BMW is without doubt one of the few automakers that also gives handbook transmissions on its high-performance fashions. In 2023, they proved in style within the U.S. “Demand for manual transmissions in our high-performance M products remained very strong in 2023, accounting for about 20 percent of M3 and M4 sales (combined) and over half of M2 sales,” a BMW spokesperson informed Motor1 in an e-mail.

It’s price noting that solely the bottom M3 and M4 fashions are supplied with a handbook transmission. The Competition, Competition xDrive, and particular editions like the M3 CS and M4 CSL are automatic-only, whereas the bottom fashions are manual-only. Right now, the M2 is obtainable as, merely, the M2, with a alternative of six-speed handbook or eight-speed computerized gearboxes.

In any case, these are very robust numbers, reflective of a pattern amongst fans embracing the handbook transmission as an all-electric future looms. BMW can also be one of many few automakers to increase its U.S handbook choices, with a six-speed option for the Z4 M40i coming a while later this yr.

BMW isn’t the one automaker to have success with manuals on efficiency vehicles. As we reported beforehand, Cadillac has a near-50-percent take rate for the six-speed on the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing sedans, each of that are rivals to varied BMW M fashions.

BMW M has dedicated to promoting manual-transmission vehicles till the tip of the last decade, by which level most, if not all, M vehicles will probably be electrified. We know for sure that the present M2 would be the final internal-combustion-only M automobile, with the new M5 set to go plug-in hybrid when it arrives later this yr.

So, whereas time is operating out on handbook BMW efficiency vehicles, they’re not going away instantly. You’ve acquired just a few extra years to get your six-speed M2 order in.