Proton X50 Flagship – Is It Worth RM103k?

Earlier this week, Proton finally revealed the full pricing of its highly anticipated B-segment SUV, the Proton X50. Without a doubt the most exciting model is the range-topping Flagship variant, which is the only one to get the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and a more powerful engine – all for RM103,300.

Now, compared to other B-segment SUVs in the Malaysian market now, this is a very competitive price tag for a top-of-the-line model. But what if you’re contemplating between the Flagship and Premium variants of the X50? Well, although the price difference is quite big – by exactly RM10,100 – here are a number of reasons why it’s worth paying extra for the Flagship model.

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More Elaborate Safety Features

This is arguably the best reason to go for the Flagship model of the X50. ADAS offers a ton of active safety features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), as well as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).

Really, it’s an exhaustive list of safety features. On top of these, ADAS also includes Auto Park Assist (APA), which allows the X50 to park itself. Though it takes a while for the SUV to do so, it’s certainly a neat feature that will be appreciated by some folks.

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Better Performance

Even if you can do without the extra safety features, it’s worth noting that the Flagship X50 is also the only model to get the 1.5L TGDi engine. This direct-injected turbo engine outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque, which is quite a bit more than the 1.5L port-injected mill (150PS/226Nm) found under the hood of the other three X50 variants.

This 1.5L TGDi engine, combined with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, allows the Flagship X50 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.9 seconds. It’s an impressive figure, especially for an SUV at this price point.

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Sleeker Exterior & More Feature-Packed Interior

Another thing that’s only offered on the Flagship X50 is a dual tone exterior with blacked-out roof and side mirrors. This gives it a more unique, sportier appearance than other variants of the SUV. While this may not sound like a big deal to some folks, it’s definitely a difference worth pointing out.

Aside from that, both the Flagship and Premium trims feature an almost identical dual tone interior, but the former does have a couple of added features. Not only does it come with an auto dimming rear view mirror, it also has a rain sensor for the auto wiper feature. Small amenities, yes, but they do add up.

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Panoramic Sunroof

Last but certainly not least is the addition of a panoramic sunroof on the Flagship X50. Of course, in a hot, humid country like Malaysia, a sunroof – panoramic or not – is not exactly the most practical feature. But hey, at least it comes with a powered sunblind that can block out sunlight quite well.

Plus, it’s nice to open up the sunroof once in a while for some fresh air.

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So, to answer the question: is it worth it to go for the range-topping Flagship variant of the Proton X50 for RM103,300? In my opinion, absolutely. Though the RM10,100 price difference between the Flagship and Premium models is no small amount, you’re getting a lot of additional features for the money.

But if you don’t need the suite of driver assistance features, more powerful engine, or panoramic sunroof of the Flagship model, the Premium X50 is still a very good buy at RM93,200. At the end of the day, it all depends on each individual’s preferences.