 257-litre boot space. Access to which is made more convenient in this range-topper too thanks to the presence of a powered tailgate function with added high-end functions like a kick-sensor opening.

Should you need more luggage space and you happen not to be ferrying anyone in the third row, then dropping said final row sees grants a cavernous 1,200-litre luggage capacity instead. Evidently, there’s enough room here for just about anyone to lug anything for any sort of occasion indeed.

The X90's drive, however, proved divisive. In fact, much of the X90's drawbacks and quirks stems from its powertrain.

How Does It Drive?

Unfortunately, no package is perfect, and here’s where the X90 starts dividing opinions. On paper, the 1.5-litre 3-cyl TGDi lump’s 175 HP (177 PS) and 255 NM outputs, matched with its MHEV system’s 14 HP (14 PS) and 52 NM ‘Boost’, appeared sufficient against this Flagship variant’s 1,740 KG heft.

However, we reckon said weight is what dulls the powertrain. Even with our foot buried down on the throttle, there’s no hiding the apparent lag and sluggishness in said powertrain’s delivery. We also reckon that weight led to some paltry real world fuel economy readings garnered during our tests, which stood very far off Proton’s official claims of a 6.8 litres/100 KM average.

On paper, the combination of the 1.5-litre TGDi 3-cyl MHEV mill (left) and 7-speed DCT automatic box (right) appeared theoretically sufficient.

Sadly, the MHEV powertrain proved to be the X90's Achilles Heel as many will it lacking in punch. However, all is not lost given just how comfortable this SUV drives.

However, the fact that we managed to complete a climb up Genting Highlands with he X90 prior during its preview drive ought to silence any doubts. Given which, it is perhaps unfair to call the X90’s powertrain underpowered, though we won’t argue that it does seem to lack a little punch at times. Fortunately, much of the negatives in the X90’s drive ends here.

As for ride and handling, we’re glad to report things felt respectable to say the least. What shined most is the soft and supple the ride felt, which ultimately complements the plush and spacious cabin we detailed at length. Simply put, this crossover SUV makes up for its lack of punch by being arguably one of the comfiest things to drive – and be driven in – in this space.

Moreover, said comfort doesn’t come at the expense of dulled handling and drivability. Though not the sharpest tool in the shed, the X90 felt respectably manageable should it be hustled through the twisties, though we reckon this might spark cries of discomfort of the folks you’re most likely ferrying in the second- and third-rows.

Besides dual digital displays, the Flagship variant of the X90 also boasts a wireless charging pad, though we reckon many will still loathe the absence of either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity.

At Least The Tech Count Is Good, Right?

And right you are, so as long as you don’t mind the continued absence of either Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that is. Though Proton and its tech subsidiary ACO Tech says this is being remedied, it will take time before either becomes available in the X90, and other Proton models.

That aside, everything else primed in this Flagship variant’s cabin is respectable to say the least. The crisp dual-digital displays aren’t too difficult to grasp thanks to ACO Tech’s brisk and smooth new Atlas OS powering them. Certainly nifty here too are its connectivity-driven functions.

Despite lacking Apple or Android connectivity, the data-enabled built-in navigation and media streaming apps primed in this infotainment worked well during our test.

Fortunately, all the trick ADAS features loaded in this range-topping Flagship variant works as advertised, altogether delivering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving abilities plus autonomous parking ability to boot.

Key amongst the latter are its built-in navigation function and multimedia streaming apps – i.e. Syok! internet radio and Spotify. Also worth considering here is the compatibility with the Proton X Watch smartwatch, which adds another layer of remote convenience to the X90’s package.

Above all though are the slew of active driver assistance (ADAS) primed as standard, which sees the X90 from its Executive guise and up offer Level 2 semi-autonomous driving abilities. In other words, here’s yet another crossover SUV that could almost drive itself when you want it to.

If anything, these ADAS also further adds to the ease of daily driving convenience with the X90 thanks to bits like the 360-degree surround view parking camera, and autonomous parking feature. Overall it’s safe to say that tech count is respectably high indeed, thus adding further to the X90’s cause.

Despite some drawbacks, what we know will entice many into the X90's favour is its affordable price. As tested, the Flagship variant only commands RM152,900 - over RM30,000 less than its nearest segment rival!

Should I Buy One?

Overall, it is very apt to see how the Proton X90 in Flagship form holds a strong appeal not just amongst heads of families, but also in the eyes of discerning heads of organisation that prefer to be driven. The high levels of luxury and comforts provided makes this Proton a strong front-runner.

What ought to seal the deal here is its price, which reads at RM152,900 for the Flagship variant as tested. Sure, it does have a few misgivings, especially on the powertrain front, but that’s one quirk that only requires time and patience for anyone to get adept with over the long run.

Ultimately, given that the next best choice in segment with a comparably posh 6-seat layout costs over RM30,000 more, this range-topping Proton alternative holds nearly unrivalled value-for-money against which, and more.

Will its impressive value for money convince you into the Proton X90's favour?

By the way, said price comes with a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty coverage plus up to six times free labour service offered by Proton. Clearly, there’s the promise of peace-of-mind ownership over the long-term added into the Proton’s pitch too.

If anything, this Proton proves that luxury, practicality and high levels of tech can all come without breaking the bank, and we’re certain any business or family ‘boss’ will be convinced by this range-topping X90’s value package. We certainly are.

SPECIFICATIONS

PROTON X90 FLAGSHIP

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