Verdict
The BMW X3 is the sharper value call for most Malaysian buyers: at RM325,800, it undercuts the Lexus NX by RM70,088, carries a far lower RM439 annual road tax and brings a 570-litre boot. Its 310 Nm arrives from 1,500 rpm, too. The NX answers with quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration at 7.7 seconds versus 8.5 seconds, seven airbags, ventilated memory front seats and a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty. Choose the X3 for space and spend; pay for the NX only if its comfort and safety extras matter more.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want to save RM70,088, carry more luggage and pay RM391 less in annual road tax.
Pick the Lexus NX if you prioritise its 7.7-second 0-100 km/h time, seven airbags, ventilated memory seats and five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; Lexus NX RM395,888.
- Road tax: BMW X3 RM439 per year; Lexus NX RM830 per year.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW X3 8.5 seconds; Lexus NX 7.7 seconds.
- Boot space: BMW X3 570 litres; Lexus NX 520 litres.
- Wheelbase: BMW X3 2,865 mm; Lexus NX 2,690 mm.
- Airbags: BMW X3 six; Lexus NX seven.
X3
- RM70,088 cheaper to buy
- 570-litre boot, 50 litres larger
- 310 Nm from 1,500 rpm and 215 km/h top speed
- Slower 0-100 km/h time: 8.5 seconds versus 7.7 seconds
- Six airbags versus the NX's seven
- Two-year manufacturer warranty versus five years
NX
- 7.7-second 0-100 km/h acceleration
- Seven airbags, including a front knee airbag
- Ventilated memory front seats and 10-speaker audio
- RM70,088 higher purchase price
- RM830 annual road tax versus RM439
- 520-litre boot and 2,690-mm wheelbase are smaller than the X3's
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800✓ | RM395,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439✓ | RM830 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing and hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,487 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp at 4,400 rpm✓ | 184 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 310 Nm at 1,500 rpm✓ | 221 Nm at 4,300 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 87.5 mm × 103.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 14 |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 133 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 208 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | 8-Speed Direct Shift |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | 7.7 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h✓ | 200 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,690 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,765 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 55 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 520 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | 235/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | 235/50R20 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Bridgestone Alenza 001 Run-flats |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front 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 on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), TPMS |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | 3 LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function, Ventilated |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System with Lexus Climate Concierge |
| 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, 1 Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker | 14" Lexus Premium Audio Touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 10 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 Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with Panoramic 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 |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger, Smart Card Key |
| 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 & NX for sale
X3 vs NX FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Lexus NX better?
The BMW X3 is the better buy on price, road tax and luggage space. The Lexus NX is better equipped for front-seat comfort and has seven airbags, plus it is 0.8 seconds quicker from 0-100 km/h.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus NX costs RM70,088 more than the BMW X3: RM395,888 against RM325,800.
Which has more luggage space?
The BMW X3 has the larger boot at 570 litres, 50 litres more than the Lexus NX's 520 litres. Its wheelbase is also 175 mm longer, at 2,865 mm.
