Verdict
At RM325,800, the BMW X3 is RM104,088 cheaper and brings the larger 570-litre boot, versus 522 litres in the Lexus RZ. The RZ justifies much of its premium with a 308 hp, 435 Nm twin-motor AWD system: 0-100 km/h takes 5.3 seconds, a decisive 3.2 seconds ahead of the X3’s 188 hp, 310 Nm mild-hybrid petrol setup. It also has a 71.4 kWh battery, 440 km EV range and 150 kW DC charging. Choose the BMW for lower entry cost and luggage room; choose the Lexus if EV running and brisk acceleration matter more.
X3
Pick the BMW X3 if you want to save RM104,088, carry more in its 570-litre boot and retain an 8-speed petrol mild-hybrid drivetrain.
RZ
Pick the Lexus RZ if you want 308 hp and 435 Nm from two motors, a 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time and 440 km of electric range.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; Lexus RZ RM429,888.
- Performance: BMW X3 188 hp, 310 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds; Lexus RZ 308 hp, 435 Nm and 5.3 seconds.
- Powertrain: BMW X3 has a 1,998 cc turbo mild-hybrid petrol engine and 8-speed automatic; Lexus RZ has two electric motors and a single-ratio automatic.
- Range and charging: BMW X3 has no EV range or charging rating; Lexus RZ has a 71.4 kWh battery, 440 km range, 11 kW AC and 150 kW DC charging.
- Practicality: BMW X3 has a 570-litre boot and is 4,755 mm long; Lexus RZ has a 522-litre boot and is 4,805 mm long.
- Warranty: BMW X3 has a two-year unlimited-mileage warranty; Lexus RZ has a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty plus an eight-year unlimited-mileage battery…
X3
- RM104,088 lower purchase price.
- 570-litre boot is 48 litres larger.
- 215 km/h top speed, against 160 km/h.
- 0-100 km/h takes 8.5 seconds, versus the RZ’s 5.3 seconds.
- Two-year manufacturer warranty is three years shorter than the RZ’s.
- No EV-only range or AC/DC charging capability.
RZ
- 308 hp and 435 Nm from its dual-motor AWD system.
- 440 km EV range with 150 kW DC charging.
- Five-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty and eight-year unlimited-mileage battery warranty.
- Costs RM104,088 more than the X3.
- 522-litre boot is 48 litres smaller than the X3’s.
- 160 km/h top speed is 55 km/h lower than the X3’s.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800✓ | RM429,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM335✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 188 hp | — |
| Torque | 310 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Electric |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 308 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 435 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 71.4 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 440 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 150 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 | 5.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h✓ | 160 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,805 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,895 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,635 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,850 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,125 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 522 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 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Aluminium in Black and Bright Machined Finish |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Aluminium in Black and Bright Machined Finish |
| 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, Driver's Knee |
| 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 |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Bi-LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam and Sequential Indicators |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED with Sequential Indicators |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | 10-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with Lexus Climate Concierge |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 3 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C 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" EMV Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Wired Android Auto, Wireless Apple CarPlay and 12-speaker Lexus Premium 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 Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation (with Smart Card Key) |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and 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 | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with Surround View Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | 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 | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year, unlimited mileage warranty on EV battery |
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 & RZ for sale
X3 vs RZ FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Lexus RZ better?
The Lexus RZ is better for electric driving, performance and warranty cover, with 308 hp, 440 km range and a five-year warranty. The BMW X3 is the smarter choice for a lower upfront cost and its 570-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus RZ costs RM429,888 and the BMW X3 costs RM325,800, so the RZ carries a RM104,088 premium.
How much faster is the Lexus RZ than the BMW X3?
The Lexus RZ reaches 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the BMW X3 needs 8.5 seconds. The RZ is therefore 3.2 seconds quicker in the 0-100 km/h sprint.