Proton has given its best-selling sedan a new top-of-the-range identity. The 2027 Proton S70 RS was announced in Subang Jaya on . It brings a more aggressive body kit, an X50-style cabin with a column-mounted gear selector, and the same 181 PS 1.5-litre turbo. Price and full specifications will be released during a livestreamed reveal on .
What “RS” means and where it fits
RS stands for Refined Sportiness. Proton is positioning the car under the tagline “Performance with Style”. The stated aim is to move the S70 from “sporty” to “sports-focused” while retaining the everyday practicality that has driven its sales.
The RS will sit above every current S70 variant. The existing line-up consists of five models:
| Variant | Engine | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 Lite | i-GT 1.5 naturally aspirated, ~120 PS | CVT |
| 1.5 Prime | i-GT 1.5 naturally aspirated, ~120 PS | CVT |
| 1.5TD Premium | i-GT 1.5 turbo, 181 PS / 290 Nm | 7-speed DCT |
| 1.5TD Flagship | i-GT 1.5 turbo, 181 PS / 290 Nm | 7-speed DCT |
| 1.5TD Flagship X | i-GT 1.5 turbo, 181 PS / 290 Nm | 7-speed DCT |
| 2027 S70 RS (new) | i-GT 1.5 turbo | 7-speed DCT |
The RS is Proton’s interpretation of the facelifted fourth-generation Geely Emgrand, which Geely revealed in China in early October 2026. The S70 has been based on the Emgrand since its Malaysian launch in November 2023.
Exterior: from sporty to sports-focused
The RS carries the most visual changes of any S70 so far. The front lower apron follows the shape of the facelifted Geely Emgrand, with Proton adding its own red accents and black trim.
- Front: redesigned grille and bumper, red accent lines, contrasting trim and faux air intakes
- Sides: extended side skirts, new-design alloy wheels and bright red brake callipers
- Rear: reshaped bumper with an integrated diffuser and quad exhaust-tip finishers
- Badging: dedicated “RS” emblem
Wheel size remains unconfirmed. Proton’s announcement text refers to 17-inch wheels, while a caption in its own photo gallery lists 18-inch wheels. This detail is expected to be clarified on 10 November.
For context, the 2026 S70 MC1 Flagship X already featured an exclusive aerokit. The RS extends this approach further, creating a lower and wider visual stance through the diffuser and quad-tip rear treatment.
Interior: the S70’s new cabin, with red accents
The cabin represents the largest single change on the RS. It is a complete redesign rather than a trim update, adopting the design language introduced on the 2026 Proton X50 with some S70-specific differences.
- Theme: dual-tone cabin with red accents on the dashboard and seats
- Centre console: new floating design with integrated ambient lighting
- Screens: new digital instrument cluster and a noticeably larger infotainment screen
- Gear selector: automatic shifter mounted on the steering column, replacing the floor-mounted lever
- Commander Dial: dedicated rotary controller for key driving functions
Moving the gear selector to the column frees space in the centre tunnel and produces a cleaner cabin layout. This approach has already appeared on newer Proton and Geely models.
The current S70 already offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera, and a full ADAS suite on its upper variants. Proton has not yet confirmed the RS equipment list, but as the range-topper it is expected to at least match the Flagship X specification.
Engine and performance: the same strong turbo
The RS retains the powertrain introduced with the February 2026 S70 MC1 facelift, so there is no increase in output. The package remains competitive for the price segment.
| Spec | 2027 S70 RS |
|---|---|
| Engine | i-GT 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Output (current S70 turbo) | 181 PS / 290 Nm |
| Gearbox | 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.5 seconds (Proton claim) |
Proton has not published RS-specific power figures. The 181 PS / 290 Nm figures therefore come from the current turbo S70 and are expected to carry over.
The four-cylinder i-GT replaced the original three-cylinder 1.5 TGDi in the MC1 update, addressing vibration complaints from early owners. Proton has also referred to “refinements to driving dynamics” for the RS, but has not detailed any changes. Suspension and steering adjustments therefore remain unconfirmed.
Proton has not published RS dimensions. The current S70 measures 4,602 mm long and 1,809 mm wide, with a 2,627 mm wheelbase and a 500-litre boot.
Proton S70 RS vs the normal S70: what’s different?
The RS differs from the regular S70 primarily in exterior styling and cabin design. The engine and performance figures remain the same. The table below compares it mainly against the current Flagship X.
