BMW M cars to ditch DCT transmissions going forward

BMW isn't interested on offering manual transmission on EVs, like some other brands.

BMW M division's head of development, Dirk Hacker, has confirmed that no future M cars will get dual-clutch transmissions.

While none of the current M models offer DCTs, it is the first time a policy has been made public by BMW's performance division. Reports suggest that the decision to stop offering the dual-clutch gearbox was reached when the previous-gen M5 was being developed.

Dirk Hacker stated, “The double clutch, from BMW M’s point of view these days, it’s gone. It’s now manual or automatic, and automatic electrified for the future.”

He further added, that the decision was made not only because of cost but also overall usability, in terms of comfort, manoeuvring and parking; among others. The DCT was known for its precision and smooth shifts at higher speeds. However, Hacker claims that the new automatic transmission is actually faster at high speeds than a DCT. This is also a reason why BMW use the new transmission even on its M4 racecar.

Coming to the manual transmission, BMW currently offers a 6-speed manual on its latest-gen M2 and is expected to continue offering it. However, the manual will also be discontinued at the end of the current-gen M2's lifecycle, around 2030.

Also, while some car brands are working on offering manual transmissions even for EVs, BMW says they aren't interested. Hacker stated, “I think it could be done, but we will not do that."

Source: TheDrive