Verdict
The BMW X3 is the saner buy at RM325,800 against RM404,800 for the BMW X4. The RM79,000 gap buys the X4 a much stronger 249 hp/350 Nm tune, a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time, 21-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon audio and adaptive LED headlamps. But the X3 answers with 570 litres of boot space, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. Same RM439 road tax, very different priorities.
X3
Pick the BMW X3 if you want the lower price, bigger 570-litre boot, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree camera more than outright pace.
X4
Pick the BMW X4 if you want 249 hp, 350 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and the extra kit that comes with the higher price.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; BMW X4 RM404,800
- Output: BMW X3 188 hp/310 Nm; BMW X4 249 hp/350 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: BMW X3 8.5 seconds; BMW X4 6.3 seconds
- Boot space: BMW X3 570 litres; BMW X4 525 litres
- Height: BMW X3 1,660 mm; BMW X4 1,621 mm
- Wheels/tyres: BMW X3 19-inch 245/50R19; BMW X4 21-inch 245/40R21 front and 275/35R21 rear
X3
- RM79,000 cheaper to buy
- Larger 570-litre boot
- Adaptive cruise control and 360-degree camera
- Slower, with 188 hp/310 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds
- No panoramic sunroof or Harman Kardon 16-speaker audio listed
- LED projector headlamps, not adaptive LED with automatic high beam
X4
- Much quicker: 249 hp/350 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds
- Adaptive suspension and 21-inch wheels
- Panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon 16-speaker audio and adaptive LED headlamps
- Costs RM79,000 more
- Smaller 525-litre boot
- Passive cruise control and reverse camera only, versus the X3’s adaptive cruise and 360-degree view monitor
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 325,800✓ | RM 404,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC with Twin-Scroll Turbocharger, Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing and Lift |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 249 hp✓ |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 350 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.2 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | 8 Speed Steptronic Sport Automatic |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | ZF |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | 6.3 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | — | 8.5 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h | 240 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | — | 192 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,751 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,918 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,621 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,864 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,890 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 65 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 525 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | 245/40R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | 275/35R21 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Pirelli P Zero Run-flat |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 21" Style 726 M 2-tone Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 21" Style 726 M 2-tone Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Disc |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Adaptive Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 60 km/h) |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Collision Prevention |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Adaptive LED Projector with Automatic High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function and Bolster Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic, Front Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Boot, 1 Front USB, 1 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting (6 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker | 12.3" Touchscreen BMW Operating System 7.0 with iDrive Touch Controller, Voice Control and 16-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System (464 Watts) |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation with Proximity Lock/Unlock |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes, Parallel and Perpendicular |
| 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 | — | Auto-dimming Mirrors |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 439 | RM 439 |
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.
X3 vs X4 FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or BMW X4 better?
The BMW X3 is better for value and practicality. The BMW X4 is better for performance and equipment, with 249 hp, 350 Nm, adaptive suspension, a panoramic sunroof and Harman Kardon audio.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X4 costs RM79,000 more than the BMW X3: RM404,800 versus RM325,800. Road tax is the same at RM439 a year for both.
Which has the bigger boot?
The BMW X3 has the bigger boot at 570 litres. The BMW X4 has 525 litres, so the X3 gives you 45 litres more luggage space.