Verdict
The BMW X3 costs RM325,800 to the X4’s RM406,800, so the RM81,000 gap is substantial for a Malaysian buyer. The X3 is the more rational choice: its 570-litre boot is 45 litres larger, it has adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera, while its 188 hp mild-hybrid-assisted 2.0 litre still drives all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic. But the X4 is properly quicker, cutting the 0-100 km/h time from 8.5 to 6.3 seconds, and brings 249 hp, adaptive suspension, 21-inch wheels and more cabin kit.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want to save RM81,000, carry more in its 570-litre boot and have adaptive cruise control plus a 360-degree camera.
Pick the BMW X4 if 249 hp, a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time, adaptive suspension and its longer equipment list justify the extra outlay.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; BMW X4 RM406,800.
- Power and torque: BMW X3 188 hp and 310 Nm; BMW X4 249 hp and 350 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW X3 8.5 seconds; BMW X4 6.3 seconds.
- Boot space: BMW X3 570 litres; BMW X4 525 litres.
- Wheels and tyres: BMW X3 19-inch wheels with 245/50R19 tyres front and rear; BMW X4 21-inch wheels with 245/40R21 front and 275/35R21 rear.
- Height: BMW X3 1,660 mm; BMW X4 1,621 mm.
X3
- RM81,000 less expensive
- 570-litre boot, 45 litres larger
- Adaptive cruise control and 360-degree view monitor
- 188 hp and 310 Nm trail the X4’s 249 hp and 350 Nm
- 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time is 2.2 seconds behind the X4
- No panoramic sunroof or adaptive suspension
X4
- 249 hp, 350 Nm and 6.3-second 0-100 km/h acceleration
- Adaptive suspension and 21-inch M alloy wheels
- Panoramic sunroof, 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio and adaptive LED headlamps
- Costs RM81,000 more
- 525-litre boot is 45 litres smaller
- Passive cruise control and a reverse camera rather than adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree view monitor
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800✓ | RM406,800 |
| 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 injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC with Twin-Scroll Turbocharger, Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing and Lift |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp at 4,400 rpm | 249 hp at 5,200 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 310 Nm at 1,500 rpm | 350 Nm at 1,450 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 82 mm × 94.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.2 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | 8 Speed Steptronic Sport Automatic |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | ZF |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | 6.3 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | — | 8.5 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h | 240 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | — | 192 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,751 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,918 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,621 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,864 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,890 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 65 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 525 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | 245/40R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | 275/35R21 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Pirelli P Zero Run-flat |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 21" Style 726 M 2-tone Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 21" Style 726 M 2-tone Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Adaptive Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags) | 6 (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 | 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 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 60 km/h) |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Collision Prevention |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Adaptive LED Projector with Automatic 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 Driver's Memory Function and Bolster Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic, Front Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Boot, 1 Front USB, 1 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting (6 Colours) |
| 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 | 12.3" Touchscreen BMW Operating System 7.0 with iDrive Touch Controller, Voice Control and 16-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System (464 Watts) |
| 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 with Proximity Lock/Unlock |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes, Parallel and Perpendicular |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Auto-dimming Mirrors |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years | 3 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 & X4 for sale
X3 vs X4 FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or BMW X4 better?
The BMW X3 is the better all-round buy for most buyers, with a larger 570-litre boot, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera and a far lower price. Choose the BMW X4 for its much stronger 249 hp performance and added equipment.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X4 costs RM81,000 more than the BMW X3: RM406,800 versus RM325,800. That extra money brings 61 hp more, a 2.2-second quicker 0-100 km/h time, adaptive suspension, 21-inch wheels and extra cabin equipment.
Which has the bigger boot, the BMW X3 or BMW X4?
The BMW X3 has the bigger boot at 570 litres, compared with 525 litres in the BMW X4. Both have five seats and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.
