Verdict
The BMW X3 costs RM70,088 less at RM325,800, yet brings 310 Nm, a 570-litre boot and a notably longer 2,865 mm wheelbase. Its 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time trails the Lexus NX’s 7.7 seconds, however. The NX justifies part of its RM395,888 ask with a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, ventilated memory front seats and 10 speakers, while its 55-litre tank carries RM830 annual road tax versus RM439 for the BMW. For Malaysian buyers prioritising space, torque and lower ownership entry costs, the X3 is the sharper buy; the NX suits those who value its equipment and warranty cover.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want RM70,088 in hand, 310 Nm, a 570-litre boot and a 2,865 mm wheelbase.
Pick the Lexus NX if a 7.7-second 0-100 km/h time, five-year unlimited-mileage warranty and ventilated memory front seats matter more than price.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; Lexus NX RM395,888.
- Performance: BMW X3 makes 310 Nm and reaches 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds; Lexus NX makes 221 Nm and does it in 7.7 seconds.
- Space: BMW X3 has a 2,865 mm wheelbase and 570-litre boot; Lexus NX has a 2,690 mm wheelbase and 520-litre boot.
- Warranty: BMW X3 gets two years unlimited mileage; Lexus NX gets five years unlimited mileage.
- Road tax: BMW X3 is RM439 per year; Lexus NX is RM830 per year.
- Wheels: BMW X3 uses 19-inch alloys with 245/50R19 tyres; Lexus NX uses 20-inch alloys with 235/50R20 tyres.
X3
- RM70,088 lower purchase price
- 310 Nm torque and 570-litre boot
- Auto parking, six front and six rear parking sensors
- Two-year warranty versus the NX's five years
- No ventilated front seats or driver memory function
- No front knee airbag, rear cross traffic alert or TPMS listed
NX
- Quicker 7.7-second 0-100 km/h time
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty
- Ventilated front seats with driver memory and 10 speakers
- Costs RM70,088 more
- Higher RM830 annual road tax
- 520-litre boot and 2,690 mm wheelbase are smaller than the X3's
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800✓ | RM395,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439✓ | RM830 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing and hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,487 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp✓ | 184 hp |
| Torque | 310 Nm✓ | 221 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | — | 87.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 14 |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 133 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 208 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | 8-Speed Direct Shift |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | 7.7 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h✓ | 200 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,690 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,765 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 55 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 520 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | 235/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | 235/50R20 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Bridgestone Alenza 001 Run-flats |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish 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 Knee, 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 on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), TPMS |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | 3 LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function, Ventilated |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System with Lexus Climate Concierge |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker | 14" Lexus Premium Audio Touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 10 Speakers |
| 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 Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with Panoramic View 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 |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger, Smart Card Key |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | — |
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 & NX for sale
X3 vs NX FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Lexus NX better?
The BMW X3 is the better buy for space, torque and lower cost, with a 570-litre boot, 310 Nm and RM70,088 saved. Choose the Lexus NX if its quicker 7.7-second sprint, five-year warranty and ventilated memory seats take priority.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus NX costs RM70,088 more than the BMW X3: RM395,888 against RM325,800.
Which has the better warranty and running tax?
The Lexus NX has the longer five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, versus two years for the BMW X3. The X3 has lower annual road tax at RM439, while the NX is RM830 per year.