Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the BMW 3 Series costs RM265,800 against the Mercedes-Benz EQC’s RM393,888, leaving a substantial RM128,088 gap. The EQC is much quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds with 402 hp and 760 Nm from two motors, while its 80 kWh battery is rated for 437 km. But the 3 Series is 585 kg lighter, rear-wheel drive and reaches 235 km/h; the EQC tops out at 180 km/h. Choose the SUV only if its electric range, all-wheel drive and richer driver-assistance kit justify the outlay.
Pick the BMW 3 Series if you want to save RM128,088, prefer a 1,590 kg rear-wheel-drive sedan and value its 235 km/h top speed.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz EQC if you want a 437 km electric SUV with 402 hp, 760 Nm, all-wheel drive and 5.1-second 0-100 km/h pace.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series RM265,800; Mercedes-Benz EQC RM393,888.
- Power and torque: BMW 3 Series 184 hp and 300 Nm; Mercedes-Benz EQC 402 hp and 760 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 3 Series 7.4 seconds; Mercedes-Benz EQC 5.1 seconds.
- Weight: BMW 3 Series 1,590 kg; Mercedes-Benz EQC 2,175 kg.
- Boot space: BMW 3 Series 480 litres; Mercedes-Benz EQC 495 litres.
- Driveline: BMW 3 Series rear-wheel drive; Mercedes-Benz EQC all-wheel drive.
3 Series
- RM128,088 less expensive.
- 585 kg lighter with rear-wheel drive.
- Higher 235 km/h top speed.
- Slower 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time versus 5.1 seconds.
- 184 hp and 300 Nm trail the EQC’s 402 hp and 760 Nm.
- Passive cruise control lacks the EQC’s adaptive cruise control with steering assist and stop-and-go.
EQC
- 402 hp, 760 Nm and a 5.1-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 80 kWh battery with a 437 km EV range rating.
- Adaptive cruise control with steering assist and stop-and-go, plus surround-view camera.
- RM128,088 more expensive.
- 585 kg heavier.
- 180 km/h top speed is 55 km/h lower.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 265,800✓ | RM 393,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | — |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | — |
| Torque | 300 Nm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | — |
| Timing Type | Chain | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 402 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 760 Nm |
| Battery Type | — | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | — | 80.0 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 437 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | — | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11.0 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | — | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 110.0 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Sport | — |
| Gears | 8 | 1 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | Mercedes-Benz |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.4 seconds | 5.1 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 235 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm | 4,761 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,884 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,624 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,873 mm |
| Weight | 1,590 kg | 2,175 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 59 litres | — |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres | 495 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 235/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R18 | 255/45R20 |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 | Pirelli Scorpion Verde |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Germany (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 20" Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 20" Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, 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 two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h) | PRE-SAFE Brake, Full Auto Brake |
| 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 Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| 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 Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding | 60:40 Split Fold |
| 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 |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | 1 Front, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Manual rear door window shades |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System | 12.3" Touchscreen MBUX with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Voice Control and 13-speaker Burmester Surround 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 with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot, with contactless operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Available, with Surround View Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing Assist | 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 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years✓ | 2 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 379✓ | RM 545 |
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 & EQC for sale
3 Series vs EQC FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz EQC better?
The EQC is better for electric driving, all-wheel drive and outright acceleration, with 402 hp and a 5.1-second sprint. The 3 Series is the more rational pick if the RM128,088 saving, lower 1,590 kg weight and sedan layout matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz EQC costs RM128,088 more than the BMW 3 Series.
Can the Mercedes-Benz EQC handle regular AC and DC charging?
Yes. The EQC has a Type 2 AC connection rated at 11.0 kW and a CCS DC connection rated at 110.0 kW. Its lithium-ion battery has 80.0 kWh capacity and a quoted 437 km range.