New BMW M2 Turbo Tribute Faces a Contemporary Issue | Carscoops

      The limited edition M2 Turbo Design Edition is priced at nearly $15,000 more than the base M2, offering a carbon roof and stripes, but it does not provide any additional power.

      Recently unveiled, the M2 Turbo Design Edition costs $84,075 and features a distinctive Alpine White finish, a manual transmission, and a striped carbon roof. It also includes a graphics package and reverse 'Turbo' lettering reminiscent of the classic 2002 Turbo.

      BMW M celebrates the legacy of one of its iconic performance cars with this special edition. The 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition combines visual elements from the 1970s with modern technology, but it comes with a price that feels inflated.

      At $84,075, which includes a $1,175 destination charge, the Turbo costs nearly $15,000 more than the standard M2 priced at $69,375, and even with the additional features, it remains a significant increase.

      Nonetheless, buyers may find the appeal of a limited edition car (specific numbers are yet to be disclosed) compelling, especially one inspired by the legendary 2002 Turbo launched in September 1973.

      Each variant features an Alpine White exterior with a carbon roof. While the carbon roof is a $2,600 add-on on a regular M2, this version sets itself apart with colored M stripes that span the length of the roof. Hand-painted M stripes on the hood and trunk further contribute to the increased price.

      One can’t help but feel that hockey-stick side stripes reminiscent of the original 02 would have enhanced its appearance, but the reverse 'Turbo' lettering on the hood, as seen on the front spoilers of some original 02s, adds a nice nostalgic touch.

      However, it’s important to note that the standard Turbo Design Edition may not appear exactly as depicted in the promotional materials. The appealing Matte Gold Bronze Style 1000M rims come at a significant cost of $6,266 – the standard M2 is equipped with black 930Ms – and swapping the standard Black Vernasca Leather sports seats for carbon bucket seats will set you back an additional $4,500.

      Despite this, the car includes several M Performance enhancements such as a carbon fiber rear spoiler, M Shadowline lights with adaptive LEDs, carbon trim, and a heated M Alcantara steering wheel, all of which would incur extra costs on a typical M2. Additionally, standard features now include a wireless phone charger and a head-up display, yet cumulatively, these add-ons likely account for less than $6,000.

      The S58 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine remains unchanged, offering the same output of 473 hp (480 PS) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) as other manual M2s since the 2025 model update.

      On the bright side, it is equipped exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, so those averse to shifting gears will need to consider a standard M2 and possibly accessorize it with parts from the M Performance catalog.

      Performance figures stay consistent, achieving 60 mph (100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds, with a speed limiter capping fun at 155 mph (250 km/h), unless one invests $2,500 in the optional M Driver’s Package, which raises the limit to 177 mph (285 km/h) and includes a day of high-performance driving at a BMW Performance Center.

      Is the M2 Turbo Design Edition worth the additional $15,000 compared to an M2? That’s up for debate, but it’s worth noting that for just under $15,000 more, one could opt for the new M2 CS.

      Priced at $99,775, which is almost $30,000 above the base M2, the CS represents an entirely different segment. It weighs 97 lbs (44 kg) less and features an upgraded 3.0-liter S58 inline-six engine generating 523 hp (530 PS) and 479 lb-ft (649 Nm) of torque.

      With added chassis upgrades, a striking ducktail rear spoiler, and standard M Carbon bucket seats, the M2 CS is indeed enticing, although it is only available with an automatic transmission. Which M2 would you choose to invest in?