Verdict
The BMW X3 costs RM325,800, RM42,890 less than the Denza Z9 GT, and its RM439 annual road tax is dramatically easier to live with than RM9,140. It is also the more manageable Malaysian daily driver at 4,755 mm long and carries 570 litres of luggage. But the Denza is in another league for straight-line pace: 1,140 hp, 1,210 Nm and 2.7 seconds to 100 km/h versus 188 hp, 310 Nm and 8.5 seconds. Its 122.49-kWh battery also claims 600 km of range.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want the lower purchase price, vastly lower annual road tax and a 570-litre boot in a shorter SUV.
Pick the Denza Z9 GT if you want 1,140 hp EV performance, a claimed 600 km range and far richer rear-seat and cabin equipment.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; Denza Z9 GT RM368,690.
- Annual road tax: BMW X3 RM439; Denza Z9 GT RM9,140.
- Performance: BMW X3 188 hp, 310 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds; Denza Z9 GT 1,140 hp, 1,210 Nm and 2.7 seconds.
- Size: BMW X3 is 4,755 mm long and 1,920 mm wide; Denza Z9 GT is 5,180 mm long and 1,990 mm wide.
- Boot space: BMW X3 570 litres; Denza Z9 GT 495 litres.
- Energy system: BMW X3 has a 1,998 cc petrol mild-hybrid powertrain; Denza Z9 GT has three motors, a 122.49-kWh battery and 600 km claimed range.
X3
- RM42,890 cheaper to buy.
- RM439 annual road tax.
- 570-litre boot and 4,755-mm length.
- 0-100 km/h takes 8.5 seconds versus 2.7 seconds.
- Six-speaker audio versus the Denza's 20-speaker Devialet system.
- No ventilated, memory or massaging front seats.
Z9 GT
- 1,140 hp, 1,210 Nm and 2.7-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 122.49-kWh battery with 600 km claimed range.
- Air suspension, powered rear seats with leg rests and 20-speaker audio.
- RM42,890 higher purchase price.
- RM9,140 annual road tax versus RM439.
- 495-litre boot is 75 litres smaller, while its 5,180-mm body is 425 mm longer.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800✓ | RM368,690 |
| Body type | SUV | Wagon |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439✓ | RM9,140 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | 1,000V architecture (e3 Platform) |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 188 hp | — |
| Torque | 310 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Electric |
| Number of Motors | — | 3 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 1,140 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 1,210 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 122.49 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 600 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 1,500 kW |
| V2L | — | 4 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | 2.7 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h | 240 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 5,180 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,990 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,490 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 3,125 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,895 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 495 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | 225/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | 225/45R20 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental EcoContact 7 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Y-spoke Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Y-spoke Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | DiSus-A Intelligent Dual Chamber Air Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbag |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electric for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Outer Two 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 Projector | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation, Memory and Massaging |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | Powered Rear Seats with Extendable Leg Rests |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Sunroof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 Wireless Charger Front, 1 Wireless Chargers Rear, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights, Ambient Lighting |
| 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 | 17.3" Touchscreen with Google Automotive Services Built-in, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 20-speaker Devialet Sound System, 13.2" Front Passenger Touchscreen |
| 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 |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes, e3 Parking |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | — | All Doors |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Front and Rear Fridges |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 6 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-years/160,000 km Drivetrain and High Voltage 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 X3 & Z9 GT for sale
X3 vs Z9 GT FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Denza Z9 GT better?
The Denza Z9 GT is better for performance, EV range and passenger equipment, with 1,140 hp and a claimed 600 km range. The BMW X3 is the more sensible ownership choice, costing less, using RM439 annual road tax and providing a larger 570-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The Denza Z9 GT costs RM42,890 more than the BMW X3: RM368,690 against RM325,800.
Which is easier to use as a daily car in Malaysia?
The BMW X3 is easier to place in tight car parks at 4,755 mm long and 1,920 mm wide, versus 5,180 mm and 1,990 mm for the Denza Z9 GT. Its annual road tax is also RM8,701 lower.