Verdict
Just RM3,000 separates these two, but they answer very different Malaysian family needs. The BMW X3 is 315 mm shorter and carries a far more useful 570-litre boot, while its 2,865-mm wheelbase is 15 mm longer. Its 188 hp and 310 Nm 2.0-litre mild-hybrid petrol also has a quoted 0-100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds. The seven-seat Tank 500 counters with 241 hp and 380 Nm from its petrol engine, plus a 105 hp/268 Nm motor, ventilated massage front seats and a panoramic roof. Choose carefully: the Tank’s boot is only 98 litres.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want the easier-to-place 4,755-mm SUV with a 570-litre boot, powered hands-free tailgate and auto parking.
Pick the GWM Tank 500 if you need seven seats, stronger 241 hp/380 Nm petrol output and richer cabin kit for RM3,000 more.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; GWM Tank 500 RM328,800.
- Power and torque: BMW X3 188 hp and 310 Nm; GWM Tank 500 241 hp and 380 Nm, plus a 105 hp/268 Nm motor.
- Size: BMW X3 is 4,755 mm long and 1,660 mm tall; GWM Tank 500 is 5,070 mm long and 1,905 mm tall.
- Seating and boot: BMW X3 has five seats and 570 litres; GWM Tank 500 has seven seats and 98 litres.
- Wheels: BMW X3 uses 245/50R19 tyres on 19-inch alloys; GWM Tank 500 uses 265/50R20 tyres on 20-inch alloys.
- Warranty: BMW X3 gets two years unlimited mileage plus a three-year extended warranty; GWM Tank 500 gets six years unlimited mileage and an…
X3
- 570-litre boot is 472 litres larger
- 315 mm shorter body is easier to manage
- Powered hands-free boot and auto parking
- Only five seats versus the Tank 500's seven
- Less engine output: 188 hp/310 Nm versus 241 hp/380 Nm
- No panoramic roof or ventilated massage front seats
Tank 500
- Seven seats and seven three-point seat belts
- 241 hp/380 Nm petrol engine plus 105 hp/268 Nm motor
- Ventilated massage front seats, panoramic roof and 12-speaker Infinity audio
- 98-litre boot is far smaller than the X3's 570 litres
- 315 mm longer and 245 mm taller than the X3
- Manual boot where the X3 has powered contactless opening and auto parking
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800✓ | RM328,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger and variable valve timing with hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 241 hp✓ |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 380 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 105 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 268 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 1.75 kWh |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | Nine-speed Hydraulic Automatic Transmission |
| Gears | 8 | 9 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 5,070 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,934 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,905 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,850 mm |
| Fuel Tank | — | 75 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 98 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | 265/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | 265/50R20 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | Full-size Spare |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental CrossContact RX |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| 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 | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Two Outer Second Row 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 | Projector LED Headlights |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Massaging Function and Seat Ventilation |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest, 50:50 Split Power 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 Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 4 USB Ports, 1 Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 1 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row |
| Sun Shade | — | Panoramic Glass Shade, Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker | 14.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 12-speaker Infinity Sound System |
| 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 | Manual |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto 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 |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 6 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/200,000-km 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 & Tank 500 for sale
X3 vs Tank 500 FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or GWM Tank 500 better?
The X3 is better for five occupants who need a proper 570-litre boot and a shorter 4,755-mm body. The Tank 500 is the better fit for seven-seat use and more cabin equipment, but its boot is only 98 litres.
What is the price difference?
The GWM Tank 500 costs RM328,800, which is RM3,000 more than the BMW X3 at RM325,800. Both have annual road tax of RM439.
Which has the longer warranty?
The Tank 500 has the longer manufacturer warranty at six years with unlimited mileage, versus two years unlimited mileage for the X3. It also has an eight-year/200,000-km high-voltage battery warranty; the X3 has a three-year extended warranty.