VS
At a Glance
Power
220 kW
255 kW
Torque
450 Nm
648 combined Nm
Fuel
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 7.9 wh
8.5 l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.2 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 220 kW while the GWM Tank 500 produces 255 kW. On fuel, the X3 returns 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 7.9 when discharged l/100km while the Tank 500 uses 8.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 337 000 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
220 kW
255 kW
Torque
450 Nm
648 combined Nm
0-100 kph
6.2 s
8.3 s
Top Speed
215 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 7.9 wh
8.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
26 when hybrid battery charged 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
2065 DIN / 2140 EU Kg
2605 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
460-1600 l
98 / 795 / 1459 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 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 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery + high volt
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 hybrid batter
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
GWM Tank 500
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Tank 500
Fuel Economy
X3
Value
Tank 500
Practicality
Tank 500
Pros & Cons
BMW X3
Better fuel economy (1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 7.9 when discharged l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.2 ss)
Less power than rival (220 kW vs 255 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
GWM Tank 500
More powerful engine (255 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 228 950)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.5 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X3 or Tank 500?
The X3 uses 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 7.9 when discharged 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 220 kW and 450 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 337 000 and the Tank 500 from R1 228 950. The Tank 500 is cheaper by R108 050 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 2000 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.