Verdict
At RM325,800, the BMW X3 asks RM46,800 more than the RM279,000 Subaru Outback, yet its annual road tax is RM439 against RM878. The X3’s 310 Nm and 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time give it a measurable edge over the Outback’s 245 Nm and 9.6 seconds, while its 570-litre boot also beats 522 litres. It is 115 mm shorter but has a 120-mm longer wheelbase. The Outback counters with five-year/100,000-km warranty cover, a sunroof and 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio; BMW standard warranty is two years with unlimited mileage.
Pick the BMW X3 if quicker 8.5-second acceleration, 310 Nm, a 570-litre boot and 360-degree parking hardware matter more than the RM46,800 saving.
Pick the Subaru Outback if you want the lower purchase price, five-year/100,000-km warranty, sunroof and 11-speaker Harman Kardon system.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; Subaru Outback RM279,000.
- Road tax per year: BMW X3 RM439; Subaru Outback RM878.
- Torque and 0-100 km/h: BMW X3 310 Nm and 8.5 seconds; Subaru Outback 245 Nm and 9.6 seconds.
- Boot space: BMW X3 570 litres; Subaru Outback 522 litres.
- Warranty: BMW X3 two years unlimited mileage; Subaru Outback five years/100,000 km.
- Audio and sunroof: BMW X3 six speakers and no sunroof; Subaru Outback 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio and tilt-and-slide sunroof.
X3
- 310 Nm and 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 570-litre boot, 48 litres larger than the Outback’s.
- Head-up display, navigation, auto parking and six front parking sensors.
- Costs RM46,800 more.
- Standard warranty lasts two years versus the Outback’s five years.
- No sunroof; audio has six speakers versus the Outback’s 11-speaker Harman Kardon system.
Outback
- RM46,800 lower purchase price and five-year/100,000-km warranty.
- Tilt-and-slide sunroof and 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio.
- Front foglamps and a space-saver spare tyre.
- Annual road tax is RM878, double the X3’s RM439.
- 245 Nm and 9.6-second 0-100 km/h performance trail the X3’s 310 Nm and 8.5 seconds.
- 522-litre boot is 48 litres smaller, with no front parking sensors or auto parking.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800 | RM279,000✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Wagon |
| Segment | Compact Executive | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439✓ | RM878 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | Direct Fuel Injection, Horizontally Opposed, 4-Cylinder, DOHC 16-Valve, Boxer Engine |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp✓ | 185 hp |
| Torque | 310 Nm✓ | 245 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 12 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | Lineartronic CVT |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | Subaru |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds✓ | 9.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h✓ | 206 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,870 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,875 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,682 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,745 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,756 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 63 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 522 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | 225/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | 225.60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Bridgestone Alenza H/L33 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| 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, 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 Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | 10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear AC vents |
| Sunroof | — | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 11-speaker 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 Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation and PIN Code Access |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| 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 | — |
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 & Outback for sale
X3 vs Outback FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Subaru Outback better?
The BMW X3 is the stronger choice for performance, cargo space and parking technology, with 310 Nm, an 8.5-second sprint and a 570-litre boot. The Subaru Outback makes more sense if lower upfront cost, longer standard warranty, a sunroof and stronger audio matter most.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X3 costs RM46,800 more than the Subaru Outback. Its annual road tax is RM439, which is RM439 lower than the Outback’s RM878 yearly charge.
Which has the better warranty?
The Subaru Outback has the longer standard warranty at five years or 100,000 km. The BMW X3’s standard cover is two years with unlimited mileage, though a five-year unlimited-mileage extended warranty is available.