Verdict
This is a classic generational step rather than a rethink: both are CKD compact executive SUVs with 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol power, ZF eight-speed automatics and all-wheel drive. The BMW X3 F25 is RM323,800, the BMW X3 G45 is RM325,800, so the money is effectively level. The G45 gives the Malaysian buyer 310 Nm instead of 270 Nm, a 570-litre boot instead of 550 litres, and far more driver assistance. The F25 fights back with a 12-speaker HiFi system and driver memory.
Pick the BMW X3 F25 if you want the lower-price car and value the 12-speaker HiFi plus driver's memory more than the newer safety kit.
Pick the BMW X3 G45 if you want the newer generation with 310 Nm, 570 litres of boot space, adaptive cruise and autonomous braking.
Key differences
- Output: BMW X3 F25 184 hp/270 Nm; BMW X3 G45 188 hp/310 Nm
- Acceleration/top speed: BMW X3 F25 8.6 sec/210 km/h; BMW X3 G45 8.5 sec/215 km/h
- Size: BMW X3 F25 4,648 x 1,881 x 1,675 mm; BMW X3 G45 4,755 x 1,920 x 1,660 mm
- Wheelbase/boot: BMW X3 F25 2,810 mm/550 litres; BMW X3 G45 2,865 mm/570 litres
- Wheels and tyres: BMW X3 F25 18-inch 245/50R18; BMW X3 G45 19-inch 245/50R19
- Parking view: BMW X3 F25 has no reverse camera; BMW X3 G45 has a 360-degree View Monitor
F25
- RM2,000 lower list price
- 12-speaker HiFi system versus six speakers in the BMW X3 G45
- Driver's memory function for the powered front seat
- Lower torque: 270 Nm versus 310 Nm
- Smaller boot: 550 litres versus 570 litres
- No autonomous braking, blind-spot info, lane-keeping assist or 360-degree camera
G45
- More torque from the mild-hybrid 2.0-litre engine
- Longer wheelbase and larger boot
- Adds adaptive cruise, autonomous braking, blind-spot info and a head-up display
- Costs RM2,000 more
- Six-speaker audio system versus the BMW X3 F25's 12-speaker HiFi
- No front foglamps, while the BMW X3 F25 has them
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM323,800✓ | RM325,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439✓ | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbo with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 1,997 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 188 hp✓ |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 310 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 84 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8 Speed Automatic | 8-speed Steptronic |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | ZF |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.6 seconds | 8.5 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 7.5 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 215 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | 175 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,648 mm | 4,755 mm |
| Width | 1,881 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,675 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,810 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Weight | 1,795 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 67 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 550 litres | 570 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R18 | 245/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R18 | 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 | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" V Spoke Style 307 Alloy | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" V Spoke Style 307 Alloy | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags |
| 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 on two outer rear passenger seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Bi-Xenon Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED light bar with normal bulb brake light | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Powered Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Navigation System with BMW Professional Audio with DVD Drive, 8.8" monitor operated by iDrive, Bluetooth, USB + 12 Speaker HiFi System | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered boot | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 3-year/60,000 km BMW Service + Repair Inclusive, with option for an additional 2-year/40,000 km extension | — |
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.
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F25 vs G45 FAQ
Is the BMW X3 F25 or BMW X3 G45 better?
The BMW X3 G45 is better for most buyers: it has 310 Nm versus 270 Nm, a 570-litre boot versus 550 litres, and adds AEB, blind-spot info, steering correction, adaptive cruise and a 360-degree monitor. The F25 has stronger audio spec.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X3 G45 costs RM2,000 more. Given the extra torque, boot space and safety kit, the gap is small; the BMW X3 F25 counters with its 12-speaker HiFi and driver's memory function.
Which is more practical for family use?
The BMW X3 G45 is the more practical one: its wheelbase is 2,865 mm versus 2,810 mm and its boot is 570 litres versus 550 litres. Both have five seats and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.