2025 Proton X50 facelift spied – extensive MC to introduce new four-cylinder turbo engine this year?

It’s barely 2025 and already we’ve gotten a good look at Proton’s two big product updates this year. Just last week we clapped our eyes on the facelifted Saga MC3, and now it’s the turn of the facelifted X50 to make the rounds. This year, the B-segment SUV will be treated to a far more comprehensive makeover than last year’s disappointing RC update, with a massively redesigned exterior and possibly even a new interior.

Spotted by reader Chun Yin Chan at the Kampung Pandan roundabout in downtown Kuala Lumpur, the prototype you see here is very obviously based on the latest Geely Binyue L, despite Proton’s best attempts to keep it under wraps via heavy camouflage. Only the rear end can be seen, but even here you can spot some of the sheetmetal changes, such as a redesigned tailgate that houses the chiselled full-width taillights and moves the number plate recess lower down.

Also visible is the redesigned bumper, which retains the X50’s quad tailpipes but gains a new diffuser design. The Binyue L-specific rear bumper is less aggressive than the previous Binyue Cool (the left-hand-drive prototype seen in 2023 was based on this earlier model), ditching the diffuser fins and fake vents (there are also L-shaped bumper corners, but these are not visible here). However, the car you see here gets the Cool’s outlandish Batmobile-style rear wing.

The front end is obscured in these images, but you can expect the car to gain an entirely new front fascia, featuring slimmer headlights (with dashes for the daytime running lights, similar to the S70) and grille, a massive full-width lower grille and L-shaped bumper corners that mirror those at the rear, with the bonnet and front fenders being re-profiled to fit. Last but not least are the new 18-inch turbine-style alloy wheels, which can be seen on the test mule.

No look at the interior here, obviously, but the Binyue L does come with a completely revised cabin, incorporating new air-con vents, toggle switches for the climate controls and a revamped centre console with twin grab handles, configurable storage and a thin translucent gear selector.

The tech is entirely new as well, the Binyue L gaining the latest Flyme Auto infotainment system that made its Malaysian debut on the electric eMas 7. This runs the 8.8-inch slimline instrument display and the 14.6-inch centre touchscreen, both upgrades over the existing X50’s seven- and 10.25-inch displays respectively. Other new bits include novel new sunvisors with a transparent lower half that retains forward visibility while still cutting out glare.

We should point out, however, that the X50 MC (or minor change) may not necessarily follow the Binyue L in getting the all-new interior. Last year’s facelifted X70 got a bespoke cabin design that was different from both the Geely Boyue Pro/Azkarra and the 2022 Boyue facelift, incorporating a larger “floating” 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and 64-colour ambient lighting, among other things.

Last but certainly not least are the mechanicals. The X50 has hitherto soldiered on with the same 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine since its October 2020 launch, but the facelift could see a switch to Geely’s latest four-cylinder unit, used since the Binyue Cool. In the L, the mill produces 180 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm.

This is 3 PS and 35 Nm up on even the highest-spec direct-injected TGDI version of the existing GEP3 engine, enabling the Binyue L to sprint from zero to 100 km/h three tenths of a second quicker at 7.6 seconds. No matter which engine the MC comes with, it will be mated to the usual seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.

Given that the X50 RC was only launched last June, expect the MC facelift to be launched closer to the end of the year. Are you excited? Sound off in the comments after the jump.

GALLERY: Geely Binyue L

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