Verdict
At RM294,800, the BMW i4 costs RM31,000 less than the RM325,800 BMW X3, yet its 282 hp, 400 Nm rear motor reaches 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds versus 8.5 seconds for the X3’s 188 hp, 310 Nm petrol mild hybrid. The i4 also claims 500 km of EV range from a 70.3 kWh battery and has 180 kW DC charging. The X3 answers with SUV height, all-wheel drive and a 570-litre boot, 100 litres more than the i4. For Malaysian buyers with dependable charging, the i4 is the sharper buy; choose the X3 for cargo and SUV usability.
Pick the BMW i4 if you can charge an EV and want 500 km claimed range, 6.0-second acceleration and a RM31,000 lower purchase price.
Pick the BMW X3 if you need all-wheel drive, a 570-litre boot and the taller 1,660 mm SUV body.
Key differences
- Price: BMW i4 RM294,800; BMW X3 RM325,800.
- Powertrain: BMW i4 282 hp/400 Nm single motor; BMW X3 188 hp/310 Nm 1,998 cc petrol mild hybrid.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW i4 6.0 seconds; BMW X3 8.5 seconds.
- Driveline: BMW i4 rear-wheel drive; BMW X3 all-wheel drive.
- Boot space: BMW i4 470 litres; BMW X3 570 litres.
- Road tax: BMW i4 RM305 per year; BMW X3 RM439 per year.
i4
- RM31,000 cheaper to buy.
- 282 hp and 400 Nm; 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds.
- 70.3 kWh battery, 500 km claimed range and 180 kW DC charging.
- 470-litre boot is 100 litres smaller than the X3's.
- Rear-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive.
- 1,448 mm height is 212 mm lower than the X3.
X3
- 570-litre boot is 100 litres larger.
- All-wheel drive.
- Single-zone rear automatic climate control and contactless powered boot opening.
- Costs RM31,000 more.
- Its 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time trails the i4 by 2.5 seconds.
- RM439 annual road tax is RM134 higher.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM294,800✓ | RM325,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM305✓ | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | — | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 188 hp |
| Torque | — | 310 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 282 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 400 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 70.3 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 500 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 180 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 8-speed Steptronic |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | ZF |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6 seconds✓ | 8.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | 215 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,783 mm | 4,755 mm |
| Width | 1,852 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,448 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,856 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Weight | 2,075 kg | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 470 litres | 570 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R19 | 245/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/40R19 | 245/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | 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 for 2nd Row 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 | Adaptive LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | BMW Laser LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats, 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 | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB-A Front, 1 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C 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, 10-Speaker HiFi Loudspeaker System | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & 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 |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | Yes | 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 | 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 i4 & X3 for sale
i4 vs X3 FAQ
Is the BMW i4 or BMW X3 better?
The BMW i4 is better for buyers with access to charging: it is RM31,000 cheaper, reaches 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and claims 500 km of range. The BMW X3 is better if a 570-litre boot, all-wheel drive and SUV height matter more.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i4 costs RM294,800 and the BMW X3 costs RM325,800, so the X3 is RM31,000 more expensive.
Can the BMW i4 charge quickly on long trips?
The i4 has a 70.3 kWh battery, a claimed 500 km EV range and supports DC charging at up to 180 kW. It also supports 11 kW AC charging.