Surprising No One, BMW M CEO Says the Era of Manual Performance Cars Is Nearly Over
Car and Driver
February 19, 2026
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The era of manual transmissions in high-performance cars is nearing its end, according to Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW's M division. In an interview with Carsales.com, van Meel revealed that while BMW plans to keep manual transmissions for a few more years, the long-term viability of these systems is dwindling due to both technical and business challenges. The decline in demand, coupled with the growing complexity and cost of developing new manual transmissions, has made it increasingly difficult for manufacturers like BMW to justify their production.
One key issue cited by van Meel is the limitations of manual transmissions when paired with more powerful vehicles. BMW's current six-speed manual transmission can only handle up to around 440 pound-feet of torque, which restricts its use to a limited number of models, including the M2, M3, M4, and Z4. More potent models, such as the CS variants, would require entirely new transmissions, which is becoming increasingly challenging due to the small market segment for manual transmissions and suppliers' reluctance to invest in their development.
Despite these challenges, BMW remains committed to keeping manuals alive for as long as possible, partly because of the emotional connection many customers have with them. However, van Meel acknowledged that the days of performance cars offering manual transmissions are numbered. This shift reflects a broader industry trend toward automated and dual-clutch transmissions, which offer greater efficiency, reliability, and performance in modern vehicles.
For automotive enthusiasts, this news signals a significant change in the landscape of high-performance driving. While manuals have long been cherished for their direct engagement and sense of connection with the car, their decline is a practical response to evolving engineering demands and market realities. As automakers prioritize innovation and efficiency, the era of manual performance cars may soon become a thing of the past.
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Originally published on Car and Driver on 2/19/2026