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.
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.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | 3 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 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.