MINI farewells the manual gearbox

The manual gearbox, once a defining feature of MINI’s cheeky and driver-focused personality, will not return in any of the brand’s next-generation models.

Speaking at the local launch of the 2025 MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) range, MINI Australia and New Zealand confirmed that manuals are officially off the table – for good.

“There’s no plan for manual transmissions,” said MINI Australia and New Zealand General Manager, Alex Brockhoff. “Customer demand on manuals is very low,” he added.

It’s a bittersweet update for enthusiasts who still associate MINI with spirited, clutch-in, gear-rowing fun. But in reality, the writing’s been on the wall for some time.

According to MINI Head of Product and Planning, James Orlov, manuals only accounted for a sliver of sales in recent years.

“We usually were seeing in the realm of about 3 per cent of volume,” Orlov explained. “At the end of the previous generation, we did see a little spike in demand once we announced there wasn’t going to be a manual – that’s unsurprising. But it’s still a very small percentage.”

Orlov also pointed to global supply constraints and compliance requirements as further barriers to keeping three-pedal MINIs alive. “Out of the uncertainty with wiring harnesses from Ukraine, we had to prioritise by volume – which was the automatic – and the new generation was not prioritised at all for manual,” he said. “As we move towards Euro 7 in Europe, that will probably seal the deal.”

This shift away from manuals is part of a broader industry trend. Once considered essential for a ‘true’ driving experience, manual gearboxes are fast becoming a niche offering, with many car-makers phasing them out in favour of automatics or electrified drivetrains that simply don’t support the format.

The loss of the manual will sting for purists, but MINI seems confident its next-gen vehicles will still carry the spirit of the brand – even with only two pedals. The new JCW models promise go-kart handling, punchy performance, and high-end tech and safety features to match. Whether petrol or electric, the message from MINI is clear: the future is fast, fun… and automatic.

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