Verdict
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio asks RM154,328 more, but it brings a serious performance advantage: 276 hp and 400 Nm cut the 0-100 km/h time to 5.7 seconds, against the BMW X3’s 188 hp, 310 Nm and 8.5 seconds. The X3 makes the more rational Malaysian daily SUV with its 570-litre boot, 360-degree camera, auto parking and head-up display. Yet the Stelvio’s Matrix LED headlamps, 14-speaker Harman Kardon system and extra knee airbags make its higher price feel less bare, if outright pace matters most.
Pick the Alfa Romeo Stelvio if 276 hp, 400 Nm and a 5.7-second 0-100 km/h time matter more than the RM154,328 saving offered by the BMW.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want the RM325,800 CKD option with a bigger 570-litre boot, 360-degree camera, auto parking and head-up display.
Key differences
- Price: Alfa Romeo Stelvio RM480,128; BMW X3 RM325,800.
- Output: Stelvio 276 hp and 400 Nm; X3 188 hp and 310 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Stelvio 5.7 seconds; X3 8.5 seconds.
- Boot space: Stelvio 525 litres; X3 570 litres.
- Wheelbase: Stelvio 2,818 mm; X3 2,865 mm.
- Wheels: Stelvio 20-inch alloys with 255/45R20 tyres; X3 19-inch alloys with 245/50R19 tyres.
Stelvio
- 276 hp and 400 Nm, with 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.
- Matrix adaptive LED projectors and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
- Driver and front-passenger knee airbags, plus driver-seat memory.
- RM154,328 more expensive than the X3.
- 525-litre boot trails the X3’s 570 litres.
- No 360-degree camera, auto parking or head-up display.
X3
- RM154,328 less expensive and locally assembled.
- 570-litre boot, 360-degree view monitor and auto parking.
- Head-up display, contactless powered boot and ambient lighting.
- 188 hp and 310 Nm leave it 2.8 seconds slower to 100 km/h.
- LED projector headlamps lack the Stelvio’s Matrix adaptive function.
- Six-speaker audio trails the Stelvio’s 14-speaker Harman Kardon system.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM480,128 | RM325,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM438✓ | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 1,995 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 276 hp✓ | 188 hp |
| Torque | 400 Nm✓ | 310 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 84 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Automatic | 8-speed Steptronic |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | ZF |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.7 seconds✓ | 8.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 230 km/h✓ | 215 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,687 mm | 4,755 mm |
| Width | 1,903 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,648 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,818 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 64 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 525 litres | 570 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R20 | 245/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/45R20 | 245/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Italy (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloy | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloy | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver and Front Passenger Knee Airbag | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 two outer rear passenger seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Matrix Adaptive LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory | Powered Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 3 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8.8" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 14-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, 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 Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Power Boot | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 5 years |
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 Stelvio & X3 for sale
Stelvio vs X3 FAQ
Is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio or BMW X3 better?
The BMW X3 is the better practical buy, costing far less while adding a 570-litre boot, 360-degree camera, auto parking and head-up display. Choose the Stelvio for its much stronger 276 hp, 400 Nm drivetrain and 5.7-second sprint.
What is the price difference?
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio costs RM480,128 and the BMW X3 costs RM325,800, so the Stelvio is RM154,328 more expensive.
Which has the better warranty cover?
The Stelvio has a five-year, 150,000-km manufacturer warranty. The X3 has a two-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty, with a five-year unlimited-mileage extended warranty listed.