Car Buyer's Guide

BMW iX3 vs BMW X3

BMW iX3

BMW iX3

50 xDrive M Sport Pro

BMW X3

BMW X3

Verdict

The BMW iX3 costs RM53,000 more at RM378,800, but brings two motors producing 463 hp and 645 Nm, a 113.4-kWh battery and a claimed 726 km range. Its 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time is far ahead of the X3’s 8.5 seconds, while 400-kW DC charging and 22-kW AC charging suit owners with dependable charging access. The locally assembled RM325,800 X3 is the more practical petrol-led choice: it has a 570-litre boot and lower RM439 annual road tax, versus 520 litres and RM765 for the iX3. But it gives up equipment and pace.

iX3

Pick the BMW iX3 if you can use home or public charging and want 463 hp, 726 km claimed range and a much richer cabin specification.

X3

Pick the BMW X3 if RM53,000 saved, a 570-litre boot and RM439 annual road tax matter more than EV performance and charging capability.

Key differences

  • Price: BMW iX3 RM378,800; BMW X3 RM325,800.
  • Power and torque: BMW iX3 has 463 hp and 645 Nm from two motors; BMW X3 has 188 hp and 310 Nm from its 1,998 cc turbo mild-hybrid powertrain.
  • Performance: BMW iX3 does 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reaches 210 km/h; BMW X3 takes 8.5 seconds and reaches 215 km/h.
  • Energy: BMW iX3 has a 113.4-kWh battery, 726 km claimed range, 22-kW AC and 400-kW DC charging; BMW X3 uses petrol hybrid/REV power and has no battery,…
  • Practicality: BMW iX3 has a 520-litre boot and is 4,782 mm long; BMW X3 has a 570-litre boot and is 4,755 mm long.
  • Road tax: BMW iX3 costs RM765 per year; BMW X3 costs RM439 per year.

iX3

  • 463 hp and 645 Nm with 4.9-second 0-100 km/h acceleration.
  • 113.4-kWh battery, 726 km claimed range and 400-kW DC charging.
  • 22-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control and 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio.
  • Costs RM53,000 more and has RM326 higher annual road tax.
  • 520-litre boot is 50 litres smaller than the X3’s.
  • 210 km/h top speed is 5 km/h below the X3’s.

X3

  • RM325,800 price and RM439 annual road tax.
  • 570-litre boot, 50 litres larger than the iX3’s.
  • CKD Malaysian assembly and an 8-speed Steptronic automatic.
  • 188 hp, 310 Nm and 8.5-second 0-100 km/h are well behind the iX3’s 463 hp, 645 Nm and 4.9 seconds.
  • No EV battery, claimed EV range, AC charging or DC charging capability.
  • Gets 19-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, six speakers and no sunroof, against the iX3’s 22-inch wheels, three-zone system, 13-speaker audio and…
Price & overview
PriceRM378,800RM325,800
Body typeSUVSUV
SegmentCompact ExecutiveCompact Executive
AssemblyCBUCKD
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM765RM439
Powertrain
Engine Tech6th-generation BMW eDrive, 800V architecture16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance
Capacity1,998 cc
Horsepower188 hp
Torque310 Nm
FuelElectricPetrol Hybrid/REV
Number of Motors2
Motor Horsepower463 hp
Motor Torque645 Nm
Battery Capacity113.4 kWh
EV Range726 km
Charging Rate (AC)22 kW
Charging Rate (DC)400 kW
V2L3.7 kW
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticConventional Automatic
Transmission Name8-speed Steptronic
Gears8
Transmission ManufacturerZF
DrivelineAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h4.9 seconds8.5 seconds
Top Speed210 km/h215 km/h
Dimensions
Length4,782 mm4,755 mm
Width1,895 mm1,920 mm
Height1,635 mm1,660 mm
Wheelbase2,897 mm2,865 mm
Weight2,285 kg
Doors55
Seats55
Boot Space520 litres570 litres
Front Tyre255/35R22245/50R19
Rear Tyre275/35R22245/50R19
Spare TyreTyre Repair KitN/A, Tyre Repair Kit
Factory TyresContinental EcoContact 6 Q
Chassis
AssemblyHungary (CBU)Malaysia (CKD)
Front SuspensionDouble WishbonesMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkMulti-link
Front Wheels22" Alloys (9J)19" Y-spoke M Alloys
Rear Wheels22" Alloys (9.5J)19" Y-spoke M Alloys
SteeringRack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Safety
AirbagsDriver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags, Front Centre AirbagDriver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags
ABS/EBD
Stability Control
Alarm
Immobilizer
Airbag Disable Function
Child Safety LockElectronic for Rear DoorsManual for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System
ISOFIXAvailable on Two Outer Rear Passenger SeatsAvailable for 2 Outer Rear Seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYesYes
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionSteering Correction
Collision Warning
Seatbelt ReminderAll SeatsAll Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsLED, with High-beam AssistantLED Projector
TaillampsFull LEDFull LED
LED Daytime Running Lights
Rear Foglamps
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators
Cabin
Front SeatsM Sport Seats, Power Adjustable with Driver MemoryPowered Front Seats
Rear Seats40:20:40 Split-folding40:20:40 Split-folding
Front Air-con3-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Rear Air-conRear VentsSingle-zone Automatic Climate Control
SunroofPanoramic, with Climate Comfort Glazing
Power Sockets1 Wireless Charger, 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear
Interior LightingAmbient LightMap Lights & Ambient Lighting
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Rear
AudioHarman Kardon 13 Speakers (430W); 17.9" Central Display + 43.3" Panoramic Vision, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wireless Charging14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch
Engine StartKeyless (Comfort Access)Keyless Push Button
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Start/Stop
Auto Headlamps
Auto Wipers
Cruise ControlActive Cruise Control with Stop&GoAdaptive Cruise Control
Paddle Shift
Steering Audio Control
Steering Tilt
Steering Telescopic
Boot OperationPowered BootPowered Boot with Contactless Opening
Parking Sensor FrontYes6 Sensors
Parking Sensor RearYes6 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, with 360-degree CameraYes, 360-degree View Monitor
Auto ParkingYes, Parking Assistant Professional with Remote Control ParkingYes
Folding Wing Mirrors
Bluetooth
Navigation
Head-up Display
Hill Start Assist
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Convenience NotesFlexible Fast Charger (Mode 2) included; Drive Recorder and Remote Theft Recorder; Intelligent Personal Assistant
Warranty
Warranty Mileage ManufacturerUnlimitedUnlimited
Warranty Mileage ExtendedUnlimited
Warranty Manufacturer2 years2 years
Warranty Extended3 years
Warranty NotesRM399,800 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.

iX3 vs X3 FAQ

Is the BMW iX3 or BMW X3 better?

The iX3 is better for charging-capable buyers wanting 463 hp, 726 km claimed range and stronger equipment. The X3 is better if the RM53,000 lower entry price, lower RM439 road tax and 570-litre boot take priority.

What is the price difference?

The BMW iX3 costs RM378,800 and the BMW X3 costs RM325,800, so the iX3 is RM53,000 more expensive.

Which BMW has the bigger boot?

The BMW X3 has the bigger boot at 570 litres. The BMW iX3 has 520 litres, a 50-litre shortfall.

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