Verdict
At RM392,800, the BMW 3 Series M costs RM14,000 more than the RM378,800 BMW iX3, yet it is the faster choice: 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds versus 4.9 seconds and 250 km/h versus 210 km/h. The iX3 counters with 463 hp, 645 Nm, a 113.4-kWh battery and 726 km range, plus 400-kW DC charging. For Malaysian family use, its 520-litre boot, five-door body and RM765 annual road tax make a stronger practical case; the sedan's annual road tax is RM2,125.
Pick the BMW 3 Series M if you want the quicker 4.4-second 0-100 km/h performance, 250 km/h top speed and a lower 1,800-kg kerb weight.
Pick the BMW iX3 if you need EV running, 726 km of stated range, a 520-litre boot and much lower annual road tax.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series M RM392,800; BMW iX3 RM378,800.
- Performance: BMW 3 Series M 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and 250 km/h; BMW iX3 4.9 seconds and 210 km/h.
- Powertrain: BMW 3 Series M 387 hp and 500 Nm from a 2,998-cc petrol engine; BMW iX3 two motors with 463 hp and 645 Nm.
- Road tax: BMW 3 Series M RM2,125 per year; BMW iX3 RM765 per year.
- Practicality: BMW 3 Series M has a 480-litre boot and four doors; BMW iX3 has a 520-litre boot and five doors.
- Weight: BMW 3 Series M 1,800 kg; BMW iX3 2,285 kg.
3 Series M
- Quicker 4.4-second century sprint
- Higher 250 km/h top speed
- 485 kg lighter than the iX3
- RM14,000 dearer
- RM1,360 higher annual road tax
- 40 litres less boot space
iX3
- 726 km stated EV range
- 400 kW DC and 22 kW AC charging
- 520-litre boot with five doors
- 0.5 seconds slower to 100 km/h
- 40 km/h lower top speed
- 485 kg heavier
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM392,800 | RM378,800✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM2,125 | RM765✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 32-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing and Lift | 6th-generation BMW eDrive, 800V architecture |
| Capacity | 2,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 387 hp | — |
| Torque | 500 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.2 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 463 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 645 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 113.4 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 726 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 22 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 400 kW |
| V2L | — | 3.7 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Sport | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.4 seconds✓ | 4.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h✓ | 210 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,714 mm | 4,782 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,895 mm |
| Height | 1,440 mm | 1,635 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,897 mm |
| Weight | 1,800 kg | 2,285 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 59 litres | — |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres | 520 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/40R19 | 255/35R22 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/35R19 | 275/35R22 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 Run-flat | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Hungary (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" M Double-spoke style 792 M Bicolour Jet Black | 22" Alloys (9J) |
| Rear Wheels | 19" M Double-spoke style 792 M Bicolour Jet Black | 22" Alloys (9.5J) |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive M Suspension, Variable Sport Steering, M Sport Differential | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbag |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with High beam Assistant | LED, with High-beam Assistant |
| 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 Memory Function and Bolster Adjustment | M Sport Seats, Power Adjustable with Driver Memory |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | 3-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Yes | Panoramic, with Climate Comfort Glazing |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | 1 Wireless Charger, 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Ambient Light |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | — |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 16-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System | Harman Kardon 13 Speakers (430W); 17.9" Central Display + 43.3" Panoramic Vision, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wireless Charging |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless (Comfort Access) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Proximity Lock/Unlock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | Yes |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | Yes |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Monitor | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing Assist | Yes, Parking Assistant Professional with Remote Control Parking |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Tyre Pressure Monitoring System | Flexible Fast Charger (Mode 2) included; Drive Recorder and Remote Theft Recorder; Intelligent Personal Assistant |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | — | RM399,800 with 5-year extended warranty and service package |
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 3 Series M & iX3 for sale
3 Series M vs iX3 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series M or BMW iX3 better?
The iX3 is better for family practicality and lower annual road tax, with a 520-litre boot and RM765 road tax. Choose the 3 Series M for stronger outright performance: 4.4 seconds to 100 km/h and a 250 km/h top speed.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 3 Series M costs RM392,800 and the BMW iX3 costs RM378,800, so the 3 Series M is RM14,000 more expensive.
Which one is better for long-distance travel?
The BMW iX3 has a stated 726 km range, a 113.4-kWh battery and up to 400 kW DC charging. The 3 Series M uses a 59-litre petrol tank, so it avoids charging but has no stated driving range.