May 19, 2026
BMW sends off the 6th-gen M3 CS with a manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive
Imagine standing at a crossroads — BMW is saying goodbye to its sixth-generation M3 CS with a true manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, something rare these days. Jonathan M. Gitlin reports that, while most high-performance cars have shifted to dual-clutch automatics, BMW is offering a last hurrah for enthusiasts who love to row their own gears. The 2027 M3 CS is designed for maximum driver engagement, exclusive to North America, and keeps the old-school manual alive with a six-speed stick — something that’s almost extinct in the world of turbocharged, electronically everything. As Gitlin notes, BMW’s move isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a statement that real driver involvement still matters. What’s fascinating here is BMW’s recognition that, for true enthusiasts, paddle shifters can’t replace the tactile feel of a clutch and shifter, especially on a car this focused. So what does this mean? It’s a rare, bold gesture in an industry rushing to electric, proving that sometimes, the pure joy of driving still has a place — and BMW is betting on that.