Verdict
The BMW X3 is the more practical and quicker choice: its 570-litre boot is 230 litres larger, it has all-wheel drive, and reaches 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds versus 8.9 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz EQA counters with 375 Nm from its motor, a 66.5-kWh battery rated for 429 km, and 11-kW AC/100-kW DC charging. At RM28,912 less with RM160 annual road tax, the EQA makes strong sense for a Malaysian buyer ready to charge at home or on the road; the X3 suits those who need space and petrol-hybrid flexibility.
Pick the BMW X3 if you need its 570-litre boot, all-wheel drive and 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz EQA if a 429-km EV range, 100-kW DC charging, lower purchase price and RM160 annual road tax matter more than luggage space.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; Mercedes-Benz EQA RM296,888.
- Powertrain torque: BMW X3 310 Nm; Mercedes-Benz EQA motor 375 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW X3 8.5 seconds; Mercedes-Benz EQA 8.9 seconds.
- Driveline: BMW X3 all-wheel drive; Mercedes-Benz EQA front-wheel drive.
- Boot space: BMW X3 570 litres; Mercedes-Benz EQA 340 litres.
- Manufacturer warranty: BMW X3 2 years; Mercedes-Benz EQA 4 years.
X3
- 570-litre boot, 230 litres more than the EQA
- All-wheel drive and a quicker 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time
- 360-degree view monitor and 14.9-inch curved display
- Costs RM28,912 more
- RM439 annual road tax versus RM160
- No 429-km EV range or 11-kW AC/100-kW DC charging
EQA
- 66.5-kWh battery with 429 km of EV range
- 375 Nm motor torque and 100-kW DC charging
- Four-year manufacturer warranty plus eight-year/160,000-km traction-battery warranty
- 340-litre boot is 230 litres smaller
- Front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive
- 8.9-second 0-100 km/h time and 160-km/h top speed trail the X3’s 8.5 seconds and 215 km/h
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800 | RM296,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM160✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | — |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 188 hp | — |
| Torque | 310 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Electric |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 188 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 375 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 66.5 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 429 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11.0 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 100.0 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | Mercedes-Benz |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds✓ | 8.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h✓ | 160 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,463 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,834 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,620 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,729 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,040 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 340 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental EcoContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Light-alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Light-alloy |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Comfort Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, 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, Active Brake Assist |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Pre-Safe, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Adaptive LED Projectors |
| 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, Heated |
| 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 | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker | Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with 10.25" Touchscreen, Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| 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 | Active Cruise Control |
| 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 |
| 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 | — | MBUX Interior Assistant, Qi Wireless Charger |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8 Years/160,000 km Warranty for Traction Battery |
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 & EQA for sale
X3 vs EQA FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz EQA better?
The X3 is better for boot capacity, all-wheel drive and outright performance. The EQA is better for EV driving, with a 429-km rated range, 100-kW DC charging, lower road tax and a longer manufacturer warranty.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz EQA costs RM28,912 less than the BMW X3.
Can the Mercedes-Benz EQA be charged quickly?
Yes. The EQA supports up to 11 kW AC charging and 100 kW DC charging, and its 66.5-kWh battery is rated for 429 km of range. The X3 is a petrol mild hybrid, not a battery-electric vehicle.
