While vehicles are constantly in a state of change and newness, from design to engines and everything in between, the 2020 BMW M3 is confirmed to get
manual transmission, often considered a thing of the past. In fact, manual transmissions are absent more and more from new cars and are less and less
common in the United States. But, they are not only a sure way to give a vehicle more character and the driver more enjoyment by providing for a purer and all-out fun ride, but have clear cost-saving benefits. Manuals were often referred to as standards, and here’s why….
The news revealed/benefits….
Although the official reveal is months out, it was in recent news that BMW unveiled that the 2021 G80-Gen BMW M3 would come with a manual transmission. This was one of the main details released when it comes to the vehicle. The upcoming M3 will be presented in sDrive and xDrive form, and BMW is definitely providing the best of both worlds by offering an extra pedal and stick-shift on the M3 sDrive.
Considered “old school,” this driving option does provide its fair share of benefits when it comes to the overall feel of the drive. It is often the preferred choice for many “purists” and stick shifts are known to increase overall fuel efficiency and accelerate faster than automatics. But in the drive itself, many prefer the stick as it is a tactile, engaging experience, connecting the driver to the vehicle. The driver also feels more in control with stick, and motorists can see just what their car can do with gear in hand. They also tend to be less distracted in their vehicle because there is no time between shifts to fidget, check the phone or change the radio station.
Among other benefits to this driving option, generally speaking manual transmissions are easier to maintain, with clutches tending to be the most common repair. They are also known to get better gas mileage, boosting fuel efficiency anywhere from 5 to 15 percent.
Keeping the manual transmission option alive has much to do with giving the vehicle all out character, something that holds great appeal for many.
More on the M3….
In addition to stick shift, the M3, considered a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, will also be four-wheel-drive. There will be two separate versions —one with xDrive and an automatic transmission and another with RWD and a choice between the manual and the automatic. In other news about the vehicle, the entry-level M3/M4 models will have 480 horsepower, while the Competition trims will give out 510.
The styling of the M3 will have an aggressive look and feel, with large kidney grilles and a deep front bumper with sculpted air intakes. This will assist as much air as possible into the vehicle’s powerful engine. There will also be broader wheel matches than a basic 3 Series, as well as a subtle boot spoiler, carbon-fibre roofing system and four big exhaust tips that will set it apart from lower-powered cars with M Sport trim.
The M3 will share many interior parts and design with the standard 3 Series, including Alcantara trim, aluminum pedals and racy container seats. In the area of technology, the brand new M3 will boast a great array of safety features including autonomous emergency situation braking, lane-keep help and speed limitation acknowledgement.
The vehicle is expected to be released in 2020 and cost slightly more than the current car, beginning at around $62,000.
“In addition to stick shift, the M3, considered a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, will also be four-wheel-drive.”
Competition with rivals
BMW will also launch the M3 Competition, which will boast enhanced power, sharper suspension tuning, steering with sharper feedback, less rubber bushings in the subframe and chassis for more of a direct feel, as well as more of a performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system.
With the M3, BMW for the first time will be offering two drivetrain options. This makes clear sense as these not not just cars to tear up the roads, but also make for good daily drivers.
Luckily for those stick shift lovers, BMW still has a fondness for this driving option. This sport sedan offering a stick shift is among the new features that make this reveal next year that much more exciting. This next generation M3 may be taking us “back” with manual, but gives the vehicle its own stamp and its own very unique personality.
Your M3 just got WAY more fun to drive. Get set to see what this car can do!
