Verdict
At RM325,800, the BMW X3 costs RM29,190 more than the RM296,610 Mazda CX-80, yet the choice is not simply about price. The X3’s 310 Nm turbo mild-hybrid drivetrain gives it 49 Nm more torque and a 570-litre boot, but it seats five. The CX-80 brings six seats, a 17.8-kWh battery and 65 km of EV range, although its 258-litre boot is tight with all rows in use. For Malaysian family duty, the Mazda’s RM830 annual road tax and larger 4,995-mm body are trade-offs worth considering.
Pick the BMW X3 if you need the 570-litre boot, 310 Nm of torque and BMW’s unlimited-mileage warranty cover.
Pick the Mazda CX-80 if six seats, 65 km of electric range and a lower RM296,610 entry price matter more than boot capacity.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; Mazda CX-80 RM296,610.
- Powertrain torque: BMW X3 310 Nm; Mazda CX-80 petrol engine 261 Nm.
- Plug-in capability: BMW X3 has no stated battery or EV range; Mazda CX-80 has a 17.8-kWh battery and 65 km EV range.
- Seating and boot space: BMW X3 five seats and 570 litres; Mazda CX-80 six seats and 258 litres.
- Length and wheelbase: BMW X3 4,755 mm and 2,865 mm; Mazda CX-80 4,995 mm and 3,120 mm.
- Annual road tax: BMW X3 RM439; Mazda CX-80 RM830.
X3
- 570-litre boot is 312 litres larger.
- 310 Nm beats the Mazda’s 261 Nm.
- 360-degree camera, head-up display and auto parking.
- Five seats versus the CX-80’s six.
- No stated EV-only range, against the CX-80’s 65 km.
- No panoramic roof or ventilated front seats.
CX-80
- 17.8-kWh plug-in hybrid battery with 65 km EV range.
- Six-seat layout with heated and ventilated middle-row captain seats.
- Panoramic sliding roof and 12-speaker Bose audio.
- 258-litre boot is 312 litres smaller than the X3’s.
- RM830 annual road tax is RM391 higher.
- Five-year/100,000-km warranty mileage is capped, while the X3’s is unlimited.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800 | RM296,610✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | 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 plug-in hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,488 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 189 hp✓ |
| Torque | 310 Nm✓ | 261 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Bore | — | 89 mm |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 172 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 270 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 17.8 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 65 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 7.2 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | — |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| 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 | 4,995 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,890 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,705 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 3,120 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,342 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 70 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 6 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 258 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 | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & 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 | 6 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for second row 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 | LED Projector |
| 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 Heating, Ventilation and Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | Individual Captain Seat Middle Row with Heating & Ventilation, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row |
| 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 Sliding Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Middle, 2 USB-C Third Row |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade, Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker | 12.3" Infotainment Screen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 12-speaker Bose Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up & 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 | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, 360-degree Monitor |
| 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✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | — | 5-year/100,000-km Free Service, 8-year/160,000 km 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 & CX-80 for sale
X3 vs CX-80 FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Mazda CX-80 better?
The Mazda CX-80 is better for six occupants and short EV commuting with its 65 km range. The BMW X3 is better for carrying luggage, with a 570-litre boot versus 258 litres, and has stronger 310 Nm torque.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X3 is RM29,190 more expensive: RM325,800 against RM296,610 for the Mazda CX-80.
Which is more practical for a family?
The CX-80 carries six people in three rows, but the X3 carries far more luggage: 570 litres versus 258 litres. Choose the Mazda for an extra passenger, or the BMW if boot space is the regular priority.