Gradually, BMW has been phasing out manual transmissions in its range, even in the renowned M sports cars. The reasoning behind this decision is plain for the automaker: The majority of consumers have little interest in them, they add complexities to production, and they are objectively inferior to automatic transmissions in various aspects. Consequently, the company has started charging extra for the manual option in the M2 compared to the automatic variant outside of the USA, predominantly in the United Kingdom and even in their native market of Germany. The recent discussion by the CEO of BMW M on this topic is rather disheartening.
In an interview with CarThrottle, the head of M division, Frank van Meel, remarked, “The manual option is slower, resulting in higher fuel consumption, and at times yields a lesser top speed, so from an engineering perspective, the manual transmission no longer makes practical sense.”
Furthermore, Van Meel contended that offering a manual transmission is now merely a nod to tradition. The M2 will likely be the final BMW M car to feature a manual gearbox.
BMW
His comments stand out in the current realm of enthusiast vehicles we are witnessing. As the era of electrification looms large, numerous car manufacturers are steadfast in producing vehicles that strike a chord with enthusiasts, overlook any associated production challenges, because such cars may not be seen in the future. The manual-equipped Cadillac Blackwing models serve as a notable example. Remember, the previous-generation CTS-V, precursor to the new CT5-V Blackwing, was exclusively automatic. This decision was reversed, despite General Motors engineers acknowledging that manuals are not as swift, efficient, or advanced as modern automatic transmissions. Nevertheless, they offer a more engaging driving experience.
Many might have expected BMW M to champion the cause of manual transmissions, but that no longer appears to be the case. Van Meel suggested that customers opt for manuals just to showcase their ability to “master the beast,” which is peculiar given that the brand was once synonymous with manual transmissions.
BMW
It should be noted that the scenario in continental Europe and the U.K. regarding emissions regulations and the perception of automobiles differs from that in the U.S. BMW still offers manual transmissions in the U.S. without an added cost for the M2. The U.S. stands as the primary market for manual transmission enthusiasts globally, particularly for sports cars. Conversely, in Europe, the enthusiasm towards cars, particularly non-utilitarian sports vehicles, is more subdued.
Brands like Acura, Cadillac, Toyota, Mazda, Ford, and others demonstrate that there remains a market catering to enthusiasts who seek manual transmissions. BMW was once regarded as a proponent of this cause. Presently, not so much. Achieving records by a few seconds on the Nurburgring appears to hold greater significance.
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