Manual Transmission M Cars May Survive: BMW Exec Sparks Enthusiast Hope in 2025
Despite the global shift toward electric vehicles, manual transmission M cars might still have a future. In a recent interview, BMW M boss Frank van Meel confirmed that manual transmission M cars are still on the table, as long as there is demand from enthusiasts. This is welcome news for purists mourning the gradual extinction of the clutch pedal in the EV era.
Why BMW Still Believes in Manual Transmission M Cars
Frank van Meel noted, “If customers keep asking for it, we will continue to offer it.” This statement offers reassurance to fans of manual transmission M cars that BMW has not entirely given in to automation and electrification.
BMW Hints Manual Transmission M Cars Could Live On Beyond Current M2, M3, and M4
For enthusiasts who cherish the experience of a manual gearbox, there’s still a glimmer of hope. While the current generation of BMW M2, M3, and M4 is expected to be the last to officially offer a manual transmission, new comments from BMW M executive Sylvia Neubauer suggest that the brand has not ruled out a future for stick shifts.
In a recent conversation with BMW Blog, Neubauer emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and passion-driven development. “We will always be very creative when designing future products,” she said. “If our engineers can make [manual transmission models] happen, I think they will always try to do so.”
While her remarks don’t confirm any specific upcoming models with a manual, they reignite hope that the clutch pedal may still play a role in BMW’s high-performance future.
Mixed Signals in Recent Years
Neubauer’s comments follow a mixed series of statements from BMW leadership over the past few years. Back in 2022, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel announced that manuals would remain in the M2, M3, and M4 lineups through the end of the decade. However, by 2023, another executive raised concerns, suggesting the six-speed manual might not survive beyond the current generation due to supplier limitations.
Could the Next M3 Be the Savior of the Stick?
If BMW can overcome those supply challenges, the next-generation gas-powered M3 is seen as the most likely candidate to retain a six-speed manual transmission. With an electric M3 expected to debut alongside it, keeping a manual option would give the combustion variant a distinct advantage—offering driver engagement that EVs, despite their speed, still struggle to replicate.
Special Editions May Help Keep the Manual Alive
BMW might also explore limited-production models, like the recently teased BMW Skytop concept, as potential platforms to offer a manual. However, it’s worth noting that the brand hasn’t built a limited-run model with a manual transmission since the BMW Z8, which launched all the way back in 1998.
Manual Gearboxes in an EV World
Electric vehicles usually operate using single-speed gearboxes due to the nature of electric motors, making traditional manual transmission M cars obsolete in an all-electric future. However, hybrid models and performance cars may still offer them—at least for a few more years.
Which M Models Still Offer Manuals?
Currently, you can find manual transmissions in:
- BMW M2
- BMW M3 (with the six-speed manual available in select trims)
- BMW M4
These models are consistently praised for combining modern power with traditional driver engagement.
What’s Driving the Demand?
Despite a shrinking market for manual cars overall, enthusiasts remain vocal about their love for clutch pedals and gear changes. BMW recognizes this as a key part of M’s identity—cars that prioritize driver engagement over automation.
The decision is strategic too. Brands like Porsche have kept the manual alive in their 911 lineup for similar reasons: brand loyalty and emotional connection.
Can Manuals Survive in a Hybrid or EV Future?
While electric motors don’t require manual gearboxes, there are experimental concepts—like Toyota’s simulated manual transmission for EVs and Hyundai N’s fake shift logic—that try to mimic the feel of traditional driving.
BMW hasn’t confirmed such plans for its electric models, but the exec’s comments indicate an openness to preserving driving engagement, even if the form evolves.
Conclusion
While electrification is the future, BMW isn’t abandoning its enthusiast roots just yet. As long as drivers demand the thrill of a perfectly timed gear change, the manual transmission M car may still have a place in the lineup.
Whether or not this continues into the EV era remains to be seen, but for now, BMW fans can still enjoy the clutch pedal and gearstick—at least in select models.
FAQs About BMW and Manual M Cars
Q1: Which BMW M cars still offer a manual transmission?
A: The BMW M2, M3, and M4 currently offer manual gearbox options.Q2: Will future BMW M EVs have manual transmissions?
A: Likely not in mechanical form, but BMW may explore simulated or driver-focused EV systems.Q3: Why is BMW keeping manuals alive?
A: Enthusiast demand and brand identity—BMW M is all about driver connection.Q4: Are manual cars still popular?
A: They represent a niche segment, but have a loyal fan base, especially in the performance car community.Q5: When will BMW stop offering manuals?
A: No official end date—BMW says as long as there’s demand, they’ll keep making them.