Verdict
At RM378,800, the iX3 costs RM53,000 more than the RM325,800 X3, but its two motors deliver 463 hp and 645 Nm for a 4.9-second sprint, against 188 hp, 310 Nm and 8.5 seconds. For a Malaysian buyer able to charge, the 113.4-kWh battery’s 726-km range and 400-kW DC capability are the decisive attractions. The X3 retains a 570-litre boot, 50 litres up, a 215-km/h top speed and RM439 annual road tax; iX3 road tax is RM765. Choose the EV for pace and charging hardware, the X3 for lower entry cost and carrying space.
Pick the BMW iX3 if you can charge regularly and want 463 hp, a claimed 726-km EV range and 400-kW DC charging.
Pick the BMW X3 if RM53,000 less upfront, a 570-litre boot and lower RM439 annual road tax matter more than outright acceleration.
Key differences
- Price: BMW iX3 RM378,800; BMW X3 RM325,800.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW iX3 4.9 seconds; BMW X3 8.5 seconds.
- Output: BMW iX3 463 hp and 645 Nm; BMW X3 188 hp and 310 Nm.
- Top speed: BMW iX3 210 km/h; BMW X3 215 km/h.
- Boot space: BMW iX3 520 litres; BMW X3 570 litres.
- Annual road tax: BMW iX3 RM765; BMW X3 RM439.
iX3
- 463 hp and 645 Nm from two motors
- 726-km EV range with a 113.4-kWh battery
- 400-kW DC charging, 22-kW AC charging and 3.7-kW V2L
- RM53,000 higher purchase price
- 520-litre boot is 50 litres smaller
- RM765 annual road tax is RM326 higher
X3
- RM325,800 price and RM439 annual road tax
- 570-litre boot
- 215-km/h top speed
- 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time trails the iX3 by 3.6 seconds
- 188 hp and 310 Nm are far below the iX3’s 463 hp and 645 Nm
- Six-speaker audio versus the iX3’s 13-speaker Harman Kardon system
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM378,800 | RM325,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM765 | RM439✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 6th-generation BMW eDrive, 800V 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 | 2 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 463 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 645 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 113.4 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 726 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 400 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.7 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 8-speed Steptronic |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | ZF |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9 seconds✓ | 8.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 215 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,782 mm | 4,755 mm |
| Width | 1,895 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,897 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Weight | 2,285 kg | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres | 570 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 255/35R22 | 245/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 275/35R22 | 245/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Hungary (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 22" Alloys (9J) | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 22" Alloys (9.5J) | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbag | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electronic for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger 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 | LED, with High-beam Assistant | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | M Sport Seats, Power Adjustable with Driver Memory | Powered Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | 3-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Panoramic, with Climate Comfort Glazing | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Wireless Charger, 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Ambient Light | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Harman Kardon 13 Speakers (430W); 17.9" Central Display + 43.3" Panoramic Vision, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wireless Charging | 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 (Comfort Access) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | Yes | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | Yes | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | Yes, Parking Assistant Professional with Remote Control Parking | Yes |
| 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 | Flexible Fast Charger (Mode 2) included; Drive Recorder and Remote Theft Recorder; Intelligent Personal Assistant | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | RM399,800 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.
Used iX3 & X3 for sale
iX3 vs X3 FAQ
Is the BMW iX3 or BMW X3 better?
The iX3 is the better choice for buyers with dependable charging access, delivering 463 hp, 645 Nm, 726 km of range and a 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time. The X3 suits buyers prioritising a lower RM325,800 entry price and its larger 570-litre boot.
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.
How do the BMW iX3 and X3 differ in running charges?
The iX3 has RM765 annual road tax, compared with RM439 for the X3, a RM326 yearly difference. The iX3 uses a 113.4-kWh battery and supports 22-kW AC or 400-kW DC charging, while the X3 uses a 1,998-cc petrol mild-hybrid powertrain.