The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe was the highest selling model within the F80 range, globally. As a result, many believed that BMW M would capitalise on this and create an M4 Gran Coupe but this never became a reality. Project manager Robert Pilsl explains why this will be the same for the current G80 generation.
Speaking to BimmerToday, Pilsl explained that with the current variations of the M3 and M4; sedan, Coupe and soon-to-arrive Convertible and Touring, there is no need for a Gran Coupe.
“We’ll stay 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. We don’t see the need for an M4 Gran Coupé at the moment,” Says Pilsl. This is an interesting sentiment considering that the current M8 is available in Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe guise.
Speaking of the G82 touring, Pilsl explains why it’s taking so long to hit the dealerships. “For us, the BMW M3 Touring is a completely new vehicle, we haven’t made a Touring for a while. We don’t just put a different body on an existing chassis, because in the end the package should be just as convincing as the other variants. Some adjustments are necessary so that the Touring drives like a sedan, coupé or convertible.”
The BMW M3 and M4 were recently released in South Africa. There has been no confirmation on whether the Touring or Convertible will make their way to our market as yet.
