BMW is among the few automakers that also provides handbook transmissions on its high-performance fashions. In 2023, they proved standard within the U.S. “Demand for handbook transmissions in our high-performance M merchandise remained very sturdy in 2023, accounting for about 20 p.c of M3 and M4 gross sales (mixed) and over half of M2 gross sales,” a BMW spokesperson instructed Motor1 in an e mail.
It’s price noting that solely the bottom M3 and M4 fashions are provided with a handbook transmission. The Competitors, Competitors xDrive, and particular editions like the M3 CS and M4 CSL are automatic-only, whereas the bottom fashions are manual-only. Proper now, the M2 is obtainable as, merely, the M2, with a alternative of six-speed handbook or eight-speed automated gearboxes.
In any case, these are very sturdy numbers, reflective of a pattern amongst fanatics embracing the handbook transmission as an all-electric future looms. BMW can also be one of many few automakers to develop its U.S handbook choices, with a six-speed possibility for the Z4 M40i coming a while later this yr.
BMW isn’t the one automaker to have success with manuals on efficiency automobiles. As we reported beforehand, Cadillac has a near-50-percent take fee for the six-speed on the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing sedans, each of that are rivals to numerous BMW M fashions.
BMW M has dedicated to promoting manual-transmission automobiles till the tip of the last decade, by which level most, if not all, M automobiles will probably be electrified. We all know for sure that the present M2 would be the final internal-combustion-only M automobile, with the brand new M5 set to go plug-in hybrid when it arrives later this yr.
So, whereas time is working out on handbook BMW efficiency automobiles, they’re not going away instantly. You’ve obtained a couple of extra years to get your six-speed M2 order in.
