7 Things We Learnt About The 2025 Proton X70

We were present at the early preview of the 2025 Proton X70 and, certainly, there's much more to it apart from what Proton revealed via its press release issued yesterday.

We’re certain you’re aware by now that national carmaker Proton has finally broken its silence over its newest metal, by which we mean the refreshed and face-lifted 2025 Proton X70. And thanks to an embargo finally lifted, we can finally tell you more about it.

That’s because we were present for an early press preview session where we got to take a close gander at the 2025 Proton X70. Indeed, there’s much more to it than what was revealed in Proton’s press release. Here are SEVEN facts you ought to know about it…

For the 2025 Proton X70, the range has been streamlined to just FOUR variants. Apart from differing levels of kit, all share the same 1.5-litre TGDi 3-cyl turbo plus 7-speed DCT automatic and FWD setups.

1. There Will Be Four Variants Available

Firstly, Proton has streamlined the X70 variant range, and just FOUR guises will be available – Standard, Executive, Premium and Premium X . The image featured above should clearly tell you on what to expect in each.

There are up to 360 new parts primed in the 2025 Proton X70, and it will see five paintjob options available including a brand new Marine Blue hue.

Proton were also keen to note that up to 360 new parts and components have been fitted across all following extensive development and tests covering no less than 290,000 man hours and up to 4,200,000 KM.

Obviously, Proton has reserved some of the more premium features into specific higher-end guises of the refreshed X70, but that’s perhaps expected. Apart from that, there aren’t any other surprises apart from Fact #3.

Apart from the new Marine Blue paintjob pictured, key aesthetic tweaks are evident in the 2025 Proton X70's 'face'. Note the new grille, headlights, bumper and front hood combination. 

2. It Has More Than Just A New Face

We’re certain you’re already acquainted with the 2025 Proton X70’s new ‘face’ by now, which sees it don a brand new grille, new all-LED headlights, and an all-new front bumper. Also new here too is hood which sports a new design featuring two middle spines a la ‘power bulges’.

The top half of the 2025 Proton X70's derriere remains unchanged, but its lower half sees it don a sportier-looking new rear bumper section.

The two Premium variants noted now roll on new two-tone 19-inch wheels, whilst the mid-specced Premium variant gets a similarly new 18-inch wheel design instead.

Look beyond which and you’ll see that the 2025MY X70 also gained a set of redesigned 18- and 19-inch wheels, but these are reserved for the Executive and top two Premium variants respectively. As for the base Standard guise, it appears the 17-inch units from before remains.

At the rear, things are unchanged with its upper half at least. What’s new here is the lower half thanks to a sportier-looking new rear bumper section featuring new faux side exit channels and new horizontal reflectors. This, according to Proton, this supposedly gives the X70 a wider stance look.

On board, Proton also revised the X70's cabin with a new dash design, new steering wheel lifted from the X50 and S70, as well as posh new nappa leather upholstery for the Premium variants.

3. It Has A Posher Interior Too

Aesthetic changes continue inside and Proton has endowed the 2025MY X70 with a brand new dashboard design complete with new gloss black décor panels, a new three-spoke steering wheel design similar to the X50’s and S70’s, new black headliner, and new nappa leather upholstery.

The new 'stone grey' nappa leather upholstery (left) in the Premium variant looks and feels properly posh, whilst the novel new multi-colour rhythmic ambient light panel (right) appears much less tackier than it sounds.

We were informed by a member of the development team that the new leather upholstery mentioned, which dons a new ‘stone grey’ hue and reserved for the Premium variants only, are the same used in select Volvo models – one unsurprising result borne from Proton’s Geely connection.

One new novelty here is the multi-colour rhythmic ambient lighting panel primed on the passenger side of the dash. Though this is reserved for the Premium and Premium X variants only, we’ll admit it looks much less tacky than it sounds and is arguably a nice addition on board.

The new floating 12.3-inch infotainment screen's position is a huge improvement in accessibility than before, and it will offer both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto vis an upcoming OTA software update from ACO Tech.

4.I It Finally Gets Apple CarPlay And Android Auto!

