Verdict
At RM267,800, the BMW 3 Series is RM139,000 cheaper than the RM406,800 BMW X4, yet it keeps the same five-seat layout, eight-speed automatic and extensive driver-assistance hardware. The X4 justifies part of that gap with 249 hp, 350 Nm and all-wheel drive, cutting the 0-100 km/h time from 7.4 to 6.3 seconds. It is also the roomier load carrier at 525 litres versus 480 litres, with adaptive suspension and a panoramic sunroof. For most Malaysian buyers, the 3 Series is the more rational compact executive; choose the X4 for its added pace, SUV body and equipment.
Pick the BMW 3 Series if you want the RM139,000 saving, a lower 1,590 kg kerb weight and an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system.
Pick the BMW X4 if you want 249 hp, all-wheel drive, a 525-litre boot and SUV practicality.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series RM267,800; BMW X4 RM406,800.
- Power and torque: BMW 3 Series 184 hp and 300 Nm; BMW X4 249 hp and 350 Nm.
- Driveline and acceleration: BMW 3 Series rear-wheel drive, 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds; BMW X4 all-wheel drive, 6.3 seconds.
- Boot space: BMW 3 Series 480 litres; BMW X4 525 litres.
- Kerb weight: BMW 3 Series 1,590 kg; BMW X4 1,890 kg.
- Wheels: BMW 3 Series 18-inch alloys; BMW X4 21-inch alloys.
3 Series
- RM139,000 less expensive.
- 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
- Pedestrian braking operates from 5 to 80 km/h.
- 184 hp and 300 Nm trail the X4's 249 hp and 350 Nm.
- 480-litre boot is 45 litres smaller.
- No panoramic sunroof or adaptive suspension.
X4
- 249 hp, 350 Nm and all-wheel drive.
- 525-litre boot and five-door SUV body.
- Adaptive suspension and panoramic sunroof.
- RM139,000 more expensive.
- 1,890 kg is 300 kg heavier.
- Pedestrian braking operates from 5 to 60 km/h, versus 5 to 80 km/h.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM267,800✓ | RM406,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379✓ | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC with Twin-Scroll Turbocharger, Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing and Lift |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 249 hp✓ |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 350 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | 10.2 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Sport | 8 Speed Steptronic Sport Automatic |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | ZF |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.4 seconds | 6.3 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | — | 8.5 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 235 km/h | 240 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | — | 192 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm | 4,751 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,918 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,621 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,864 mm |
| Weight | 1,590 kg | 1,890 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 59 litres | 65 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres | 525 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 245/40R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R18 | 275/35R21 |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 | Pirelli P Zero Run-flat |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 21" Style 726 M 2-tone Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 21" Style 726 M 2-tone Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Adaptive Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| 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 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, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 60 km/h) |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Collision Prevention |
| 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 | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function and Bolster Adjustment |
| 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 | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic, Front Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | 1 Boot, 1 Front USB, 1 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting (6 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System | 12.3" Touchscreen BMW Operating System 7.0 with iDrive Touch Controller, Voice Control and 16-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System (464 Watts) |
| 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 with Proximity Lock/Unlock |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing Assist | Yes, Parallel and Perpendicular |
| 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 | — | Auto-dimming Mirrors |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | 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 3 Series & X4 for sale
3 Series vs X4 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series or BMW X4 better?
The BMW 3 Series is the better buy for most buyers because it is RM139,000 cheaper while retaining five seats, an eight-speed automatic and strong safety equipment. Pick the BMW X4 if its 249 hp output, all-wheel drive and 525-litre boot matter more.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X4 costs RM139,000 more than the BMW 3 Series. Its higher price brings 65 hp more, 50 Nm more torque, all-wheel drive, a 45-litre larger boot, adaptive suspension and a panoramic sunroof.
Which is quicker and more practical?
The BMW X4 is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds against the BMW 3 Series' 7.4 seconds. It is also more practical for luggage, with a 525-litre boot versus 480 litres, plus five doors rather than four.