Proton X70 History

Launched on 12 December 2018, the X70 was Proton's entry into the SUV segment — a segment the brand had never competed in during its Mitsubishi-era years. Based on the Geely Boyue (with right-hand drive conversion and market-specific design tweaks), it followed Geely Holding's acquisition of a 49.9% stake in Proton's parent DRB-HICOM in 2017.

Initially imported as a completely built-up (CBU) unit from China, locally assembled (CKD) versions became available from February 2020 at Proton's Tanjung Malim plant, improving pricing and market accessibility. The X70 runs a 1.8L turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine and became Proton's volume leader in the growing Malaysian SUV market.