Verdict
At RM325,800, the 188 hp BMW X3 is the rational buy if you do not need serious pace: it still carries adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera and the same six-airbag safety count. The RM33,000 gap to the RM358,800 X3 buys 67 hp and 90 Nm more, cutting the 0-100 km/h time from 8.5 to 6.3 seconds. It also adds adaptive high beam, ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass roof and Harman Kardon audio. Those are meaningful daily-use extras, not merely a wheel upgrade.
Pick the BMW X3 if RM33,000 saved matters more than a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time and luxury cabin additions.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want 255 hp, 400 Nm, ventilated seats and the panoramic glass roof.
Key differences
- Price: RM325,800 versus RM358,800.
- Power: 188 hp at 4,400 rpm versus 255 hp.
- Torque: 310 Nm at 1,500 rpm versus 400 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: 8.5 seconds versus 6.3 seconds.
- Wheels and tyres: 19-inch alloys with 245/50R19 tyres versus 20-inch alloys with 255/45R20 tyres.
- Audio: six speakers versus an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
20 xDrive M Sport
- RM33,000 lower purchase price.
- 19-inch Y-spoke M alloy wheels with 245/50R19 tyres.
- Gets adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree view monitor.
- 188 hp and 310 Nm trail the other X3’s 255 hp and 400 Nm.
- 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time is 2.2 seconds slower.
- Lacks adaptive high beam, ventilated front seats, panoramic glass roof and Harman Kardon audio.
30 xDrive M Sport
- 255 hp and 400 Nm, with a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
- LED projector headlamps with adaptive high beam.
- Ventilated powered front seats, panoramic glass roof and 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio.
- Costs RM33,000 more.
- 20-inch wheels use larger 255/45R20 tyres rather than 245/50R19 tyres.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800✓ | RM358,800 |
| 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 direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp at 4,400 rpm | 255 hp✓ |
| Torque | 310 Nm at 1,500 rpm | 400 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | 8-speed Steptronic |
| 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✓ |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h | 240 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,755 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres | 570 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | 255/45R20 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| 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 | 20" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags) | 6 (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 for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear 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 | LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation |
| 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 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 & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 11 Speaker Harman Kardon 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | Yes | 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 | 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 cars for sale
20 xDrive M Sport vs 30 xDrive M Sport FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or BMW X3 better?
The RM358,800 BMW X3 is better for performance and cabin equipment, with 255 hp, 400 Nm, ventilated seats and adaptive high beam. The RM325,800 BMW X3 is the better value choice because it retains adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera and the same six airbags.
What is the price difference?
The difference is RM33,000. The extra money brings 67 hp, 90 Nm and a 2.2-second quicker 0-100 km/h time, plus a panoramic glass roof, ventilated front seats, adaptive high beam and Harman Kardon audio.
What extra equipment does the pricier BMW X3 get?
It adds LED projector headlamps with adaptive high beam, ventilated powered front seats, a panoramic glass roof, 20-inch wheels and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Parking assistance, adaptive cruise control and the 360-degree camera are retained on both.