We’ve highlighted this prior, but we can’t stress enough at how critical these additions are to the X70, as well as the Proton marque. The arrival of both proprietary Apple and Android connectivity suites couldn’t be timelier, but there’s a catch…

Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity suites will NOT be available at launch, but will instead come via an upcoming free over-the-air (OTA) software update from Proton’s tech arm ACO Tech. In the meantime, there’s at least Bluetooth and phone mirroring functions present.

Upcoming Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity aside, the new infotainment unit also sees enhanced Proton Link app connectivity with newly added remote ignition and cabin pre-cooling functions.

Certainly, the arrival of both wouldn’t be possible without the upgraded new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen hardware. This is also now accessibly positioned as a ‘floating’ screen instead of being plonked into the dash at an awkward angle – a common gripe amongst many current X70 owners. 

The bonus to which besides faster loading speeds and operation is its enhanced Proton Link app connectivity through the addition of remote ignition and cabin pre-cooling functions. By the way, the tech improvements goes beyond infotainment and connectivity too…

There are no less than 13 ADAS features primed in the 2025 Proton X70, which now sees it boast true Level 2 semi-autonomous driving abilities.

Key improvements to the ADAS package includes the addition of both Stop & Go and Lane-Centering Assist functions for the Adaptive Cruise Control suite.

5. It Now Has Level 2 ADAS

As hinted prior when we visited Proton at its main Tanjong Malim plant for a insight into its enhanced quality control efforts, the 2025 Proton X70 now boasts true Level 2-rated semi-autonomous driving abilities. This stems from the 13 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features it is laced with.

We’ll be brief here by noting the key new additions here, those being a new Stop & Go and Lane Centering Assist functions for the Adaptive Cruise Control suite. In other words, the refreshed X70 can now almost – ALMOST – drive itself under certain conditions. Just don’t forget that you’re still in charge of the drive for the most parts… 

Under the hood, the 1.8-litre TGDi 4-cyl mill previously offered is now gone. In its place across the board now is the 1.5-litre TGDi 3-cyl mill instead, which boasts improved efficiency.

6. There’s No More 4-cyl Powertrain Option

We saw this coming a while back, and it makes logistical and economic sense for Proton given the investments it put in to establishing a dedicated new engine plant at Tanjong Malim for the 1.5-litre 3-cyl turbo mill. The good news here is that said three-banger has been improved slightly too.

The 7-speed DCT automatic box is carried over, and there's no AWD option now. Proton does note that the improved powertrain now boasts 4% improvement in fuel economy rated at 7.3 litres/100 KM.

For the 2025 Proton X70, all variants now share the same 1.5-litre 3-cyl TGDi turbo petrol mill primed with direct injection. These now boast enhanced combustion efficiency, thermal management and friction reduction, all resulting in a claimed 4% improvement towards the X70’s fuel economy, which now reads at 7.3 litres/100 KM according to Proton.

Outputs remain respectable to say the least at 177 PS and 255 NM, which drives the front wheels (FWD) via a familiar 7-speed DCT automatic box. No all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant is available this time though, but that’s perhaps not a deal-breaker considering how efficient the FWD setup is, and the fact that the X70 isn’t the prime choice if you were to conquer terrains...

Like what you're seeing - and reading - about the 2025 Proton X70? Well, you can place your bookings for one now! Just don't mind the wait... or the fact that final prices haven't been disclosed yet.

7. Launch Date And Prices Remain Unconfirmed, For Now…

Apart from what we just laid out, all that’s left now are price and availability, to which we simply don’t have an answer to. Proton hasn’t given us an indication as to when exactly it will release the 2025 Proton X70, but we were assured this will happen within this year itself.

As for price, your guess is as good as ours, though we reckon Proton won’t stray too far off the outgoing version’s figures. As a refresher, the X70 MC previously retailed between RM93,900 and RM121,800. We can also likely expect Proton to retain similar after-sales packages as before too.

We can likely expect Proton to officially release the 2025MY X70 sometime later this year. Stay tuned for updates.

Though there is no exact price figure released yet, prospects keen on what the 2025 Proton X70 has in store can place early bookings for one now at their nearest Proton 3S and 4S centres at the nominal fee of just RM500. As noted prior, this booking window remains open until further notice.

So, what do you folks reckon then? Has Proton got itself another winning, value-for-money C-SUV in the 2025 Proton X70? Would you be keen on one now knowing all the key improvements it now packs? Share your thoughts in the comments below, as well as our social media pages…