VS
At a Glance
Power
148 kW
255 kW
Torque
310 Nm
648 combined Nm
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
8.5 l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.5 s
8.3 s
Engine
1998 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the BMW X3 and the GWM Tank 500 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X3 delivers 148 kW while the GWM Tank 500 produces 255 kW. On fuel, the X3 returns 7.5 l/100km while the Tank 500 uses 8.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 069 760 for the X3 and R1 228 950 for the Tank 500. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
148 kW
255 kW
Torque
310 Nm
648 combined Nm
0-100 kph
8.5 s
8.3 s
Top Speed
218 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
8.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
171 g/km
199 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4755 mm
5078 mm
Width
1920-2132 mm
1934- mm
Height
1660 mm
1905 mm
Wheelbase
2865 mm
2850 mm
Ground Clearance
—
224 mm
Kerb Weight
1805 DIN / 1880 EU Kg
2605 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
570-1700 l
98 / 795 / 1459 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
645 l
600 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery + high volt
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
200000 vehicle / 150000 hybrid battery +
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
7
Service Plan Distance
—
75000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tank 500
Fuel Economy
X3
Value
X3
Practicality
Tank 500
Pros & Cons
BMW X3
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 069 760)
Less power than rival (148 kW vs 255 kW)
No factory service plan
GWM Tank 500
More powerful engine (255 kW)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.3 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X3 or Tank 500?
The X3 uses 7.5 l/100km and the Tank 500 uses 8.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X3 or Tank 500?
The X3 produces 148 kW and 310 Nm of torque while the Tank 500 delivers 255 kW and 648 combined Nm of torque. The Tank 500 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X3 and Tank 500?
The X3 starts from R1 069 760 and the Tank 500 from R1 228 950. The X3 is cheaper by R159 190 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X3 or Tank 500?
The X3 has a braked towing capacity of 1800 Kg and the Tank 500 can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X3 or the Tank 500?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.