It's been quite some time since we've heard anything regarding the rumored BMW M4 Gran Coupe. The regular M3 and M4 have arrived and the convertible variant of the latter is due shortly. But the M4 Gran Coupe is a different matter. Almost exactly a year ago, we reported BMW decided to proceed with production in order to have a response to the Audi RS5 Sportback. But the world has changed dramatically since then. Bimmer Today was told by M project manager Robert Pilsl the M4 Gran Coupe is no longer happening.

"We'll stick with the well-known core models for the time being, then go one better with the Touring and believe overall that we are offering a very good mix," he said. "We don't see the need for an M4 Gran Coupe at the moment."

The 'Touring' he's referring to is the upcoming M3 Wagon. There are still no plans to bring it to the US and we doubt there ever will be. But the M4 Gran Coupe is something different and there's certainly a market for four-door coupes. What's changed since last spring? The pandemic.

Automakers have been forced to reevaluate just about everything since March 2020. There's a new US president in office who's pushing for major emissions reductions and other clean energy initiatives. Automakers, specifically General Motors, Ford of Europe, Bentley, Volvo, and Jaguar have pledged to drop combustion engines entirely over the course of several years.

Tesla assumed the title of the world's most valuable automaker last June, an honor previously bestowed to Toyota. EVs like the 523-horsepower BMW i4 are now the main focus. Given that the M3 produces a maximum of 503 hp with the Competition package, there's really no need for a four-door coupe version. The i4 already fills that role and does so with zero emissions.

For now, all BMW battery electrics ride on a modified version of the CLAR platform, which also underpins a vast range of models, including the 3, 5, and 7 Series, and X3, X5, X6, and X7 SUVs. BMW's first dedicated EV architecture is not due until 2025.