Verdict
At RM325,800, the CKD BMW X3 saves RM73,088 and brings all-wheel drive, a 570-litre boot and a 215 km/h top speed. The RM398,888 CBU Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV changes the ownership equation: its 90.6 kWh battery is rated for 596 km, accepts up to 22 kW AC and 170 kW DC charging, and its 288 hp, 565 Nm motor cuts the 0-100 km/h time to 4.9 seconds versus 8.5 seconds. For a Malaysian buyer with dependable charging, the EQE SUV's EV performance and four-year warranty justify serious consideration; the X3 is the lower-cost practical choice.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want to save RM73,088, need all-wheel drive and value its 570-litre boot.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV if you have charging access and want 596 km EV range, 4.9-second acceleration and richer rear-seat comfort.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV RM398,888.
- Power and torque: BMW X3 188 hp and 310 Nm; Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 288 hp and 565 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW X3 8.5 seconds; Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 4.9 seconds.
- Driveline: BMW X3 all-wheel drive; Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV rear-wheel drive.
- Wheelbase and boot space: BMW X3 2,865 mm and 570 litres; Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 3,030 mm and 520 litres.
- Warranty: BMW X3 two years; Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV four years, plus a 10-year/250,000 km battery warranty.
X3
- RM73,088 lower purchase price
- All-wheel drive
- 570-litre boot is 50 litres larger
- 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time is 3.6 seconds slower
- Two-year manufacturer warranty versus four years
- Rear air-con is single-zone rather than dual-zone
EQE SUV
- 596 km EV range from a 90.6 kWh battery
- 288 hp and 565 Nm for 4.9-second acceleration
- Front-seat heating, ventilation and memory settings
- Costs RM73,088 more
- Rear-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive
- 520-litre boot is 50 litres smaller
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800✓ | RM398,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM305✓ |
| 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 | — | 288 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 565 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 90.6 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 596 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 22 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 170 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | 4.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h✓ | 210 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,863 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,940 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,685 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 3,030 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,560 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 520 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | 255/45R20 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | United States (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Multi-link |
| 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) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Comfort Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear 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 for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, PRE-SAFE Brake |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings, Heating & Ventilation |
| 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 | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| 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 Active 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 | 12.8" OLED Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Augmented Reality Navigation; 15-speaker, 710-watt Burmester 3D Surround 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 | Contactless Opening, Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| 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 | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | — | 10-year/250,000 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 & EQE SUV for sale
X3 vs EQE SUV FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV better?
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is better for EV range, charging and acceleration, with 596 km, 170 kW DC charging and a 4.9-second sprint. The BMW X3 suits buyers prioritising a RM73,088 lower price, all-wheel drive and 50 litres more boot space.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV costs RM398,888, which is RM73,088 more than the BMW X3 at RM325,800.
Which has the better warranty and charging capability?
The EQE SUV has a four-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty against the X3's two years, plus a 10-year/250,000 km battery warranty. It supports up to 22 kW AC and 170 kW DC charging; the petrol-hybrid X3 does not require charging.