Verdict
At RM103,800, the GAC GS3 costs RM14,000 more than the RM89,800 Proton X50. It is marginally quicker to 100 km/h at 7.5 seconds versus 7.6, and brings a 2,650-mm wheelbase, 341-litre boot and autonomous braking with lane-keeping steering correction. But its two airbags are a serious shortfall against the X50’s six. The Proton also has 290 Nm, a larger 14.6-inch screen, automatic climate control and an unlimited-kilometre five-year warranty. For most Malaysian buyers, the X50 is the more convincing buy; choose the GS3 for its driver-assistance kit and extra cabin footprint.
Pick the GAC GS3 if autonomous braking, lane-keeping steering correction, a 341-litre boot and the slightly quicker 7.5-second sprint matter more than the RM14,000 premium and six-airbag protection.
Pick the Proton X50 if you want six airbags, 290 Nm, more convenience equipment and an unlimited-kilometre warranty for less money.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 RM103,800; Proton X50 RM89,800.
- Airbags: GAC GS3 2; Proton X50 6.
- Torque: GAC GS3 270 Nm at 1,400 rpm; Proton X50 290 Nm at 2,000 rpm.
- 0-100 km/h: GAC GS3 7.5 seconds; Proton X50 7.6 seconds.
- Boot space: GAC GS3 341 litres; Proton X50 330 litres.
- Warranty mileage: GAC GS3 150,000 km over five years; Proton X50 unlimited km over five years.
GS3
- Autonomous braking and lane-keeping steering correction.
- Longer 2,650-mm wheelbase and 341-litre boot.
- 18-inch wheels with 225/55R18 Continental UC6 SUV tyres.
- Only two airbags versus the X50’s six.
- RM14,000 dearer than the X50.
- Manual air-con; no auto headlamps, auto wipers or front parking sensors.
X50
- Six airbags and 290 Nm of torque.
- RM14,000 lower purchase price.
- 14.6-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control and unlimited-kilometre warranty.
- No autonomous braking, collision warning or lane-keeping assist.
- Smaller 330-litre boot and 2,600-mm wheelbase.
- Passive rather than adaptive cruise control.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,800 | RM89,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 177 hp at 5,500 rpm | 178 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 270 Nm at 1,400 rpm | 290 Nm at 2,000 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | — | 7DCT |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Geely |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds✓ | 7.6 seconds |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,380 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm | 1,795 mm |
| Height | 1,600 mm | 1,609 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,600 mm |
| Weight | 1,370 kg | 1,351 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 45 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 341 litres✓ | 330 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 215/60R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV | GitiComfort F50 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Front Passenger) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 14.6" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 6 Times Free Labour Servicing |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used GS3 & X50 for sale
GS3 vs X50 FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 or Proton X50 better?
The Proton X50 is the better all-round buy: it costs RM14,000 less, has six airbags, 290 Nm and more convenience equipment. The GAC GS3 is the choice for autonomous braking, lane-keeping steering correction, a larger boot and a marginally faster sprint.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 costs RM14,000 more than the Proton X50.
Which SUV has the better safety equipment?
The X50 has the stronger passive-safety count with six airbags to the GS3’s two. The GS3 counters with autonomous braking, collision warning and lane-keeping steering correction, which the X50 does not have.
