It’s the End of an Era for One of the Car World’s Greatest Performance Icons

The end of the road for the gas-only BMW M3 is near.

Red BMW M3 sedan drifting on a race track with smoke around the rear tires.

Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

Published May 26, 2026

·

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Welp, it was only a matter of time. The era of the gas-only BMW M3 is coming to a close, as 2027 will be the car’s last official model year.

The tip comes from BMW Car Club of America’s blog, BimmerLife, which sat down with Scott Stirling, BMW’s chief product planner for the 3 and 4 Series, and the X3.

According to Stirling, the writing is on the wall. Not only is it the end of the G80’s series production lifecycle, but it’s also the last model that will be strictly powered by internal combustion. It marks a grand automotive finale and a huge moment in car history.

The G80 is the last gas-only M3

Red BMW sedan with black racing stripes and bronze wheels parked on a green and white checkered surface. — BMW recently revealed the extraordinary M3 CS Handschalter.

During the interview with Stirling, BMW CCA discussed the inspiration behind the unique CS Handschalter. It’s the latest variant of the G80 M3, built as a North America-only special.

However, it’s not just a limited-production and specially equipped manual M3. It’s actually the model’s swan song as it prepares to drive off into the sunset.

Because the current G80 M3 is on its way out, BMW wanted to go out with a bang (all the more so since it will technically be the last of the gas-only M3s).

Red BMW sedan with black racing stripes and bronze wheels parked on a white and green surface under a blue sky. — In addition to being a very special version of the M3 CS, it’s actually the G80’s swan song.

To really honor the occasion, BMW wanted to tip its hat to the hardest of the hardcore enthusiasts. And it did so with the Handschalter, which is a specialized version of the track-focused, rear-drive-only M3 CS.

In normal circumstances, the M3 CS is only available with BMW M-Performance-tuned xDrive all-wheel drive and a track-optimized ZF eight-speed automatic. It’s what makes the Handschalter a very special car. Its uniqueness is also part of why Stirling, a staunch M3 fan, had to push for its approval.

10

1 / 5

10

1 / 5

“Given the production cycles, this is the last model year of G80, so this was my only opportunity. M3 is my favorite moniker regardless if it’s a four door. I own two M3s right now,” Stirling said in his interview.

“So from a nerd and personal standpoint, doing the M3 was not more important, but it meant more to me,” Stirling continued. “Do I think it would look really good on M4? Yeah. Will that happen? I don’t know.”

BMW is still keeping enthusiasts in mind

Normally, the M3 CS comes with track-tuned xDrive all-wheel drive and an eight-speed auto, but the Handschalter is rear-drive-only and comes with a six-speed manual.

BMW

Despite many automakers pumping the brakes on electrification, BMW is still moving forward with its march towards electron-based propulsion.

The Bavarian automaker might still be looking at an all-electric future. However, it’s delaying the push to make the transition easier for consumers. The delay is also to allow more time for infrastructure to develop (mainly charging and battery technology).

BMW M Power engine with silver strut brace in a red car. — BMW M plans to keep internal combustion around, but not without the help of electric hybridization.

To bridge the gap, BMW will be continuing its use of internal combustion for many of its high-performance M models. Though, they’ll be electricially-assisted hybrids, as opposed to being gas-only models.

BMW is also not just focusing on hybrids and plug-in hybrids, for either its M or standard cars. The automaker is also moving forward with a “multi-energy” approach. This involves offering both all-electric and gas-electric-hybrid-powered variants of its models.

Red BMW sedan drifting on a race track under a clear blue sky. — The G80 will be the last gas-only M3 ever.

That way, consumers can choose what’s best for their wants and needs. Versus being forced to adapt a specific powertrain type.

Availability and pricing

Sales for the BMW M3 CS Handschalter will commence in the coming months. But knowing now that it’s the gas-only M3 and the G80’s final swan song, its desirability likely skyrocketed. So, be prepared to pay for that premium if you head off to the dealer to score one.

Red BMW sedan with black racing stripes and bronze wheels parked on a raceway track.

2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter

Starts at $108,450

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.