BMW 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition Debuts: 473-hp Manual Tribute to 2002 Turbo, Priced at $82,900

BMW 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition Debuts: 473-hp Manual Tribute to 2002 Turbo, Priced at $82,900

Half a century after the groundbreaking 2002 Turbo debuted as Europe’s first production turbocharged car, BMW is paying homage with the exclusive BMW 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition. This limited-run coupe, priced at $82,900 (before options), channels its legendary predecessor with striking Alpine White paint, extensive tri-color M stripes, and unique throwback details. Powering this tribute is a 473-horsepower inline-six engine paired with a coveted manual gearbox, celebrating BMW’s turbocharged heritage with a feisty, collector-focused package.

A Modern Tribute to a Turbocharged Icon: Two Eras, One Spirit

The M2 Turbo Design Edition draws heavily on the aesthetic and spirit of the original 1973 BMW 2002 Turbo, a car now commanding six-figure prices.

• Design Homage:
  • Alpine White finish contrasted with abundant Motorsport tri-color M stripes running along the power dome hood (featuring a black center finish) and sides.
  • Reverse “turbo” branding on the hood’s black center, a subtle nod to the original 2002 Turbo’s optional front air dam text, designed to be read in the rearview mirror of cars ahead.
  • Black M Dual-Spoke wheels are standard, with optional Matte Gold Bronze M Performance wheels available.
  • A black carbon fiber spoiler and “turbo” script below the M2 badge at the rear.
• Performance Heritage: While the 2002 Turbo’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 170 hp, the M2 Turbo Design Edition boasts a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six delivering 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
• Manual Gearbox: Crucially for enthusiasts, it retains the six-speed manual gearbox, a direct link to the original’s standard four-speed, emphasizing driver engagement. It claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package.

Exclusive Interior Touches & Premium Appointments

The cabin of the M2 Turbo Design Edition receives several exclusive flourishes to distinguish it from the standard M2.

• Unique Trim: “M2 Turbo” script on the sill plates and carbon fiber interior trim throughout.
• Sporty Seating: M sport seats in Black Vernasca leather with M colors are standard, with M Carbon bucket seats available as an option.
• Carbon Roof: A standard Carbon roof panel, which is a $2,600 option on the regular M2.
• Modern Tech: BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional display is also standard.

Price vs. Performance: The Collector’s Premium

The 2026 BMW M2 Turbo Design Edition starts at a premium of $82,900, representing a $14,700 increase over the standard M2, despite sharing the same power output and manual gearbox.

• Value Proposition: For comparison, adding the Carbon Pack ($9,900) and other options to the base M2 would still be cheaper. A fully optioned M2 Turbo Design Edition, with optional wheels, seats, and the M Driver’s Package, can reach $96,166, making it barely cheaper than the more powerful and focused M2 CS (523 hp), which uses an automatic transmission capable of handling higher outputs.
• Collector’s Item: Despite the price, the limited-edition nature of this M2 tribute is expected to make it a highly desirable collector’s item, much like the original 2002 Turbo.

Production of the M2 Turbo Design Edition is scheduled to begin in Q1 2026, with deliveries expected in early Q2. This model joins other recent nostalgic tributes from BMW, such as the M850i Edition M Heritage, solidifying the brand’s commitment to celebrating its rich history through exclusive, high-performance vehicles.

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