What to expect in next-gen Proton X70? 2027 Geely Boyue gets extensive facelift in China, with over 100 upgrades!

The Geely Boyue is a familiar name to Malaysian motorists, even if they know it better as the Proton X70. The original Boyue provided the basis for Proton's popular C-segment SUV.

And now, even before Proton launches the CMA-based X70, the Geely Boyue gets another update in the Chinese market.

The 2027 Geely Boyue is set to launch in China on 23 October, coinciding with the model's tenth anniversary.

Geely says the updated SUV has received more than 100 changes, covering everything from its styling and interior to its powertrain and technology. The aim is to offer more equipment and features without moving away from the Boyue's value-for-money positioning.

For Malaysian buyers, the new Boyue is particularly interesting because of its links to the Proton X70, although there is no indication yet that these changes will be carried over to the Malaysian model.

Exterior: New look with Chinese design influences

The 2027 Boyue gets a redesigned front end inspired by traditional Chinese architecture.

The grille features a pattern inspired by Si Shui Gui Tang (四水归堂), a traditional courtyard design in which rainwater flows towards a central space. Above it, a full-width LED light bar takes its design cues from the upturned eaves and wooden brackets commonly seen in traditional Chinese buildings.

At the back, a new full-width LED taillight design gives the Boyue a more recognisable appearance at night.

The SUV measures 4,570 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,635 mm tall, with a 2,707 mm wheelbase.

Interior: More room and comfort features

Inside, Geely has focused on improving everyday comfort and practicality.

A 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen comes as standard across the range, which Geely claims is the largest in its class.

Geely says 85.4% of the vehicle's interior space is usable, with 37 storage areas throughout the cabin. The boot has a two-level layout, offering 585 litres of luggage space plus another 75 litres beneath the floor.

Rear passengers get 525 mm-long seat cushions and 150 mm of knee room. The Boyue also comes with Geely's six-layer Marshmallow seats, which offer electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, massage, memory and an easy-entry function. A heated steering wheel has been added as well.

Folding the rear seats flat creates a space up to 1.9 metres long, which could come in handy for camping trips or carrying bulky items.

Geely has also paid attention to the materials used inside. The company says the cabin meets its standards for families with young children, using only water-based adhesives, no mixed-fibre padding and no organic solvents to help reduce the typical new-car smell.

Powertrain and safety

The 2027 Boyue is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT). It produces 181 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque.

This is the same powertrain that currently powers the X70.

The SUV uses Geely's latest GEEA 3.0 architecture. According to the company, it can stop from 100 km/h in 36.4 metres and complete the moose test at 76 km/h.

Safety equipment includes 16 active safety features and eight passive safety measures. Among the active systems are door opening warning (DOW), lane change assistance, rear collision warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

On the passive safety side, the Boyue has a reinforced passenger cell with a torsional rigidity of 27,000 Nm/degree, along with an engine mounting design that allows the engine to move downwards in a severe frontal collision rather than intrude into the cabin.

Technology: Flyme Auto 2 and AI voice control

The updated Boyue runs Geely's Flyme Auto 2 infotainment system, paired with a customised version of Amap 850 navigation.

There's also an upgraded AI voice assistant, which Geely says can handle commands for 95% of the vehicle's controllable functions.

Could the Proton X70 follow suit?

Since the Boyue first appeared a decade ago, Geely has sold more than 2.45 million units across over 60 countries and regions.

The latest update brings a range of comfort, safety and technology features to a model that continues to compete in the mainstream family SUV segment.

Whether any of these changes will make their way to a future Proton X70 remains to be seen. Proton has not announced any plans to adopt the 2027 Boyue's design or equipment for Malaysia. But earlier this year, Proton has brought members of the media to Hangzhou and they showcased the CMA-based Boyue.

Still, with the X70's close ties to the Boyue, it's worth keeping an eye on what Geely is doing next.

Would you like to see the Proton X70 receive a similar update? Which of the new Boyue's features would you most like Proton to bring to Malaysia? Let us know in the comments.