BMW has released information for 2021 model year updates across its lineup, and the one piece of disappointing news that stood out for most is that the brand will not be importing the halo M8 Coupe and Convertible models into the US for 2021. This comes after reports that the 8 Series range has not been selling as strongly as anticipated, with complaints that too many of the luxury coupes remain unsold at dealerships.

However, the M8 Gran Coupe, probably the prettiest member of the M8 family, will continue to be sold for the 2021 model year. That's good news for buyers who want to mix style and greater practicality, considering the incredibly cramped rear seats of the M8 Coupe.

BMW's rather cryptic update on these models doesn't indicate that the M8 Coupe/Convertible has been discontinued outright, but leads us to believe that they may be taking a bit of a break. Fans of these models should still be able to get their hands on one if dealers are to be believed and there remains good stock of them in showrooms.

Fortunately, less powerful 8 Series models remain for those who want the panache of a 7 Series but the design flair of a coupe or drop-top. The range includes the base 840i Coupe which is $100 more expensive than the 2020 model, along with the potent 523-horsepower M850i, which has not seen a price increase.

With up to 617 hp in the case of the M8 Competition, the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and all-wheel-drive grip combine to make this one of the quickest BMWs ever. However, there is the feeling that at over $130,000, the M8 neither feels as sporting as a Porsche 911 nor as luxurious as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, which is one of several Mercedes models also facing the axe.

There's more promising news for M-car fans lower down in the range, though, with the imminent unveiling of the new M3 and M4. Let's hope that demand for these more affordable products doesn't follow in the footsteps of the M8.