BMW M5 Competition: Automatic vs Manual Transmission Performance Guide

When it comes to the BMW M5 competition, performance is paramount—and so is transmission choice. With both automatic and manual options available, drivers weigh the benefits of precision, responsiveness, and driving engagement to find their ideal match.

The automatic transmission in the M5 delivers smooth, effortless shifts that enhance comfort without sacrificing power. Ideal for drivers prioritizing ease of use and dynamic performance, it seamlessly combines high torque with adaptive gear changes, making it a top pick for those seeking blendable acceleration and refined control.

The manual variant of the M5 offers unfiltered driver engagement—each shift demands precision and timing, delivering a visceral connection to the road. With immediate power delivery and responsive handling, it appeals to enthusiasts who value control, mechanical feedback, and a purist driving experience.

While automatics dominate with convenience and consistent performance, manuals deliver superior driver involvement and sharper feedback—key factors in high-stakes driving. The choice often hinges on whether prioritizing seamless performance or an interactive driving experience defines your style.

Whether you prefer the seamless power of the automatic or the tactile engagement of the manual, the BMW M5 competition setup ensures elite performance. For daily precision or spirited driving, the right transmission elevates every M5 journey—choose wisely to unlock your M5’s full potential.

In the M5, the six-speed manual replaced the standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and it also includes a rev-matching function. The Competition package was a $7500 option that upped the. Review of the BMW M5 from a professional The 2018 BMW M5 may have 600 horsepower, but it's an elegant and buttoned-up 600 horsepower, like that one wedding guest who never takes off his necktie, even at the end of the night.

In comparison to the competition, the M5 can now keep up with the quickest super. When exploring the question of *is bmw m5 automatic or manual*, it's essential to understand that the BMW M5 offers a sophisticated blend of performance and technology that caters to a wide range of driving preferences. This high-performance sedan has consistently evolved to incorporate state-of-the-art transmission options that mirror BMW's commitment to innovation and driving excellence.

I'm ready to buy a new 2008 M5 (I currently have a 2001 M5) and wanted to know if I should get the auto or the manual. I'm planning to special order it since I want it to have all options possible and for whatever reason dealers don't seem to think people might want that. Options?

If you fancy a modern BMW M5, but want a good old-fashioned manual gearbox for your troubles, this is how much you can get the last of the breed for. The definitive sports car for the executive set. The 2026 BMW M5 Sedan delivers shattering horsepower from its fine-tuned V-8, and comes complete with the latest technology and BMW M engineering for mastering performance on track days and everyday drives.

The 6-speed manual F10 BMW M5 is a rare gem-rear-wheel drive, 560 hp, and the last M5 with a stick. Here's why it might be the best one. Rare 2015 BMW M5 (Credits: Exotic Hunters) In the M5, the conventional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic was replaced by a six-speed manual transmission, which also boasts a rev-matching feature.

The coveted Competition package, available for an additional $7500, cranked up the output of the twin. The SMG marked the first use of an automatic transmission in the M5, and North American customers were so incensed by its standard fitment that, in 2007, BMW added a proper six. Read our 2026 BMW M5 review for information on ratings, pricing, specs, and features, and see how this sedan performed in our testing.