For the competitive configuration, miniskirts were adopted, two spoilers were introduced for greater grip on the ground, while changes were made to the design of the bumper and bonnet to lower the aerodynamic coefficient.

Development of the Proton Prevé was initiated in 2009 under the leadership of the then Managing Director of Proton, Syed Zainal Abidin. Former BMW Vice President of Quality Management R&D, Dr. Wolfgang Karl Epple was also appointed that same year as Proton's Director of Quality. The Proton Tuah, a concept car designed by Giugiaro was exhibited at the 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS). It previewed the various design elements and features in the upcoming Proton Prevé. Proton sought to create a new signature façade with the Prevé. The result is Proton Wings, a unified design element that fuses the headlights, Proton emblem and air-intake grille, giving it a distinctive look of a bird ascending. The Prevé is the first Malaysian-made car to be factory-fitted with LED position lamps. The exterior of the car was styled to sport a reduced drag coefficient in an effort to enhance fuel efficiency.

Aluminum, carbon fiber and glass are the materials that characterize the exterior of the Brivido. The sinuous and aerodynamic lines of the bodywork underline the sporty and elegant character of the Giugiaro-branded grand tourer. The windscreen, roof, rear window and the large door windows form a crystalline dome that allows natural light to flood the passenger compartment, enhancing its refined design, fine finishes and high-tech devices. The solutions adopted for Brivido are practical and achievable. The only concessions at the show were the large door that lifts like a gull wing and the use of LED lighting devices.

The vertical development of the package allows the prototype to have a weight distribution of 58% on the front and 42% on the rear. The glass surfaces are decidedly generous: the windows extend below the waistband, taking up a solution introduced in 1988 with the Asgard prototype. The roof, completely made of glass, also contributes to making the passenger compartment bright. The A-pillar is significantly advanced compared to the traditional position and the impact of the side mirrors is canceled out with the use of cameras. Access to the rear seats occurs with a system which, operated electronically, pushes the second door outwards and moves it backwards parallel to the car body without resorting to the unsightly tracks dug into the bodywork.