BMW X3 vs Tesla Model Y
Verdict
Put bluntly, the Tesla Model Y gives the bigger numbers for less money: RM195,450 plays RM320,800, a RM125,350 saving, yet it is quicker to 100 km/h at 5.9 seconds against the BMW X3’s 8.5 and has a far larger 854-litre boot versus 570 litres. The X3 answers with all-wheel drive, a 1,998 cc petrol hybrid drivetrain rated at 188 hp/310 Nm and a higher 215 km/h top speed. For a Malaysian buyer, this is electric pace and space against petrol-hybrid AWD traction.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want all-wheel drive, a 1,998 cc petrol hybrid powertrain and the higher 215 km/h top speed.
Pick the Tesla Model Y if you want the lower RM195,450 price, 466 km EV range, 5.9-second sprint and 854-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM320,800; Tesla Model Y RM195,450
- Drivetrain: BMW X3 1,998 cc petrol hybrid AWD; Tesla Model Y single-motor electric RWD
- 0–100 km/h: BMW X3 8.5 s; Tesla Model Y 5.9 s
- Size: BMW X3 4,755/1,920/1,660 mm; Tesla Model Y 4,790/2,129/1,624 mm
- Boot space: BMW X3 570 L; Tesla Model Y 854 L
- Warranty and road tax: BMW X3 2 years/RM439; Tesla Model Y 4 years/RM305
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 320,800 | RM 195,450✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Electric |
| Engine | 1,998 cc | Single motor |
| Power | 188 hp | — |
| Torque | 310 Nm | — |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 8.5 s | 5.9 s✓ |
| Top speed | 215 km/h✓ | 201 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| EV range | — | 466 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,790 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 2,129 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,624 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,891 mm |
| Boot space | 570 L | 854 L✓ |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 7✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 4✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 439 | RM 305✓ |
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
- All-wheel drive is standard
- 1,998 cc petrol hybrid has 188 hp and 310 Nm
- Higher 215 km/h top speed
- RM320,800 price is steep beside the Tesla
- 8.5-second 0–100 km/h is much slower
- 570-litre boot is smaller
Model Y
- Costs RM125,350 less than the BMW
- Quicker 5.9-second 0–100 km/h time
- 854-litre boot and 466 km EV range
- Rear-wheel drive only; BMW gets all-wheel drive
- 201 km/h top speed is lower
- 2,129 mm width needs more care in tight parking
X3 vs Model Y FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Tesla Model Y better?
The Tesla Model Y is the stronger all-round buy on the numbers: it costs RM125,350 less, is 2.6 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and has 284 litres more boot space. Choose the BMW X3 if AWD and petrol-hybrid running matter more.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X3 is RM320,800 and the Tesla Model Y is RM195,450, so the BMW costs RM125,350 more.
Which has more luggage space?
The Tesla Model Y has the bigger boot at 854 litres versus 570 litres in the BMW X3. It is also longer and has a longer wheelbase, though the BMW is taller.