BMW Design Boss Confirms Quad Tailpipes For All M Performance models

Domagoj Dukec, BMW Head of Design, has officially confirmed that all of the future models from the M Performance line will come with quad exhaust pipes, a feature that was previously reserved for full-blown M cars. However, despite having the same number of exhausts the designer admitted they will retain a level of differentiation in their shape.

More specifically, during an interview with BMW Blog, Domagoj said: “All the M Performance models will now have four exhaust pipes. You will also see this on the new X1 and all the upcoming M Performance cars. But not round pipes because it’s not the high-performance model. It will be a little different, more styled, and for M models we will have different ones.”

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The facelifted BMW M135i xDrive will come with quad tailpipes instead of the more subtle dual tailpipes of the current model

We already knew BMW was going to expand the range of quad-piped models from our scoop stories. Both the hotter variant of the next-generation BMW X1, and the facelifted M135i xDrive hot hatch have been spotted with four tailpipes. While those were round in the camouflaged prototypes, we guess that the production version will have some kind of an add-on with a different shape. Unlike most manufacturers who make use of fake exhausts, BMW is thankfully going for the real thing with all pipes being fully functional.

The new BMW M760e, which is actually the only trim of the new 7-Series with visible pipes, comes with quad exhausts featuring an elongated and angular shape matching the lines of the diffuser. This makes it clear it’s not a proper M7, but hints at the improved performance of the hybrid powertrain which in this case produces up to 483 hp (360 kW / 490 PS) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. Mind you, the previous generation V12-powered BMW M760i also came with quad pipes despite not being an M car.

The new BMW M760e is the most powerful variant of the ICE-powered 7-Series

The change brings the lesser M Performance line a step closer to the M line in terms of appearance, and more in line with the competition which is incorporating sportier styling traits. Still, BMW designers made sure you won’t easily mistake a 3-Series M Performance for an M3, due to the different bodykits, something that is not the case with Mercedes’ equivalent of AMG Line and full-blown AMG models.

As noted by BMW Blog, given that we are entering the era of electrification, this might be the last chance for the Bavarian automaker to add more tailpipes at the back of the last ICE-powered models. Do you agree with BMW’s designers in this regard or do you prefer your M Performance with dual tailpipes?