The Ultimate Driving Machine Clings to Tradition: BMW M Defies the Odds with Manual Mastery!
In a world rapidly shifting gears towards automatic transmissions, BMW's M division stands defiant, clutch pedal steadfastly in place. Bucking the trend that's seen most competitors drop the manual transmission, BMW persists with the allure of full driver engagement. This year, the automotive landscape whispers of a legend reborn as the Z4 M40i gears up to embrace a manual once more.
In an illuminating exchange with Top Gear magazine, BMW's M division has roared a battle cry for the manual gearbox, declaring it far from obsolete in 2024. The M2, along with entry-level M3 sedans and M4 coupes, continue to flaunt the 6MT option, with purchasing patterns reinforcing the enduring demand.
"Definitely enough to continue to offer the manual gearbox. We owe it to ourselves and of course to our fans all around the world," stated a spokesperson from the esteemed German manufacturer. In the USA, over half of M2 G87s sold last year boasted a manual transmission, while globally, the figure stands firm at 20%. An impressive 15-20% of M3 and M4 enthusiasts still opt for the enthralling experience of a stick shift.
However, the future presents an electrified horizon with BMW M's pledge to plugin hybrids, signaling an inevitable farewell to manual transmissions in electric and hybrid models. Enthusiasts might have a fleeting 5-6 years to indulge in the mechanical symphony of a manual M car.
What does the near future hold for purists? 2024 will unveil the M4 CS, M5, and M5 Touring, to be followed by the M2 CS and M3 CS Touring in 2025, with the M2 xDrive rumored for 2026. These beasts from BMW’s stable will likely bid adieu to the manual transmission, but hope remains for the standard M2, M3, and M4 to retain the tactile 6-speed ‘box till their production ceases.
Sources whisper dates of retirement for these legends, with the M3 G80 anticipated to halt in February 2027, the M4 G82 possibly prowling until June 2028, and the M2 G87 potentially marking its territory until July 2029.
Dare to embrace the resistance against an auto-only future and savor the raw element of control with BMW M's manual marvels. The clock is ticking for the purist's playground—grab the gearstick before time runs out.
Source: Top Gear