BMW Introduces the 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition, Celebrating the 2002 Turbo Heritage
Paying Tribute to a Legend
Celebrating 51 years of turbocharged performance, BMW presents the 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition, drawing direct inspiration from the iconic 2002 Turbo. The original 2002 Turbo revolutionized European motorsports as the first production car in Europe to feature a turbocharger, leaving a lasting legacy on both racetracks and the Autobahn.
Distinctive Exterior Styling
The 2026 edition showcases Alpine White paint adorned with meticulously hand-painted tricolor BMW Motorsport stripes that run along the hood edges. Complementing the classic design, triple-colored stripes grace the M Carbon roof, while the decklid features additional tricolor stripes and an M Performance carbon fiber rear spoiler.
Retro-Inspired Features
Echoing the original, the hood’s power dome features reverse-printed “Turbo” lettering in black, signaling its powerful engine to fellow drivers. The vehicle also boasts M Shadowline LED headlights, reminiscent of the 2002 model's distinctive aesthetic.
Grille and Badging
While the grille maintains the all-black surround from the original, the chrome kidney trim is replaced with an accurate modern design. The “Turbo” badge sits below the M2 emblem on the decklid, completing the unique exterior touches.
Wheel Options
Owners can choose between 19-inch front and 20-inch rear staggered wheels, with the standard setup featuring M Dual-Spoke Style 930M wheels in black. For an extra touch of elegance, the M Performance Style 1000M wheels in Matte Gold Bronze are available for an additional $6,266.
Enhanced Performance
Under the hood, the 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine, delivering an impressive 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. This significant boost from the original 2.0-liter, 170-horsepower engine allows the modern Turbo to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, compared to the 7-second sprint of the 1974 model.
Transmission and Speed
The new M2 retains the engaging six-speed manual transmission, paired with a top speed of 155 mph. With the optional M Driver’s Package, the top speed increases to 177 mph and includes a complimentary day at a BMW high-performance driving school.
Luxurious Interior
The cabin features M sport seats upholstered in Black Vernasca Leather with accents that mirror the exterior striping. For those seeking lightweight seating, optional M Carbon buckets are available for $4,500, maintaining the sophisticated Black and tricolor motif.
Advanced Cockpit
Drivers will appreciate the heated M Alcantara steering wheel and the strategically placed “Turbo” inscription on the cup holder cover plate. The interior is enhanced with standard carbon fiber trim and the latest Live Cockpit Professional system, which includes a head-up display to keep essential information within the driver’s line of sight.
Availability and Pricing
The 2026 BMW M2 Turbo Design Edition is set to begin production in the first quarter of 2026, with deliveries scheduled for early Q2. Priced at $84,075, this exclusive model will be produced in extremely limited numbers. Enthusiasts eager to see the car firsthand can visit BMW’s display at the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta during the IMSA Motul Petit Le Mans race weekend from October 10 to 11, 2025.
