Here’s 5 cars that could dominate the fast lane at 200 clicks, all for less than the price of a new Axia E.
So a little while ago, this writer had collated 5 cars that could (potentially) achieve the hallowed 250 km/h (155 mph) V-Max for the just RM 55,000. But more recently, another stray thought popped into his head: could he get the nearly the same amount of speed for even less?
Thus, ladies and gentlemen, was born this new, even budget-conscious list of cars that can allegedly do 200 km/h (as claimed by their makers), but cost no more than RM 20,000! That’s right, two hundred clicks for less than the price of a kosong-spec Axia E!
And if you’re already envisioning a list filled with heavily depreciated (mostly German) luxury sedans, you’re absolutely right. So let’s dive in, shall we?
BMW E60 525i
Now it is hard to talk about budget speed without eventually arriving at a used BMW. And when it comes to RM 20,000 Bavarian bargains, there really is no shortage of options. But for the sake of choosing just one for this piece, here is an E60-generation 525i.
Under the hood of this particular 5-er lies a 2.5-litre N52 straight-six paired with a 6-speed automatic, and comes with a speedometer that (when new) proudly topped out at 244 km/h. While controversial new too, that curvaceous Bangle-era design has also aged rather gracefully, and it certainly doesn’t look like a car that now costs less than a brand-new Axia E.
Also worth a cheeky mention: at time of writing, there happens to be an E39 530i lurking around the classifieds for about the same money. Yes, it’s a tad older, but arguably even more handsome, and its 3.0-litre straight-six is supposedly good for the proper autobahn-blasting 250 km/h. Tempting, right?
Mercedes-Benz W211 S350
Sure, this generation of S-Class isn’t exactly known for being bulletproof in the reliability department. And sure, this particular variant doesn’t come with a fire-breathing V8 under the hood or an AMG badge on the boot.
But even so, Mercedes-Benz proudly claimed back in the day that the M272 3.5-litre V6 in the S350 wasn’t just capable of getting this luxo-barge to 200 km/h. In fact, it could waft its way all the way up to an electronically limited 250 km/h (155 mph). Smooth, serene, and shockingly swift for something that weighs as much as a small apartment.
Side note: This exact variant was actually featured in the original 155 mph for RM 55,000 piece from five years ago. Just goes to show how far these plush land yachts can fall in value. From the boardroom to the budget lot, what a journey.
Audi A6 Hybrid
Rounding out the usual German trio is the Audi A6 Hybrid, a car that feels like it was just launched yesterday, but can now be yours for less than RM 20,000 (with a bit of haggling and a willingness to deal with hybrid gremlins of course).
Why yes, this might be the model that is notorious for its hybrid powertrain packing up. But when everything is working as intended, this electrified sedan could supposedly scoot its way up to a V-Max of 240 km/h!
What also works in its favour is Audi’s famously evolutionary design approach that it has practiced over the past decade now. The A6 Hybrid still looks clean, understated, and well-proportioned today, easily passing the “still looks expensive” test. In fact, among all the cars on this list, it’s probably the one most likely to fool your neighbours into thinking you’ve made it.
Honda Accord CP3 2.4 i-VTEC
For something a little less Teutonic and a little more Tokyo meanwhile, who would’ve guessed that the 2.4-litre version of Honda’s 8th-generation Accord actually claims a top speed of 240 km/h? Though when you realise that under the hood lies the tuner-favourite K24 engine, it all starts to make a lot more sense.
As for those who after something equally Japanese but with two extra cylinders however, Nissan did once offer its J32 Teana with a 2.5-litre V6. Oddly enough though, most sources suggest this version tops out at just 212-ish km/h…
Volvo S80 T5
Some might’ve noticed by now that this is slowly turning into a list of luxury sedans from the early 2010s, so let’s round it off properly with a selection from Sweden: a 2012 Volvo S80 T5.
Despite the T5 badge suggesting a turbocharged five-cylinder under the hood, this particular version hails from the era when Volvo had already downsized to a boosted four-pot instead. Even so, this stately Scandinavian sedan was still supposedly capable of reaching a V-Max of 240 km/h.
And here’s a bit of poetic irony: back then, Volvo had no qualms about letting its cars blast down the Autobahn at serious speed. Fast forward to today, and every new Volvo is electronically limited to just 180 km/h. A safer and more sensible future perhaps, but certainly not a faster one.
Closing Thoughts
So there you have it, proof that you don’t need deep pockets to go deeply illegal speeds. For less than the price of a brand-new Perodua Axia, you can find yourself behind the wheel of something that could once have pounded down the highway at well over 200 km/h.
Just don’t forget that if anyone out there wishes to actually reach those speeds in these cars suggested here, that:
- It is illegal to hit such speeds on any public road in Malaysia.
- Best to set aside a few extra grand (or ten), not to mention a good mechanic’s number on speed dial, to thoroughly go through these old warhorses before they brave the ‘bahn again.
Stay safe, stay sensible… but also, enjoy that 200 km/h badge of honour — from the comfort of your RM 20k luxo-barge!
