Verdict
At RM323,800, the F25 is only RM2,000 below the RM325,800 G45, so this is not a budget-led choice. The newer G45 adds 4 hp and, more usefully, 40 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h time from 8.6 to 8.5 seconds. It is also 107 mm longer with a 55 mm longer wheelbase and a 20-litre larger boot. For Malaysian family use, its autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree camera make the extra outlay easy to justify. The F25 fights back with a 12-speaker HiFi system and front foglamps.
Pick the F25 if a 12-speaker HiFi system, front foglamps and a slightly lower purchase price matter more than newer driver assistance.
Pick the G45 if you want the stronger 310 Nm mild-hybrid petrol powertrain, more cabin-related space and a far fuller safety suite.
Key differences
- Power: F25 makes 184 hp at 5,000 rpm; G45 makes 188 hp at 4,400 rpm.
- Torque: F25 produces 270 Nm from 1,250 rpm; G45 produces 310 Nm from 1,500 rpm.
- Acceleration: F25 reaches 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds; G45 does it in 8.5 seconds.
- Dimensions: F25 is 4,648 mm long with a 2,810 mm wheelbase; G45 is 4,755 mm long with a 2,865 mm wheelbase.
- Boot space: F25 has 550 litres; G45 has 570 litres.
- Driver assistance: F25 has passive cruise control and no listed autonomous braking; G45 has adaptive cruise control and autonomous braking.
F25
- 12-speaker HiFi audio system
- Front foglamps fitted
- RM2,000 lower purchase price
- 270 Nm trails the G45's 310 Nm
- No blind-spot monitoring, autonomous braking or 360-degree camera
- 550-litre boot is 20 litres smaller
G45
- 310 Nm mild-hybrid petrol powertrain
- Autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control
- 570-litre boot and 360-degree camera
- Six-speaker audio trails the F25's 12-speaker HiFi system
- No front foglamps
What the F25 has over the G45
What the G45 has over the F25
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The G45's wheelbase is 55 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM323,800✓ | RM325,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439✓ | RM439 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM3,305/mo✓ | RM3,325/mo |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM8,732✓ | RM8,784 |
| Fuel / year (est.) | RM2,985 | — |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | RM14.93 | — |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | RM60,779 | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbo with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 1,997 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 184 hp at 5,000 rpm | 188 hp at 4,400 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 270 Nm at 1,250 rpm | 310 Nm at 1,500 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore × Stroke | 84 mm × 90.1 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8 Speed Automatic | 8-speed Steptronic |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | ZF |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.6 seconds | 8.5 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 7.5 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 215 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | 175 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,648 mm | 4,755 mm |
| Width | 1,881 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,675 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,810 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Weight | 1,795 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 67 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 550 litres | 570 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R18 | 245/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R18 | 245/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Wiper Blade (Driver) | — | 24 inch |
| Wiper Blade (Passenger) | — | 19 inch |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" V Spoke Style 307 Alloy | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" V Spoke Style 307 Alloy | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 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 on two outer rear passenger seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Bi-Xenon Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED light bar with normal bulb brake light | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Powered Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Navigation System with BMW Professional Audio with DVD Drive, 8.8" monitor operated by iDrive, Bluetooth, USB + 12 Speaker HiFi System | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered boot | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 3 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 3-year/60,000 km BMW Service + Repair Inclusive, with option for an additional 2-year/40,000 km extension | — |
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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.
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F25 vs G45 FAQ
Is the BMW X3 F25 or BMW X3 G45 better?
The G45 is the better all-round choice. It has 310 Nm versus 270 Nm, a 570-litre boot versus 550 litres, and adds autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.
What is the price difference?
The G45 costs RM2,000 more than the F25. That small gap brings more torque, a marginally quicker 0-100 km/h time, a larger boot and substantially more driver assistance equipment.
Which BMW X3 has the better audio system?
The F25 has the stronger listed audio specification: BMW Professional Audio with a 12-speaker HiFi system. The G45 uses a six-speaker system, despite gaining the 14.9-inch BMW Curved Display.