2026 BMW M2 Turbo Design Edition Is A Modern Tribute To A BMW Legend

BMW is going old school in the best way possible. Yesterday at the 2025 Motul Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, the automaker pulled the covers off something truly special, the 2026 BMW M2 Turbo Design Edition. It’s a limited-production model that pays homage to one of the most iconic BMWs of all time: the 1974–1975 BMW 2002 turbo.

Finished in bright Alpine White with hand-painted Motorsport stripes and a bold black hood graphic that reads “turbo” backward, this M2 instantly stands out. That reversed lettering is a direct nod to the original 2002 turbo, which had “2002 turbo” printed backwards on the front spoiler so drivers could read it clearly in their mirrors as it blew past them on the Autobahn.

BMW says this special edition “pays a reverential tribute to the legendary BMW 2002 turbo from 1974-1975,” and honestly, that’s exactly what it feels like.

A Throwback to BMW’s First Turbocharged Car

Back in 1973, BMW introduced the 2002 turbo at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the first European production car with a turbocharged engine. It made 170 horsepower from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and could hit 60 mph in under 7 seconds, which was mind-blowing performance for the time. That car set the stage for everything BMW M would become.

As BMW puts it: “Five decades ago, the 02 Series was fundamental in establishing BMW as a maker of vehicles that deliver both engaging all-around performance and everyday practicality. The 2002 turbo showed that BMW could dial up the intensity on the performance while without compromising the usability. Today’s M2 embodies that same ethos, fusing a thrilling driving experience on road or track with daily comfort, convenience, and civility.”

The new BMW M2 Turbo Design Edition is essentially that idea reborn for the modern era.

Classic Look, Modern Edge

Every M2 Turbo Design Edition will be finished exclusively in brilliant Alpine White, featuring hand-painted BMW Motorsport stripes which wrap around the hood and trunk lid and flow seamlessly into matching M tricolor stripes on the carbon-fiber roof panel.

The black hood with its “turbo” script gives the car an aggressive stance, and the carbon fiber rear spoiler adds a functional performance touch. The car rides on black M Dual-Spoke Style 930M wheels, with Matte Gold Bronze M Performance wheels available as an option if you want even more flash.

Inside: Driver-Focused and Manual Only

Open the door and you’re greeted by unique “M2 turbo” illuminated sill plates and a cockpit that mixes modern tech with old-school driver focus.

Standard M sport seats come wrapped in Black Vernasca Leather with M Color Highlights, echoing the striping on the exterior. If you want to go all-in, M Carbon bucket seats are available for an extra $4,500.

BMW is keeping this one pure. It’s manual only, with a six-speed gearbox and a special “turbo” badge just ahead of the shifter. You also get a heated M Alcantara steering wheel, Carbon Fiber interior trim, Live Cockpit Professional with Head-Up Display, Adaptive Full LED headlights with M Shadowline trim, and wireless device charging.

Performance: Turbo Power, BMW Style

This M2 may be a design tribute, but it’s not just for show. Under the hood is BMW’s 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo inline-six putting out 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.

• 0–60 mph: 4.1 seconds
• Top speed: 155 mph (or 177 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package)
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Curb weight: 3,814 lbs

In other words, it’s fast.. and with that manual transmission, it’s the kind of fast you actually get to enjoy.

Pricing, Options, and Availability

BMW will build the 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition in extremely limited numbers, starting January 2026, with deliveries expected in early Q2.

Pricing starts at $82,900, plus $1,175 destination and handling. Optional upgrades include:

• M Performance Wheels (Matte Gold Bronze) – $6,266
• M Carbon Bucket Seats – $4,500
• M Driver’s Package (177 mph top speed) – $2,500

For those keeping score, that means a fully loaded example could easily push into the mid-90’s range.. but you’re getting one of the most exclusive, enthusiast-focused BMWs of the modern era. The big question, do you go for this or the 2026 BMW M2 CS?

Final Thoughts

The 2026 BMW M2 Turbo Design Edition isn’t just another special paint job. It’s a direct link to BMW’s performance roots, a car that celebrates the brand’s first turbocharged icon while staying true to what enthusiasts love about the M2: compact size, big power, and a manual.

It’s rare to see an automaker look back and actually get it right. But this? This is how you do a retro tribute, with purpose, performance, and just the right amount of attitude.