Verdict
The BMW X3 undercuts the Volvo XC60 by RM3,088, while its 570-litre boot beats the Volvo’s 483 litres by 87 litres. It also has a head-up display and auto parking, handy hardware for daily use. The XC60 hits back with 246 hp and 350 Nm to the X3’s 188 hp and 310 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h time from 8.5 to 6.9 seconds. A panoramic glass roof, Bowers & Wilkins audio and integrated rear child boosters strengthen its family case. The Volvo’s five-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty is three years longer than the BMW’s.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want the lower entry price, a 570-litre boot and head-up display with auto parking.
Pick the Volvo XC60 if you prioritise its 246 hp, 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time, longer warranty and family-focused rear-seat kit.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; Volvo XC60 RM328,888.
- Engine output: BMW X3 188 hp and 310 Nm; Volvo XC60 246 hp and 350 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW X3 8.5 seconds; Volvo XC60 6.9 seconds.
- Boot space: BMW X3 570 litres; Volvo XC60 483 litres.
- Manufacturer warranty: BMW X3 two years unlimited mileage; Volvo XC60 five years unlimited mileage.
- Roof: BMW X3 has no sunroof; Volvo XC60 has a panoramic glass roof.
X3
- RM3,088 lower purchase price
- 570-litre boot is 87 litres larger
- Head-up display and auto parking
- 188 hp and 310 Nm trail the Volvo’s 246 hp and 350 Nm
- 0-100 km/h takes 8.5 seconds versus 6.9 seconds
- Two-year manufacturer warranty is shorter than the Volvo’s five years
XC60
- 246 hp, 350 Nm and a 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time
- Five-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty
- Panoramic glass roof, Bowers & Wilkins audio and integrated rear child boosters
- Costs RM3,088 more
- 483-litre boot is 87 litres smaller
- 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 at 4,400 rpm | 246 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 310 Nm at 1,500 rpm | 350 Nm at 1,500 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 82 mm × 93.2 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 & XC60 for sale
X3 vs XC60 FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Volvo XC60 better?
The Volvo XC60 is the stronger all-round pick for performance, warranty and family equipment. Choose the BMW X3 if its larger 570-litre boot, head-up display and auto parking matter more than outright acceleration.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo XC60 costs RM3,088 more than the BMW X3.
Which has the better warranty?
The Volvo XC60 has the better manufacturer warranty at five years with unlimited mileage, compared with two years and unlimited mileage for the BMW X3.
