Research

BMW X3 vs MINI Convertible

BMW X3

BMW X3

20 xDrive M Sport

Verdict

At this money the choice is lifestyle versus usefulness: the BMW X3 costs RM320,800, only RM1,912 more than the RM318,888 MINI Convertible, but it gives five seats, all-wheel drive and a 570-litre boot. The MINI Convertible is the quicker car on paper, with 204 hp and 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds against 188 hp and 8.5 seconds for the X3. For Malaysia, that tiny price gap makes the BMW the easier daily answer unless the roof-down body is the point.

X3

Pick the BMW X3 if you want five seats, all-wheel drive and a 570-litre boot for family use.

Convertible

Pick the MINI Convertible if you want the faster 0-100 km/h time, higher top speed and four-seat open-top body.

Key differences

  • Price: BMW X3 RM320,800; MINI Convertible RM318,888
  • Seats: BMW X3 5; MINI Convertible 4
  • Boot space: BMW X3 570 litres; MINI Convertible 215 litres
  • Performance: BMW X3 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds; MINI Convertible 6.9 seconds
  • Driven wheels: BMW X3 all-wheel drive; MINI Convertible front-wheel drive
  • Size: BMW X3 4,755 mm long; MINI Convertible 3,879 mm long
Price & overview
PriceRM 320,800RM 318,888
Body typeSUVConvertible
SegmentCompact ExecutiveB-Segment
Seats54
AssemblyCKDCBU
Powertrain
FuelPetrol Hybrid/REVPetrol
Engine1,998 cc1,998 cc
Power188 hp204 hp
Torque310 Nm300 Nm
TransmissionConventional AutomaticDual-clutch Automatic (Wet)
Driven wheelsAll Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Performance
0–100 km/h8.5 s6.9 s
Top speed215 km/h237 km/h
Dimensions
Length4,755 mm3,879 mm
Width1,920 mm1,744 mm
Height1,660 mm1,431 mm
Wheelbase2,865 mm2,495 mm
Boot space570 L215 L
Fuel tank44 L
Safety
Airbags66
Auto emergency brakingYesYes
Ownership
Warranty22
Road tax / yearRM 439RM 379

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.

X3

  • Five seats instead of four
  • Much larger 570-litre boot
  • All-wheel drive
  • Slower 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time
  • Lower 215 km/h top speed
  • Higher RM439 annual road tax

Convertible

  • Quicker 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time
  • Higher 237 km/h top speed
  • Lower RM379 annual road tax
  • Only four seats
  • Small 215-litre boot
  • Front-wheel drive only

X3 vs Convertible FAQ

Is the BMW X3 or MINI Convertible better?

The BMW X3 is the better all-rounder for most Malaysian buyers because it has five seats, all-wheel drive and 570 litres of boot space. The MINI Convertible is better if speed and the convertible body matter more than practicality.

What is the price difference?

The BMW X3 is RM1,912 more expensive than the MINI Convertible. That small gap buys a larger SUV body, one extra seat, all-wheel drive and a much bigger boot.

Which is faster, the BMW X3 or MINI Convertible?

The MINI Convertible is faster on paper. It makes 204 hp, does 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and reaches 237 km/h, while the BMW X3 makes 188 hp, takes 8.5 seconds and tops out at 215 km/h.

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