Verdict
The BMW iX3 costs RM378,800, RM129,912 more than the Volvo EC40 at RM248,888, but brings a 113.4-kWh battery, 726 km range and 400 kW DC charging against 70 kWh, 488 km and 200 kW. Its dual motors also cut the 0-100 km/h time to 4.9 seconds versus 7.3 seconds, while the 520-litre boot and 2,897-mm wheelbase suit bigger family duties. The EC40 is the more rational Malaysian buy: CKD assembly, RM220 annual road tax and a five-year vehicle warranty substantially reduce the ownership ask. Choose the iX3 only if its extra range, pace and cabin hardware justify the outlay.
Pick the BMW iX3 if you will use its 726 km range, 400 kW DC charging, 4.9-second acceleration and 520-litre boot enough to justify RM129,912 more.
Pick the Volvo EC40 if RM248,888 pricing, RM220 annual road tax, a five-year warranty and a more compact 4,440-mm body matter more than outright range and performance.
Key differences
- Price: BMW iX3 RM378,800; Volvo EC40 RM248,888.
- Range and battery: BMW iX3 726 km from 113.4 kWh; Volvo EC40 488 km from 70 kWh.
- Charging: BMW iX3 22 kW AC and 400 kW DC; Volvo EC40 11 kW AC and 200 kW DC.
- Performance: BMW iX3 463 hp, 645 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds; Volvo EC40 235 hp, 420 Nm and 7.3 seconds.
- Practicality: BMW iX3 has a 520-litre boot and 2,897-mm wheelbase; Volvo EC40 has 413 litres and 2,702 mm.
- Road tax and warranty: BMW iX3 RM765 yearly and two years; Volvo EC40 RM220 yearly and five years.
iX3
- 726 km electric range and 113.4-kWh battery.
- 463 hp, 645 Nm and 4.9-second 0-100 km/h pace.
- 520-litre boot, 3-zone climate control and 360-degree camera.
- Costs RM129,912 more than the EC40.
- RM765 annual road tax is RM545 higher.
- Two-year vehicle warranty is three years shorter.
EC40
- RM248,888 price and RM220 annual road tax.
- Five-year vehicle warranty plus eight-year/160,000-km battery warranty.
- More compact 4,440-mm length for tighter parking spaces.
- 488 km range trails the iX3 by 238 km.
- 200 kW DC and 11 kW AC charging are half the iX3's rates.
- 413-litre boot is 107 litres smaller than the iX3's.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM378,800 | RM248,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM765 | RM220✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 6th-generation BMW eDrive, 800V architecture | 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 463 hp✓ | 235 hp |
| Motor Torque | 645 Nm✓ | 420 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 113.4 kWh✓ | 70 kWh |
| EV Range | 726 km✓ | 488 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW✓ | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 400 kW✓ | 200 kW |
| V2L | 3.7 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Volvo |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9 seconds✓ | 7.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,782 mm | 4,440 mm |
| Width | 1,895 mm | 1,873 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,582 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,897 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | 2,285 kg | 2,185 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres✓ | 413 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/35R22 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 275/35R22 | 255/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental EcoContact 6 VOL |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Hungary (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 22" Alloys (9J) | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 22" Alloys (9.5J) | 19" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Sports Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbag) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Electronic for Rear Doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger 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 | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED, with High-beam Assistant | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | M Sport Seats, Power Adjustable with Driver Memory | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | 3-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic, with Climate Comfort Glazing | Fixed Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Wireless Charger, 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1x 12V in front, 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear |
| Interior Lighting | Ambient Light | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Harman Kardon 13 Speakers (430W); 17.9" Central Display + 43.3" Panoramic Vision, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wireless Charging | 9" Portrait Android Automotive OS Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless (Comfort Access) | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | Yes | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | Yes | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes, Parking Assistant Professional with Remote Control Parking | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | — | No |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Flexible Fast Charger (Mode 2) included; Drive Recorder and Remote Theft Recorder; Intelligent Personal Assistant | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | RM399,800 with 5-year extended warranty and service package | 8-year/160,000 km 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 iX3 & EC40 for sale
iX3 vs EC40 FAQ
Is the BMW iX3 or Volvo EC40 better?
The BMW iX3 is better for long-distance range, charging capability, acceleration and boot space. The Volvo EC40 is better value for most buyers, costing RM129,912 less while carrying lower road tax and a longer five-year vehicle warranty.
What is the price difference?
The BMW iX3 costs RM378,800 and the Volvo EC40 costs RM248,888, so the BMW is RM129,912 more expensive.
Which EV charges faster, the BMW iX3 or Volvo EC40?
The BMW iX3 charges faster on both AC and DC: 22 kW AC and 400 kW DC, versus the Volvo EC40's 11 kW AC and 200 kW DC.
