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One design trend that really needs to fade away is the fake exhaust tip. Brands like Mercedes and Audi have been using them for quite some time, but BMW has wisely steered clear of this irritating trend. The good news is that vehicles from Bavaria will continue to embrace genuine exhaust designs in the future. Nonetheless, as you've likely observed, an increasing number of models are hiding their exhausts beneath the bumper.
We inquired with Adrian Van Hooydonk, the head of design at BMW Group, about the possibility of regular models featuring visible exhaust pipes in the future. He expressed that non-M BMWs already possess a sporty and aggressive aesthetic, even without the exhaust tips protruding from the rear bumper. Meanwhile, M models will continue to showcase the classic quad-pipe design, which has recently been adopted by M Performance vehicles as well.
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Models such as the M135i, M235i, X1 M35i, X2 M35i, and the X3 M50 all have four tips now. The same holds true for bigger SUVs such as the X5 M60i, X6 M60i, and X7 M60i, along with the M760e sedan. We mustn’t omit the M850i, although its days are numbered. Elsewhere, spy shots have revealed that the next-generation 3 Series, likely called the M350 xDrive, will also adopt the more aggressive exhaust layout.
According to our sources, BMW will keep the V8 engine alive for the next-generation X5, X6, and X7. Logic tells us M derivatives are planned, so the quad-pipe layout is not going away. Additionally, a new gasoline-fueled M3 with an inline-six is also in the works. The jury is still out on whether it’ll have the true M engine, the S58, or the B58.
Moreover, the M2 still has many years ahead, but its big brother, the M4, is reportedly dying after this generation. Before that happens, BMW will pull the plug on the X4 and its M variant this year. All told, there will be fewer models with visible exhausts, but that’s still better than putting fake tips on everything.
