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R&T: BMW M Hasn't Given Up on Rear-Wheel Drive and Manual Transmissions Yet

Of course, the fact that the M5 is going auto only raises the inevitable question of whether it signals the death of manual transmissions. For Van Meel, the answer is no.

"From a rational standpoint, a manual transmission makes no sense—it's slower, and fuel economy is worse than with an automated transmission," Van Meel said. "Put that aside, it has an emotional component, which means there are a lot of people who love manual transmissions."

Drive: Next-gen BMW M2 to stay rear-wheel drive

Speaking at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show BMW board member, Klaus Frolich, confirmed that the M2 would not make the switch to front-wheel drive that many other compact BMWs are slated for.

“It was such a good car … I think it would be a very good idea to continue that legacy,” said Frolich when asked if the M2 would remain rear-wheel drive.