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 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.
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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 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, M2 xDrive Turbo Edition features carbon bucket seats, an Alcantara steering wheel with interior trim in carbon fibre and an exclusive ‘turbo’ badge integrated into the centre cupholder cover.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
