This X2 Driving Dynamics Will Immediately Have You Wanting One
The SUV and Crossover ‘craze’ still continues in Malaysia and most of the world and this is why many great sedans are being discontinued completely because consumers want a vehicle with a hatchback profile and sitting a little higher off the ground.
So, the same desire is with the used car market. Yes, used SUV’s command better resale values (not the problematic ones) and our used car market is filled with many many many options in a wide price range.
From a low RM30k to high RM1.5 million, you can buy a used SUV. So, when a good friend asked our opinion on a used premium SUV (not too large please) with a price point of below RM200k, we suggested the usual suspects.
She was going to trade in her luxury sedan which had just reached 4 years old and it still had decent value as there was another 1-year factory warranty on it.
We started with the online classifieds and when we found interesting offers we visited some of the SUV’s on sale at the respective used car dealers.
There was the first generation Lexus NX, the BMW X3, the Range Rover Evoque, Volvo XC60, Mercedes GLA, first generation Mercedes GLC and the Toyota Harrier.
She had the opportunity to test drive all of them and she had only one problem. None of them drove like a sedan which is what she has been used to for many years (always drove a sedan). She liked the handling of a sedan and found SUV’s to be a little ‘lofty’.
We explained why and she understood. Then we stumbled accidently on a used BMW X2. “Out of sight and out of mind’! We hardly see them on our roads and completely left the X2 out of the equation.
After a few checks online, we found a few units on sale. Meanwhile, this BMW did not do well from its launch in March 2018 due to its high ‘imported’ selling price.
Well, with the BMW X1 being priced much lower (from about RM265k) there was little reason to pay RM328k for the X2 which was about the same size, just a little ‘funkier’ in design.
So, we took our friend to see a used X2 and after a short test drive she was sold on the X2. You need to test drive this sports activity vehicle from BMW yourself to feel and understand the dynamics provided, which is just like a hot hatch or sports sedan.
It is powered by a 2.0L TwinPower Turbo engine that can be altered in attitude by using the Driving Experience Control switch, allowing the driver to choose between default COMFORT mode, efficiency-enhancing ECO PRO mode and SPORT mode. The pre-programmed set-up available via SPORT mode gives the car even more dynamic steering and powertrain responses.
This TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine which combines twin-scroll turbocharger with Valvetronic, double VANOS and High Precision Injection generates a top speed of 227km/h. With an overall system output of 192hp and 280Nm of torque.
This BMW X2 sprints from 0-100km/h in just 7.7 seconds with a 7-speed Steptronic Sport double-clutch transmission working smoothly.
We had the car checked thoroughly by our trusted mechanic and the claims of the used car dealer was valid, surprised, looks like traditional used car dealers (also they are cheaper now as their cost is lower) are ‘fighting’ back the online classifieds with increased honesty in this tough business and our friend was very happy with her 6-year-old used BMW X2.
See below, the asking price with online classifieds is MUCH HIGHER (about RM22k more) and they offer similar service as traditional used car dealers today.
By the way, this X2 had lost about 50 percent of its value in 6 years despite having low mileage and full dealer records.
You need to test drive this X2 yourself and the decision to purchase one for yourself will come very fast.
BMW X2 Specifications
Engine: 4-cylinder Twin-Turbo
Capacity: 1998cc
Power: 192bhp @ 5000-6000rpm
Torque: 280Nm @ 1350-4600rpm
Transmission: 7-speed Steptronic
0-100km/h: 7.7secs
Top speed: 227km/h
Price: RM328,800.00 (fully imported)
