BMW resurrects the manual transmission for the 2027 M3 CS, bucking industry trends toward automation. The high-performance sedan pairs a six-speed Getrag manual with the familiar 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, preserving driver engagement in an era when manuals have become extinct in mainstream performance cars.
The M3 CS represents BMW's commitment to analog controls alongside its electrified lineup. The manual gearbox connects to the same 503-horsepower engine found in the M3 Competition, but the CS variant adds sharper handling refinements and track-focused suspension tuning. The CS designation traditionally signals a lighter, more aggressive take on the M3 platform, and the manual reinforces that philosophy.
This move contradicts the broader automotive shift toward dual-clutch automatics and CVTs. Most manufacturers abandoned stick-shifts in luxury sports cars years ago, citing cost and complexity. Mercedes-AMG discontinued manuals in the C63. Audi dropped them from the RS4. Yet BMW sees market demand among purists willing to trade convenience for connection.
The 2027 M3 CS Handschalter targets drivers who value mechanical feedback over efficiency metrics. The six-speed manual delivers shorter throws and quicker shifts than older M3 manuals, modernizing the experience without sacrificing the tactile reality of clutch engagement and gear selection. Performance numbers likely remain competitive with the automatic, though the manual option appeals to a different buyer mindset entirely.
Pricing and U.S. availability details remain unclear, but expect the manual to command respect among collectors and track enthusiasts. In markets like Germany and Japan, manual performance cars retain stronger appeal than in North America, so BMW's decision reflects regional demand patterns.
The 2027 M3 CS Handschalter proves that even as the industry