BMW has opened bookings for the limited-run M2 xDrive Turbo Edition in India. This ultra-exclusive model pays tribute to the BMW 2002 Turbo from 1973 which has a rather unique story in BMW’s history. More on that later, but the M2 xDrive Turbo Edition will be available in limited numbers in India with a first-come, first-served basis allocation. Expect prices to be announced in the coming weeks.
BMW M2 xDrive Turbo Edition: what is it paying tribute to?
This special-edition M2 pays tribute to the BMW 2002 Turbo sedan which was launched during the global oil crisis in 1973. At the time, it was the first series-production passenger car to use an exhaust gas turbocharger, something that has since defined the template for a lot of performance cars. The turbocharger, of course, was in the interest of reducing fuel consumption, but that doesn’t mean it was any slouch – with a 170hp, 2.0-litre engine, a top-speed of 211kph and a 0-100kph time of 7.0 seconds, it was quite fast for its time. Well-kept examples of 2002 Turbo cost well over 100,000 Euros today, says BMW.
BMW M2 xDrive Turbo Edition: what makes it special?
And in that light, this special edition M2 comes finished in an Alpine White exterior shade with hand-painted BMW Motorsport stripes – that’s one of the two paint finishes offered with the original 2002 Turbo. It also gets a blacked-out finish for the power dome on the bonnet and ‘Turbo’ spelt in reverse. Fun fact: the reverse lettering on the original 2002 Turbo was meant to signal the driver in front via the rearview mirror to make room for the car coming from behind.
The M2 xDrive Turbo Edition also gets a bespoke ‘turbo’ emblem under the M2 badge, M stripes flowing across the bonnet, a carbon-fibre roof and tailgate, as well as carbon-fibre rear spoiler. Optional 19/20-inch Gold Bronze M Performance forged wheels complete the heritage-inspired look. Some of these carbon fibre fitments are also offered on the M2 CS as standard in India.
On the inside, the M2 xDrive Turbo Edition features carbon bucket seats, an Alcantara steering wheel with the interior trim in carbon fibre, and an exclusive ‘turbo’ badge integrated into the centre cupholder cover.
BMW M2 xDrive Turbo Edition: powertrain and specs
Under the hood, the M2 xDrive Turbo Edition retains the 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-petrol engine that produces 480hp and 600Nm. The engine is mated to an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, which sends power to all the wheels (AWD). Thanks to the AWD layout, the sports coupe can achieve 0-100kph in a claimed 3.7 seconds – 0.3 seconds quicker than the RWD model – and the top speed is rated at 250kph (285kph with the M Driver’s package).
This also becomes the second special edition of the M2 to be offered with xDrive after the 100 Jahre Nurburgring Edition. Bookings for the latter are also underway and will be launched in limited numbers.