Verdict
The BMW iX3 costs RM378,800, undercutting the Mercedes-Benz GLE by RM120,088 while delivering 463 hp, 645 Nm and a 726-km EV range. Its 113.4-kWh battery accepts 400-kW DC charging, making it the more natural choice for drivers who can charge regularly. The GLE answers with a larger 4,924-mm body, 2,995-mm wheelbase, air suspension and a 114-km electric range backed by petrol-hybrid flexibility. For Malaysian long-distance use without planning charging stops, the GLE remains the less demanding option; for performance, boot space and running electrically, take the iX3.
Pick the BMW iX3 if you can charge at home or work and want 726 km of EV range, 4.9-second 0-100 km/h pace and RM120,088 left in your pocket.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLE if you need an 85-litre petrol tank for unplanned long trips, a roomier 2,995-mm-wheelbase cabin and air suspension.
Key differences
- Price: BMW iX3 RM378,800; Mercedes-Benz GLE RM498,888.
- EV range: BMW iX3 726 km; Mercedes-Benz GLE 114 km.
- Performance: BMW iX3 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds; Mercedes-Benz GLE in 6.1 seconds.
- Battery and charging: BMW iX3 113.4 kWh with 22-kW AC and 400-kW DC charging; Mercedes-Benz GLE 31 kWh with 11-kW AC charging.
- Size: BMW iX3 is 4,782 mm long with a 2,897-mm wheelbase; Mercedes-Benz GLE is 4,924 mm long with a 2,995-mm wheelbase.
- Boot space: BMW iX3 520 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLE 490 litres.
iX3
- 726-km EV range from a 113.4-kWh battery.
- 463 hp, 645 Nm and a 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 400-kW DC charging, 3.7-kW V2L and a 520-litre boot.
- Two-year unlimited-mileage warranty versus the GLE's four-year cover.
- No front-seat massage or ventilation functions.
- Smaller 4,782-mm body and 2,897-mm wheelbase than the GLE.
GLE
- Petrol plug-in hybrid system with an 85-litre fuel tank and 114-km EV range.
- Airmatic air suspension with adaptive damping, plus a 2,995-mm wheelbase.
- Powered front seats with massage and ventilation, plus rear window shades.
- RM120,088 more expensive than the iX3.
- Only 114 km of EV range and 11-kW AC charging, versus the iX3's 726 km, 22-kW AC and 400-kW DC capability.
- Slower at 6.1 seconds to 100 km/h and 400 kg heavier than the iX3.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM378,800✓ | RM498,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM765 | RM440✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 6th-generation BMW eDrive, 800V architecture | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with PHEV Assistance |
| Capacity | — | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 248 hp |
| Torque | — | 400 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 463 hp✓ | 154 hp |
| Motor Torque | 645 Nm✓ | 440 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 113.4 kWh✓ | 31 kWh |
| EV Range | 726 km✓ | 114 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW✓ | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 400 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.7 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | — | 9 |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9 seconds✓ | 6.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 210 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,782 mm | 4,924 mm |
| Width | 1,895 mm | 1,947 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,772 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,897 mm | 2,995 mm |
| Weight | 2,285 kg | 2,685 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 85 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres✓ | 490 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/35R22 | 275/45R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 275/35R22 | 315/40R21 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | — | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Hungary (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 22" Alloys (9J) | 21" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 22" Alloys (9.5J) | 21" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Airmatic with Adaptive Damping System (ADS PLUS) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbag | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| 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 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 | LED Reflectors |
| 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 with Massage and Ventilation Functions |
| 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 | Panoramic Sliding Roof |
| 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 and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade & Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | Harman Kardon 13 Speakers (430W); 17.9" Central Display + 43.3" Panoramic Vision, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wireless Charging | 12.3" MBUX Multimedia with Burmester Sound System |
| 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 | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | Yes | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | Yes | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera |
| 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 Manufacturer | 2 years | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | RM399,800 with 5-year extended warranty and service package | 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 iX3 & GLE for sale
iX3 vs GLE FAQ
Is the BMW iX3 or Mercedes-Benz GLE better?
The BMW iX3 is better for buyers able to charge frequently: it is quicker, has 726 km of EV range and a larger boot. The Mercedes-Benz GLE is better for petrol-backed long journeys, a longer wheelbase and air-suspension comfort.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE costs RM120,088 more than the BMW iX3. That gap brings a larger body, Airmatic air suspension, an 85-litre fuel tank and massaging, ventilated front seats, but not the iX3's range or charging speed.
Which one is easier to use for interstate travel?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is easier if you cannot rely on charging, because its petrol plug-in hybrid system has an 85-litre tank. The BMW iX3 suits interstate travel when charging is available, with 726 km of EV range and 400-kW DC charging.