Fifty years after the introduction of its groundbreaking 2002 Turbo, BMW is celebrating this heritage with a special, limited-production variant: the 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition. This exclusive model masterfully blends nostalgic design elements with modern performance, offering enthusiasts a unique piece of BMW's storied turbocharged history. Priced at $82,900, this M2 iteration commands a premium over the standard model, justified by its distinctive appearance and the promise of future collectibility. It comes equipped with a potent 473-horsepower inline-six engine paired with a manual transmission, echoing the driver-focused philosophy of its predecessor.
BMW's journey with forced induction has been a fascinating one. Despite being a late adopter for mass-produced turbo engines in the modern era, the German automaker actually pioneered the first turbocharged production vehicle in Europe with the 1973 2002 Turbo. This classic, a true icon in its time, is now a highly sought-after collector's item, fetching impressive prices. The 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition draws direct inspiration from this legend, becoming the latest in a series of nostalgic tributes from BMW, such as the M850i Edition M Heritage, which paid homage to the original E31 8 Series.
While the original 2002 Turbo packed a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower thanks to its KKK turbocharger—a remarkable output for the early 1970s, enabling a sub-seven-second 0-60 mph sprint—the new M2 Turbo Design Edition steps into a new league of performance. Visually, the two cars share a two-door coupe silhouette and the iconic tri-color M stripes. However, the modern M2 is significantly more aggressive, featuring a wider kidney grille and pronounced rear fenders. Its Alpine White exterior provides a striking contrast to the Motorsport stripes, which adorn the power dome hood, complete with a black center finish. A subtle yet clever detail is the reversed turbo branding on the hood, designed to be read correctly in the rearview mirror of the car ahead, a playful nod to the original 2002 Turbo's front air dam.
Beyond its striking exterior, the M2 Turbo Design Edition boasts unique interior enhancements. While maintaining the core layout of the standard M2, this special edition features \"M2 Turbo\" script on the sill plates and M sport seats upholstered in Black Vernasca leather with M-colored accents. Carbon fiber M bucket seats are available as an option, and a carbon fiber roof panel, which is an extra-cost option on the regular M2, comes standard here. Crucially, the car retains a manual gearbox, a feature beloved by enthusiasts and a direct link to the driving experience of the 2002 Turbo, albeit with six speeds compared to the original's four. Carbon fiber interior trim and BMW's Live Cockpit Professional display further elevate the cabin experience.
Powering this special M2 is the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine found in the standard M2, delivering 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque exclusively to the rear wheels. This setup allows for a claimed 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph achievable with the optional M Driver’s Package. While the M2 CS, released earlier, offers more horsepower (523 hp), it is only available with an automatic transmission, as BMW states that the manual gearbox cannot handle the increased power output of the CS model.
Despite its higher price point of $82,900, which is $14,700 more than the base M2, the Turbo Design Edition is expected to be a strong draw for collectors. Adding optional features like the Carbon Pack, M Performance wheels in Matte Gold Bronze, and the M Driver's Package can push the total price to an eye-watering $96,166, placing it just below the quicker and more track-focused M2 CS. However, the allure of a limited-edition vehicle with such a strong connection to BMW's history makes it a compelling proposition for those seeking exclusivity. Production is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026, with deliveries beginning shortly thereafter.