Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the BMW iX3 is the rational pick at RM378,800, undercutting the Lotus Eletre by RM120,200 while delivering a longer 726 km range, 400 kW DC charging and 3.7 kW vehicle-to-load power. Its 4,782 mm length also makes it 321 mm shorter than the Lotus. The Eletre counters with 603 hp, a 4.5-second 0-100 km/h time and a far roomier 688-litre boot, but its 600 km range and RM1,440 annual road tax make it the more expensive proposition to run and buy.
Pick the BMW iX3 if you want 726 km of range, 400 kW DC charging and RM120,200 left in your pocket.
Pick the Lotus Eletre if you want 603 hp, a 688-litre boot and a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Key differences
- Price: BMW iX3 RM378,800; Lotus Eletre RM499,000.
- EV range: BMW iX3 726 km; Lotus Eletre 600 km.
- Motor output: BMW iX3 463 hp and 645 Nm; Lotus Eletre 603 hp and 710 Nm.
- DC charging: BMW iX3 400 kW; Lotus Eletre 350 kW.
- Boot space: BMW iX3 520 litres; Lotus Eletre 688 litres.
- Annual road tax: BMW iX3 RM765; Lotus Eletre RM1,440.
iX3
- RM120,200 cheaper to buy.
- Longer 726 km EV range and faster 400 kW DC charging.
- 3.7 kW V2L, panoramic sunroof and 3-zone climate control.
- 463 hp and 4.9-second 0-100 km/h trail the Eletre's 603 hp and 4.5 seconds.
- 520-litre boot is 168 litres smaller.
- Two-year manufacturer warranty is shorter than the Eletre's five years.
Eletre
- 603 hp, 710 Nm and a 258 km/h top speed.
- 688-litre boot and 3,019 mm wheelbase.
- Five-year manufacturer warranty plus an eight-year/200,000 km battery warranty.
- Costs RM120,200 more than the iX3.
- 600 km range is 126 km shorter, despite its 112 kWh battery.
- RM1,440 annual road tax is RM675 higher.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM378,800✓ | RM499,000 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM765✓ | RM1,440 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 6th-generation BMW eDrive, 800V architecture | 800V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 463 hp | 603 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 645 Nm | 710 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 113.4 kWh✓ | 112 kWh |
| EV Range | 726 km✓ | 600 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW | 22 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 400 kW✓ | 350 kW |
| V2L | 3.7 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9 seconds | 4.5 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 258 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,782 mm | 5,103 mm |
| Width | 1,895 mm | 2,135 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,630 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,897 mm | 3,019 mm |
| Weight | 2,285 kg | 2,490 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres | 688 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 255/35R22 | 255/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 275/35R22 | 285/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | — | Michelin Pilot Sport EV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Hungary (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 22" Alloys (9J) | 20" 5-spoke Aero Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 22" Alloys (9.5J) | 20" 5-spoke Aero Alloy |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbag | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags, Front Center Airbags and Front Knee Airbags |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electronic for Rear Doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on two rear passenger 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 | Projector LED with Dynamic Indicators |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED with Dynamic Indicators |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | M Sport Seats, Power Adjustable with Driver Memory | Power Adjustable 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 | Dual-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 | 2 USB-C front, 2 USB-C rear |
| Interior Lighting | Ambient Light | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| 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 | 15.1" Touchscreen with Lotus Hyper OS, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 15-speaker KEF Reference Audio |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Automatic with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless (Comfort Access) | Keyless Operation (Depress Brake Pedal) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Boot Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | Yes | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | Yes | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, with Surround View |
| Auto Parking | Yes, Parking Assistant Professional with Remote Control Parking | — |
| 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✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | RM399,800 with 5-year extended warranty and service package | 8-year/200,000 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 iX3 & Eletre for sale
iX3 vs Eletre FAQ
Is the BMW iX3 or Lotus Eletre better?
The BMW iX3 is better for price, range and charging, costing RM120,200 less while travelling 126 km farther per charge. Choose the Lotus Eletre only if its stronger 603 hp output, larger 688-litre boot and longer warranty matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Lotus Eletre costs RM499,000 and the BMW iX3 costs RM378,800, a difference of RM120,200.
Which is quicker, the BMW iX3 or Lotus Eletre?
The Lotus Eletre is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds versus 4.9 seconds for the BMW iX3. It also has 603 hp and 710 Nm, against 463 hp and 645 Nm.