Verdict
The BMW X3 costs RM325,800 to the Mercedes-Benz EQA’s RM296,888, and the RM28,912 gap brings a larger 570-litre boot, all-wheel drive and a 0-100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds. The EQA counters with 375 Nm from its electric motor, a 66.5-kWh battery and 429 km of claimed range, while annual road tax is RM160 against RM439. For a Malaysian buyer with dependable charging, the EQA is the cheaper electric route; the X3 is the more practical long-distance package.
X3
Pick the BMW X3 if you need the 570-litre boot, all-wheel drive and a 215 km/h top speed.
EQA
Pick the Mercedes-Benz EQA if you have charging access and want 429 km of claimed EV range for RM28,912 less.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; Mercedes-Benz EQA RM296,888.
- Driveline: BMW X3 all-wheel drive; Mercedes-Benz EQA front-wheel drive.
- Performance: BMW X3 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and 215 km/h; Mercedes-Benz EQA 8.9 seconds and 160 km/h.
- Torque: BMW X3 310 Nm; Mercedes-Benz EQA motor produces 375 Nm.
- Boot space: BMW X3 570 litres; Mercedes-Benz EQA 340 litres.
- Annual road tax: BMW X3 RM439; Mercedes-Benz EQA RM160.
X3
- 570-litre boot, 230 litres larger than the EQA’s
- All-wheel drive
- Faster 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time and 215 km/h top speed
- Costs RM28,912 more
- Annual road tax is RM279 higher
- No EV battery, charging capability or stated electric range
EQA
- 66.5-kWh battery with 429 km claimed range
- 375 Nm electric-motor torque
- Heated, memory-equipped front seats and adaptive LED headlamps
- 340-litre boot is 230 litres smaller
- Front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive
- Slower 8.9-second 0-100 km/h time and lower 160 km/h top speed
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800 | RM296,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM160✓ |
| 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 | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 188 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 375 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 66.5 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 429 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11.0 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 100.0 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | Mercedes-Benz |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds✓ | 8.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h✓ | 160 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,463 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,834 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,620 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,729 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,040 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 340 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental EcoContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Light-alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Light-alloy |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Comfort Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver 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 for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Active Brake Assist |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Pre-Safe, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Adaptive LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function, Heated |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| 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, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker | Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with 10.25" Touchscreen, Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 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 Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes, Parallel and Perpendicular |
| 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 | — | MBUX Interior Assistant, Qi Wireless Charger |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8 Years/160,000 km Warranty for Traction 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 & EQA for sale
X3 vs EQA FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz EQA better?
The BMW X3 is better for boot space, all-wheel-drive traction and higher-speed performance. The Mercedes-Benz EQA is better if you can charge regularly, prioritise its 429 km claimed range and want lower annual road tax.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X3 costs RM28,912 more than the Mercedes-Benz EQA.
How quickly can the Mercedes-Benz EQA charge?
The Mercedes-Benz EQA supports AC charging at up to 11 kW and DC charging at up to 100 kW. Its battery capacity is 66.5 kWh and its claimed range is 429 km.