Verdict
The RM16,000 gap buys the iX2’s 308 hp/494 Nm dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, a 64.7 kWh battery and 417 km EV range. It reaches 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, 1.8 seconds ahead of the 184 hp, 300 Nm 3 Series. Its 525-litre boot also exceeds the sedan’s 480 litres. The 3 Series fights back with rear-wheel drive, an eight-speed Steptronic Sport and a 235 km/h top speed, 55 km/h above the iX2. Pick based on EV charging access and the body style you actually need.
3 Series
Pick the BMW 3 Series if you want a rear-wheel-drive sedan with an eight-speed automatic and a 235 km/h top speed.
iX2
Pick the BMW iX2 if you want 5.6-second 0-100 km/h pace, all-wheel drive, 417 km EV range and a larger 525-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series RM267,800; BMW iX2 RM283,800.
- Power and torque: 3 Series 184 hp and 300 Nm; iX2 308 hp and 494 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: 3 Series 7.4 seconds; iX2 5.6 seconds.
- Top speed: 3 Series 235 km/h; iX2 180 km/h.
- Length and wheelbase: 3 Series 4,709 mm and 2,851 mm; iX2 4,554 mm and 2,692 mm.
- Doors and boot space: 3 Series four doors and 480 litres; iX2 five doors and 525 litres.
3 Series
- Rear-wheel drive with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic
- Higher 235 km/h top speed
- 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system and 14.9-inch curved display
- Slower 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time versus 5.6 seconds
- Smaller 480-litre boot versus 525 litres
- Passive cruise control and reverse camera, rather than adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree monitor
iX2
- 308 hp, 494 Nm dual-motor all-wheel-drive system
- 417 km EV range, with 11 kW AC and 130 kW DC charging
- 525-litre boot, powered contactless-opening tailgate and 360-degree view monitor
- Costs RM16,000 more
- 180 km/h top speed is 55 km/h lower
- No alarm listed
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM267,800✓ | RM283,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM335✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | — |
| Torque | 300 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 308 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 494 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 64.7 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 417 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 130 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Sport | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.4 seconds | 5.6 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 235 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm | 4,554 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,845 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,590 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,692 mm |
| Weight | 1,590 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 59 litres | — |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres | 525 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 245/40R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R18 | 245/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 | Michelin e-Primacy |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 20" Style-873 M Bi-Colour Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 20" Style-873 M Bi-Colour Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Front Driver and Passenger, Front Side and Front & Rear Curtain Airbags |
| 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 for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h) | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with High beam Assistant | Adaptive LED Projector with Automatic High Beam |
| 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 | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Driver Side Memory Settings |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System | BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 10.25" Touchscreen, iDrive Controller, Voice Control, Apple CarPlay and 16-speaker, 464W Harman Kardon Sound System |
| 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 with Proximity Lock/Unlock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing Assist | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | — | No |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
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 & iX2 for sale
3 Series vs iX2 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series or BMW iX2 better?
The BMW iX2 is better for outright acceleration, all-wheel drive, EV range and boot space. Choose the BMW 3 Series if a rear-wheel-drive sedan, eight-speed automatic and 235 km/h top speed are the priority.
What is the price difference?
The BMW iX2 costs RM16,000 more than the BMW 3 Series.
How far can the BMW iX2 travel on one charge?
The BMW iX2 has a 64.7 kWh battery and a stated EV range of 417 km. It supports AC charging at up to 11 kW and DC charging at up to 130 kW.