In a move that caught many by surprise, national carmaker Proton has officially unveiled the all-new Proton X50 via its Facebook page—weeks ahead of its anticipated launch later this month. While the early reveal may have been prompted by recent leaks from within the company or the automotive media, it has nonetheless stirred significant interest among enthusiasts and industry observers alike.

Despite the premature exposure, several key details about the new X50 remain under wraps. Chief among them is whether the new 4-cylinder engine will be standard across all variants or reserved exclusively for higher trims. This question is particularly relevant to fans of the current model, which has built a reputation for delivering spirited performance in a compact SUV package.

From the images shared on Proton’s social media, several notable design and technology updates are immediately apparent. Most striking is the absence of a traditional gear lever on the center console, replaced by a more streamlined layout that includes a large infotainment display featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This signals a clear shift toward a more minimalist, tech-forward interior—likely inspired by trends in the electric vehicle segment. The gear selector now appears to be integrated into the steering column, further emphasizing this modern design direction.

However, one omission that may disappoint driving enthusiasts is the apparent lack of paddle shifters (plus the car don’t have a gear knob like it’s predecessor). This raises questions about whether the new X50 will offer a manual shift mode, a feature that has contributed to the model’s reputation as a fun-to-drive, performance-oriented SUV. The X50 has long been considered the sportier sibling in Proton’s SUV lineup, and this latest iteration seems to be pivoting toward a more refined, possibly more lifestyle-oriented appeal.

That said, this evolution may be a strategic move by Proton to broaden the X50’s market appeal, potentially targeting a more diverse demographic, including urban drivers seeking style and convenience over raw performance. While some may view this as a departure from the X50’s original character, it could also mark the beginning of a new chapter for the brand’s popular B-segment SUV. What remains as a key question now is how much the car will be priced compared to the older generation of the Proton X50.

As for those who prefer the more aggressive styling and dynamic driving experience of the previous model, the Proton X50 RC—launched last year—remains a compelling option and now comes with lots of rebate to make it as one of the most affordable SUV in the class, if not the most affordable. It continues to offer the i-GT 1.5L 4-cylinder engine, rumored to produce around 180 horsepower, and retains the sporty DNA that made the X50 a standout in its class.

Stay tuned as we bring you a comprehensive review of the all-new Proton X50 in the coming weeks, including detailed insights into its performance, features, how it stacks up against its predecessor and some competitors and most importantly, how much will it be priced.