BMW X3: Same price, other options

The BMW X3 is one of the top-selling premium compact crossover SUVs available on the market. Whether it is technology, comfort, practicality, safety, or performance, the X3 delivers everything you need. BMW Malaysia offers the SUV in three versions - sDrive20i xLine, xDrive30i Luxury, and xDrive30i M Sport priced at RM 270,934, RM 288,494 and RM 308,423, respectively. In today’s story, we will spotlight the options, which you can buy in the BMW X3 price band. But before diving into that, let’s know the luxury Bimmer a little better.

In terms of exterior design, the SUV looks very elegant with stunning elements like a signature kidney-shaped chrome grille, LED headlamps with cornering lights, sporty bumpers, variant-specific body detailings, and 19-inch light-alloy wheels. The M Sport features several M-specific bits like BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line, M Aerodynamics package, and 20-inch wheels.

The interior of the BMW X3 is a place where elegance meets sportiness. It comes with classy finishings, Vernasca leather upholstery, a sports leather steering wheel, front sport seats, and Galvanic embellisher for controls. Added in the tech goodies are a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 10.25-inch infotainment system with navigation, and digital assistant, 12-speaker HiFi sound system, three-zone climate control system, comfort Access powered tailgate, ambient lighting, automatic anti-dazzle mirrors, and more.

On the mechanical front, there are two engines on offer. First, is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine churning out 184 hp of maximum power and 300 Nm of peak torque. Another mill is a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbo mill making 252 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The former is mated to an 8-Speed Steptronic gearbox while the latter comes with 8-speed Steptronic Sport with gearshift paddles. Performance numbers included a century sprint of 8.2 seconds/6.3 seconds and a top speed of 215 kmph/240 kmph.

Now, moving on to the price alternatives of the BMW X3 -

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon

Being an epitome of comfort and luxury, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon is available in Malaysia in a single C300 AMG Line trim, priced at RM 291,800. It takes energy from a 2.0-litre 4-cyl twin-scroll turbocharged gasoline mill generating 258 hp and a peak torque of 400 Nm. The power is sent to the wheels via a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. In terms of performance, the car takes 5.9 seconds to reach 100 kmph before attaining a top speed of 250 kmph.

The Mercedes C300 AMG Line standard kit comprises adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assist, 19-inch five twin-spoke AMG wheels, AMG sports steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, black ash wood finishing, AMG-specific trimmings, 12.3-inch All-Digital display, 10.25-inch infotainment unit, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, THERMOTRONIC luxurious automatic climate control, Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers, panoramic sunroof and several advanced driver-assistance systems.

MINI Convertible

Next option on the list is the MINI Convertible. If you love small and convertible cars, this can be your first and last choice. Priced at RM 278,688, this cute hatch is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine kicking out a  maximum power of 192 hp and a peak torque of 280 Nm. The engine is coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch sports transmission. This setup enables the car to run from zero to 100 kmph in 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 230 kmph.

The car is equipped with a unique soft top that takes 18 seconds to open/close fully even it is running at a speed of 30 kmph. It also has a sunroof mode in which the roof slides back to 40 cm. Included in the standard kit are LED headlights, LED tail lights with Union Jack motif, 17-inch wheels, 5.0-inch colour digital instrument cluster, Nappa Leather Steering Wheel, 8.8-inch unit with Navigation, Concierge Services and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, MINI Connected suite of intelligent functions, and more.

Lexus UX

Another premium car that you can buy in the BMW X3 price range is the Lexus UX. It comes in three variants, the base Urban is priced at RM 236,443, the mid-spec Luxury retails for RM 274,998 and the range-topping F-Sport comes at RM 290,335. All trims are powered by the same 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT that generates a maximum power of 169 hp and a peak torque of 151 Nm. This luxury compact SUV takes 9.2 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 kmph. Its top speed is rated at 190 kmph.

The equipment list of full bells & whistles variant includes all-LED lights, leather seats, a 10.3-inch display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, an 8.0-inch LCD cluster, navigation system, wireless charger, heated seats, Lexus Premium Audio with 8 speakers, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, and advanced driver-assistance systems. 

So, these were some of the premium cars you can look at in the price range of the BMW X3.

Also read: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: Detailed in pics