Verdict
These are radically different RM320k propositions. The BMW X3 costs RM6,912 more, but its 570-litre boot, five seats and 2,865 mm wheelbase suit family duties far better than the MINI’s 215 litres, four seats and 2,495 mm. It also brings all-wheel drive, rear climate control and lane-keeping steering correction. The MINI Convertible counters with 204 hp and a 6.9-second sprint, beating 188 hp and 8.5 seconds. One is a sizeable five-door SUV; the other is a 3,879 mm two-door convertible.
Pick the BMW X3 if you need five seats, a 570-litre boot and all-wheel drive for regular family use.
Pick the MINI Convertible if you want the open-top body style and quicker 6.9-second 0-100 km/h performance.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; MINI Convertible RM318,888.
- Performance: BMW X3 188 hp, 310 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds; MINI Convertible 204 hp, 300 Nm and 6.9 seconds.
- Driveline: BMW X3 all-wheel drive; MINI Convertible front-wheel drive.
- Practicality: BMW X3 has five seats and a 570-litre boot; MINI Convertible has four seats and a 215-litre boot.
- Dimensions: BMW X3 is 4,755 mm long with a 2,865 mm wheelbase; MINI Convertible is 3,879 mm long with a 2,495 mm wheelbase.
- Driver assistance: BMW X3 lane keeping provides steering correction; MINI Convertible gives a warning only.
X3
- 570-litre boot and five-seat cabin.
- All-wheel drive and 310 Nm of torque.
- Powered front seats, rear air-con and lane-keeping steering correction.
- RM6,912 pricier than the MINI Convertible.
- Slower 0-100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds versus 6.9 seconds.
- Lower 215 km/h top speed versus 237 km/h.
Convertible
- Quicker 6.9-second 0-100 km/h run with 204 hp.
- Convertible body in a much shorter 3,879 mm package.
- Harman Kardon sound system and 9.4-inch OLED display.
- Only four seats and a 215-litre boot, against the X3’s five seats and 570 litres.
- Front-wheel drive where the X3 has all-wheel drive.
- Manual front-seat adjustment and no rear air-con.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800 | RM318,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Convertible |
| Segment | Compact Executive | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM379✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | 16 valve, DOHC, variable intake and exhaust cam timing, variable intake valve lift, twin-scroll turbo |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 204 hp✓ |
| Torque | 310 Nm✓ | 300 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | 7-speed Steptronic Transmission |
| Gears | 8 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | 6.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h | 237 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 3,879 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,744 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,431 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,495 mm |
| Fuel Tank | — | 44 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 2 |
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 215 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | 215/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | 215/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | United Kingdom (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 18" Night Flash Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 18" Night Flash Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Front Passenger and Outer Two Rear Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | 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 | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 50:50 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker | 9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon 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 Flip Switch |
| 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 | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with 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 | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years✓ | 2 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years |
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 & Convertible for sale
X3 vs Convertible FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or MINI Convertible better?
The BMW X3 is better for carrying people and luggage, with five seats, a 570-litre boot and all-wheel drive. The MINI Convertible is the better choice for open-top motoring and outright pace, reaching 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X3 costs RM325,800 and the MINI Convertible costs RM318,888, so the X3 is RM6,912 more expensive.
Which has the larger boot?
The BMW X3 has the much larger boot at 570 litres. The MINI Convertible provides 215 litres, a 355-litre deficit that matters for airport runs, prams or family luggage.