by The Dubai-based tuning studio Zeus Offroad has transformed a BMW M240i into a real desert buggy. This project has become a real-life embodiment of the joking M2 Dakar concept that BMW showed on April 1, 2025.
From Joke to Reality
When BMW introduced its digital M2 Dakar concept as an April Fools’ joke, many enthusiasts regretted that Munich did not bring this idea to life. A sports car in a safari style, similar to the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato, had obvious appeal. BMW left this idea in the world of fiction, but the aftermarket had its own plans.
Technical Features of the Off-Roader
The tuners from Dubai turned this fantasy into reality, creating a unique off-road vehicle based on the BMW M240i Coupe. The car, tuned for tackling difficult desert trails, sacrificed a low stance for off-road capability.
Aluminum bumpers at the front and rear are the first thing that catches the eye. Each has an integrated skid plate and tow points. Bolt-on fender flares transition into mud flaps that protect the body from dirt.
Another interesting detail is the Thule roof rack with LEDs and wind deflectors. At the rear, a custom central dual exhaust completes the look of the lifted coupe.
Chassis and Engine
The biggest changes happened under the body. A 3-inch (76 mm) lift kit with adjustable Flatout shocks increased ground clearance and suspension travel, necessary for fast runs in the sand. Zeus also reduced the wheel diameter, replacing the factory alloy wheels with 17-inch ones fitted with aggressive off-road tires.
These tires will be essential on sand, as the donor BMW M240i has rear-wheel drive. Under the hood is a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 382 hp (285 kW / 388 PS).
Cost and Uniqueness
How much such a conversion costs remains a mystery, as Zeus Offroad does not disclose the price of the project, which will almost certainly remain one of a kind. The studio previously performed a similar trick with a Porsche Panamera, although most of the projects coming out of its gates are based on the Cayenne.
This project demonstrates that even joking concepts can find their realization thanks to the creativity of a tuning studio. Zeus Offroad didn’t just lift the coupe; it created a functional off-road vehicle capable of tackling serious obstacles. The lack of all-wheel drive may limit its capabilities in extreme conditions, but for fast desert trails, the rear-wheel-drive layout with a powerful engine and special suspension looks entirely justified. This is further proof that the tuning market often outpaces official manufacturers in bringing bold ideas to life.
