BMW M is paying tribute to one of its most iconic performance legends with the 2026 BMW M2 Turbo Design Edition, a special model that combines retro design cues from the 1970s with modern performance and engineering. Inspired by the original BMW 2002 Turbo, which made its debut in 1973 as the brand’s first turbocharged production car, this limited edition aims to rekindle the same spirit that made its predecessor a legend. However, exclusivity and craftsmanship come at a cost — the M2 Turbo Design Edition starts at $84,075, including destination fees, which makes it nearly $15,000 pricier than the standard M2. Still, for collectors and BMW enthusiasts, this homage to BMW’s performance roots will be hard to resist.
Visually, the new M2 Turbo Design Edition is a clear nod to the past. Every unit comes finished in Alpine White, just like the original 2002 Turbo, and features a carbon fiber roof that includes signature M-colored stripes running from front to back. While the carbon roof itself is already a $2,600 option on the standard M2, this version’s hand-painted detailing gives it a unique, artisanal touch. Additional M stripes adorn the hood and trunk, reinforcing its motorsport DNA. One particularly charming detail is the reversed “Turbo” script on the hood — a clever tribute to the original 2002 Turbo’s mirrored lettering that was meant to startle drivers in their rear-view mirrors. Though it doesn’t feature the classic side “hockey-stick” stripes of its ancestor, the design remains faithful to BMW’s 1970s performance aesthetic.
Adding to its visual drama are the stunning Matte Gold Bronze Style 1000M wheels, a luxurious option that costs over $6,000. Inside, buyers can also opt for carbon bucket seats for an additional $4,500, though the standard Black Vernasca leather sports seats remain a solid choice. The cabin also benefits from several M Performance upgrades that would otherwise cost extra on the base M2 — including a carbon fiber rear spoiler, Shadowline adaptive LED headlights, carbon interior trim, and a heated M Alcantara steering wheel. Convenience features such as a head-up display and wireless smartphone charging are also included, although the total value of these extras doesn’t fully account for the steep price increase.
Mechanically, the Turbo Design Edition retains the same S58 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine found in the standard 2025 M2. It produces 473 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque and is paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, staying true to the analog spirit of the original 2002 Turbo. Performance figures remain identical — the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, with a top speed limited to 250 km/h. Buyers who want a little more can opt for the M Driver’s Package ($2,500), which raises the limiter to 285 km/h and includes a day of high-performance driving instruction at a BMW Performance Center.
While the M2 Turbo Design Edition celebrates heritage through craftsmanship and attention to detail, its price pushes it close to the M2 CS, which costs around $99,775 but offers a noticeable bump in performance. The CS features a lighter body (by 44 kg), a more powerful 523-hp version of the S58 engine, enhanced chassis tuning, and standard carbon bucket seats. Still, the Turbo Design Edition’s blend of nostalgia, rarity, and manual-only driving purity ensures that it will capture the hearts of BMW purists and collectors alike — especially those who appreciate the marriage of 1970s flair and 21st-century performance.