| Area | Normal S70 (2026 MC1) | 2027 S70 RS |
|---|---|---|
| Front end | Standard grille and bumper | Redesigned grille and bumper with red accents, contrasting trim and faux air intakes |
| Sides | Standard sills (Flagship X adds an aerokit) | Extended side skirts |
| Wheels and brakes | Alloy wheels, standard callipers | New-design alloys (17- or 18-inch, TBC), red brake callipers |
| Rear | Standard rear bumper | Diffuser and quad exhaust-tip finishers |
| Badging | S70 badging | Dedicated “RS” emblem |
| Cabin design | Current S70 layout | All-new X50-style dual-tone cabin with red accents |
| Centre console | Conventional console with floor-mounted gear lever | Floating console with ambient lighting and a Commander Dial |
| Gear selector | Floor-mounted lever | Column-mounted automatic shifter |
| Screens | 12.3-inch infotainment (dual screens on Flagship variants) | New digital cluster and a larger infotainment screen |
| Engine | 1.5 NA (Lite, Prime) or 1.5 turbo 181 PS / 290 Nm | 1.5 turbo only (181 PS / 290 Nm expected) |
| Gearbox | CVT (NA) or 7-speed DCT (turbo) | 7-speed DCT |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.5 seconds (turbo) | 7.5 seconds |
| Chassis | Standard tuning | “Refined driving dynamics” (details not yet released) |
| Price | RM56,800 to RM89,800 after promos | TBA, likely above RM90,000 |
Buyers prioritising performance per ringgit will find the regular turbo S70 Premium or Flagship already delivers the same engine and 0–100 km/h time at a lower price. The RS is aimed at those who want the sportiest appearance and the newest cabin and are prepared to pay a premium for them. If the claimed dynamics refinements prove substantial, the differentiation will be clearer.
Expected price: likely just above RM90,000
Proton has not announced a price. As the new range-topper, the RS is expected to cost more than the current Flagship X. Current S70 prices in Peninsular Malaysia are shown below.
| Variant | List price | Current price after promo/rebate |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 Lite | RM59,800 | RM56,800 (introductory) |
| 1.5 Prime | RM62,800 | RM59,800 (introductory) |
| 1.5TD Premium | RM79,800 | RM74,800 |
| 1.5TD Flagship | RM89,800 | RM84,800 |
| 1.5TD Flagship X | RM94,800 | RM89,800 |
| 2027 S70 RS | TBA | TBA (est. RM90,000+) |
The RS estimate is ours, not Proton’s. East Malaysia prices are typically RM2,000 higher.
Even at around RM95,000, the RS would still undercut the Honda City RS and Toyota Vios while offering a turbo engine with substantially more power. That value gap has been the S70’s core advantage since launch.
S70 RS vs S70 R3: not the same car
The RS is a style and cabin flagship, not the hardcore S70 R3 that enthusiasts have discussed since 2024.
- S70 R3 road car (discussed, not launched): In February 2024, Proton’s then deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah said the company was studying an R3 version of the S70. He described it as a full performance package rather than a cosmetic kit, which implied chassis upgrades.
- S70 R3 race car (exists): Proton’s R3 motorsport arm built an S70 race car for the 2024 Sepang 1000KM endurance race. It used a race-built 1.6-litre Campro engine with a manual gearbox and finished in the top five in its class.
- S70 Concept (KLIMS 2024): a yellow-wrapped show car with a body kit and racing stripes that suggested a possible R3 edition or accessory range. It was never put into production.
- 2027 S70 RS (announced): new styling, a new cabin, and possible dynamics tweaks, but the standard 181 PS turbo.
If Proton still intends to develop a true S70 R3, the RS’s sharper body could serve as a suitable base.
Why now: the S70 is selling strongly
The RS arrives while the S70 range is at a sales peak. It sold 5,367 units in October 2026: 2,338 of the non-turbo Lite and Prime variants and 3,029 of the turbo variants. That brought the year-to-date total to 26,076 units after ten months, making the S70 Proton’s second-best-selling model.
The S70 has also had a busy 2026:
- November 2023: the S70 launches, from RM73,800
- February 2026: the MC1 facelift brings the 181 PS four-cylinder i-GT turbo and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
- September 2026: the non-turbo Lite and Prime arrive, pushing the starting price under RM60,000
- 5 November 2026: the 2027 S70 RS is announced
- 10 November 2026: the line-off reveal and fashion-show livestream
Launch date and how to watch
Proton will reveal the RS as it comes off the production line on . The event is an industrial-themed fashion runway show featuring a local designer and will be livestreamed on all of Proton’s official social media channels. Prices, the full equipment list, and the official launch date are expected to follow. Proton is releasing the details in stages, as is its usual practice.
Early verdict
The S70 RS is a logical step. It gives buyers a reason to spend more without requiring a new engine. The X50-derived cabin addresses one of the current S70’s weaker areas, and the exterior styling now more closely matches the “Malaysia’s Sporty Sedan” positioning. The open question is whether the “refined dynamics” amount to meaningful changes. Without them, the RS is primarily a looks and cabin upgrade.
FAQ
What does RS stand for on the Proton S70?
Refined Sportiness.
Is the S70 RS more powerful than the normal S70?
Not according to the information Proton has released. It uses the same i-GT 1.5 turbo and 7-speed DCT, with 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.
What is the difference between the Proton S70 RS and the normal S70?
The RS has a sportier body kit with red accents, a diffuser and quad exhaust-tip finishers, red brake callipers, and an all-new X50-style cabin with a column-mounted gear selector. The engine and 0–100 km/h time remain the same as the turbo S70.
How much is the Proton S70 RS?
Not announced yet. As the new flagship it is likely to cost more than the RM89,800 (after rebate) Flagship X.
When is the Proton S70 RS launching?
It will be revealed on 10 November 2026 at 8pm. The official launch date has not been confirmed.
Is the S70 RS the same as the S70 R3?
No. The R3 was a proposed performance version with mechanical upgrades. The RS is a styling and cabin flagship.