Car Buyer's Guide

BMW iX3 vs Volvo XC60

BMW iX3

BMW iX3

50 xDrive M Sport Pro

Volvo XC60

Volvo XC60

Verdict

The RM49,912 dearer BMW iX3 is the faster, longer-legged choice: its two motors produce 463 hp and 645 Nm, reaching 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the 113.4-kWh battery claims 726 km and accepts up to 400 kW DC charging. It also brings 520 litres of boot space, a head-up display and remote-control parking. The Volvo XC60 costs RM328,888, has lower RM428 annual road tax and a five-year warranty, but its 246-hp petrol MHEV takes 6.9 seconds to 100 km/h and carries 483 litres behind the rear seats.

iX3

Pick the BMW iX3 if you can charge an EV and want 726 km claimed range, 4.9-second performance and the larger 520-litre boot.

XC60

Pick the Volvo XC60 if you want to spend RM49,912 less, pay RM337 less annual road tax and get a five-year warranty.

Key differences

  • Price: BMW iX3 RM378,800; Volvo XC60 RM328,888
  • Powertrain: BMW iX3 has two motors with 463 hp and 645 Nm; Volvo XC60 has a 246-hp, 350-Nm 1,969-cc petrol MHEV engine
  • 0-100 km/h: BMW iX3 4.9 seconds; Volvo XC60 6.9 seconds
  • Range/fuel storage: BMW iX3 726 km claimed EV range from a 113.4-kWh battery; Volvo XC60 71-litre fuel tank
  • DC charging: BMW iX3 400 kW; Volvo XC60 no charging rate
  • Boot space: BMW iX3 520 litres; Volvo XC60 483 litres

iX3

  • 726 km claimed EV range and 400 kW DC charging
  • 463 hp, 645 Nm and 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time
  • 520-litre boot, head-up display and remote-control parking
  • Costs RM49,912 more
  • Annual road tax is RM765 versus RM428
  • Two-year warranty versus five years

XC60

  • RM49,912 lower purchase price
  • RM428 annual road tax and five-year warranty
  • Integrated two-stage booster cushions on the outer rear seats and powered panoramic-roof sunshade
  • 246 hp and 350 Nm versus 463 hp and 645 Nm
  • 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time versus 4.9 seconds
  • 483-litre boot versus 520 litres; no head-up display or auto-parking system
Price & overview
PriceRM378,800RM328,888
Body typeSUVSUV
SegmentCompact ExecutiveCompact Executive
AssemblyCBUCKD
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM765RM428
Powertrain
Engine Tech6th-generation BMW eDrive, 800V architecture16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with MHEV Assistance
Capacity1,969 cc
Horsepower246 hp
Torque350 Nm
FuelElectricPetrol Hybrid/REV
Bore82 mm
Compression Ratio10.8
Number of Motors21
Motor Horsepower463 hp13 hp
Motor Torque645 Nm30 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 Geartronic
Gears8
DrivelineAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h4.9 seconds6.9 seconds
Top Speed210 km/h180 km/h
Dimensions
Length4,782 mm4,708 mm
Width1,895 mm1,902 mm
Height1,635 mm1,655 mm
Wheelbase2,897 mm2,865 mm
Weight2,285 kg2,450 kg
Fuel Tank71 litres
Doors55
Seats55
Boot Space520 litres483 litres
Front Tyre255/35R22
Rear Tyre275/35R22
Spare TyreTyre Repair Kit
Chassis
AssemblyHungary (CBU)Malaysia (CKD)
Front SuspensionDouble WishbonesDouble Wishbones
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkMulti-link
Front Wheels22" Alloys (9J)19" 5-double-spoke Alloys
Rear Wheels22" Alloys (9.5J)19" 5-double-spoke Alloys
SteeringRack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Safety
AirbagsDriver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags, Front Centre AirbagDriver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain
ABS/EBD
Stability Control
Alarm
Immobilizer
Airbag Disable Function
Child Safety LockElectronic for Rear DoorsElectric for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System
ISOFIXAvailable on Two Outer Rear Passenger SeatsAvailable on 2 Outer Rear Seats, with Integrated Boosters
Autonomous Braking SystemYesYes
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionSteering Correction
Collision Warning
Seatbelt ReminderAll SeatsFor All Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsLED, with High-beam AssistantLED Projector with Auto High Beam
TaillampsFull LEDFull LED
LED Daytime Running Lights
Rear Foglamps
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators
Cabin
Front SeatsM Sport Seats, Power Adjustable with Driver MemoryPower Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function
Rear Seats40:20:40 Split-folding40:20:40 Split Folding with integrated 2-stage booster child seat cushions for the outer seats
Front Air-con3-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Rear Air-conRear VentsRear Vents
SunroofPanoramic, with Climate Comfort GlazingPanoramic Glass Roof
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
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Rear
Sun ShadePowered Sunshade for Panoramic Glass Roof
AudioHarman Kardon 13 Speakers (430W); 17.9" Central Display + 43.3" Panoramic Vision, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wireless Charging11.2" Central Display with Android Automotive OS, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity Audio System
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartKeyless (Comfort Access)Keyless Knob Twist
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Start/Stop
Auto Headlamps
Auto Wipers
Cruise ControlActive Cruise Control with Stop&GoActive Cruise Control with Steering Assist
Steering Audio Control
Steering Tilt
Steering Telescopic
Boot OperationPowered BootPowered Boot, Contactless Opening
Parking Sensor FrontYes6 Sensors
Parking Sensor RearYes6 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, with 360-degree CameraYes, with 360 Surround View Camera
Auto ParkingYes, Parking Assistant Professional with Remote Control Parking
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 Manufacturer2 years5 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 XC60 FAQ

Is the BMW iX3 or Volvo XC60 better?

The BMW iX3 is better for performance, claimed EV range and boot capacity, with 463 hp, 726 km and 520 litres. The Volvo XC60 is the lower-cost ownership choice, at RM49,912 less to buy, with lower road tax and a five-year warranty.

What is the price difference?

The BMW iX3 costs RM378,800 and the Volvo XC60 costs RM328,888, so the BMW is RM49,912 more expensive.

Which one is quicker and more practical?

The BMW iX3 is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds against the Volvo XC60's 6.9 seconds. It also has a 520-litre boot, 37 litres more than the Volvo's 483 litres.

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