Verdict
Just RM3,000 separates these two AWD petrol-hybrid SUVs, but they answer different family needs. The BMW X3 gives you a useful 570-litre boot, a 2,865-mm wheelbase and a measured 0-100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds in a more compact 4,755-mm body. The GWM Tank 500 is 315 mm longer, seats seven and brings 241 hp and 380 Nm against the X3’s 188 hp and 310 Nm. Yet its quoted 98-litre boot is the trade-off when all three rows are in use. For regular five-up driving and luggage, the BMW is the neater fit; for seven seats and cabin equipment, take the Tank.
Pick the BMW X3 if you need a 570-litre boot, a shorter 4,755-mm body and powered contactless boot opening.
Pick the GWM Tank 500 if you need seven seats, 241 hp and 380 Nm, plus ventilated massage front seats and a panoramic glass roof.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; GWM Tank 500 RM328,800.
- Power and torque: BMW X3 188 hp and 310 Nm; GWM Tank 500 241 hp and 380 Nm.
- Seating and boot space: BMW X3 five seats and 570 litres; GWM Tank 500 seven seats and 98 litres.
- Length and height: BMW X3 4,755 mm and 1,660 mm; GWM Tank 500 5,070 mm and 1,905 mm.
- Wheels and tyres: BMW X3 19-inch wheels with 245/50R19 tyres; GWM Tank 500 20-inch wheels with 265/50R20 tyres.
- Manufacturer warranty: BMW X3 two years unlimited mileage; GWM Tank 500 six years unlimited mileage.
X3
- 570-litre boot with five-seat layout.
- Powered boot with contactless opening and auto parking.
- 315 mm shorter than the Tank 500.
- Five seats versus the Tank 500’s seven.
- 188 hp and 310 Nm trail the Tank 500’s 241 hp and 380 Nm.
- Two-year manufacturer warranty is four years shorter than the Tank 500’s.
Tank 500
- Seven seats and seven three-point seat belts.
- 241 hp, 380 Nm and a nine-speed automatic.
- Ventilated massage front seats, panoramic glass roof and 12-speaker Infinity audio.
- 98-litre boot is 472 litres smaller than the X3’s 570 litres.
- Manual boot operation versus the X3’s powered contactless boot.
- No auto parking, which the X3 has.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800✓ | RM328,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| 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 direct fuel injection, turbocharger and variable valve timing with hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp at 4,400 rpm | 241 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 310 Nm at 1,500 rpm | 380 Nm at 1,700 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 105 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 268 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 1.75 kWh |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | Nine-speed Hydraulic Automatic Transmission |
| Gears | 8 | 9 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 5,070 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,934 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,905 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,850 mm |
| Fuel Tank | — | 75 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 98 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | 265/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | 265/50R20 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | Full-size Spare |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental CrossContact RX |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| 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 | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Two Outer Second Row 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 | Projector LED Headlights |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Massaging Function and Seat Ventilation |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest, 50:50 Split Power 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 Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 4 USB Ports, 1 Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 1 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row |
| Sun Shade | — | Panoramic Glass Shade, Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker | 14.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 12-speaker Infinity 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 |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Manual |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with 360-degree 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 | 6 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/200,000-km High Voltage Battery Warranty |
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 & Tank 500 for sale
X3 vs Tank 500 FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or GWM Tank 500 better?
The BMW X3 is better for a five-seat owner carrying luggage, thanks to its 570-litre boot and shorter body. The GWM Tank 500 is better when seven seats, 241 hp and ventilated massage front seats matter more than boot volume.
What is the price difference?
The GWM Tank 500 costs RM3,000 more than the BMW X3: RM328,800 versus RM325,800.
Which has more cargo space?
The BMW X3 has the larger quoted boot at 570 litres. The GWM Tank 500 has 98 litres, although it adds a third row for seven-seat carrying capacity.
