Verdict
At RM325,800, the BMW X3 undercuts the Volvo XC60 by RM3,088 and gives Malaysian buyers a 570-litre boot, head-up display and auto parking. The XC60 answers with 246 hp and 350 Nm against 188 hp and 310 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h run from 8.5 to 6.9 seconds. It also brings a panoramic glass roof, Bowers & Wilkins audio and a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty. The BMW is the more practical and better-equipped driving companion; the Volvo is the quicker choice with stronger family-oriented rear-seat provision.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want the lower price, 570-litre boot, head-up display and auto parking.
Pick the Volvo XC60 if you want 246 hp, a 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time, panoramic roof and five-year warranty.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; Volvo XC60 RM328,888.
- Performance: BMW X3 has 188 hp, 310 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds; Volvo XC60 has 246 hp, 350 Nm and does it in 6.9 seconds.
- Boot space: BMW X3 570 litres; Volvo XC60 483 litres.
- Top speed: BMW X3 215 km/h; Volvo XC60 180 km/h.
- Warranty: BMW X3 gets two years unlimited mileage plus five-year extended coverage; Volvo XC60 gets five years unlimited mileage.
- Rear child provision: BMW X3 has ISOFIX on two outer seats; Volvo XC60 adds integrated two-stage booster cushions on those outer seats.
X3
- RM3,088 cheaper with a 570-litre boot.
- Head-up display, auto parking and paddle shifts.
- 215 km/h top speed.
- 188 hp and 310 Nm trail the XC60's 246 hp and 350 Nm.
- 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time is 1.6 seconds slower.
- Two-year manufacturer warranty is shorter than the XC60's five years.
XC60
- 246 hp, 350 Nm and a 6.9-second 0-100 km/h sprint.
- Panoramic glass roof with powered sunshade and Bowers & Wilkins audio.
- Five-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty.
- Costs RM3,088 more.
- 483-litre boot is 87 litres smaller than the X3's.
- No head-up display or auto parking.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800✓ | RM328,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM428✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with MHEV Assistance |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 246 hp✓ |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 350 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | — | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.8 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 13 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 30 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | 8-Speed Geartronic |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | 6.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,708 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,902 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,655 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,450 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 71 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 483 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | — |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | — |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| 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 | Electric for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, with Integrated Boosters |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split Folding with integrated 2-stage booster child seat cushions for the outer seats |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 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 | — | Powered Sunshade for Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker | 11.2" Central Display with Android Automotive OS, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity Audio 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 Knob Twist |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Steering Assist |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with 360 Surround View Camera |
| Auto Parking | 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 | 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 & XC60 for sale
X3 vs XC60 FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Volvo XC60 better?
The BMW X3 is better for boot space and driver aids, with 570 litres, a head-up display and auto parking. The Volvo XC60 is better for outright performance and warranty cover, producing 246 hp and reaching 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds with five years unlimited mileage.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo XC60 costs RM3,088 more than the BMW X3: RM328,888 versus RM325,800.
Which has the larger boot, BMW X3 or Volvo XC60?
The BMW X3 has the larger boot at 570 litres, compared with 483 litres in the Volvo XC60. That is an 87-litre advantage for the BMW.