Our spy photographers have just relayed these images of an M Performance variant of the BMW X4 taken in Germany. There are no plans to make a proper M version of the coupe-crossover until the next generation arrives in 2018. So, in the meantime, buyers will have the option of this – the X4 M40i. Powered by the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six as the upcoming BMW M2, the M40i will have up to 380 hp and come with a choice of automatic and manual gearboxes.

A cut out in the rear bumper suggests the X4 M40i will eventually sport quad exhausts, while beefier brakes are also expected. Production of the BMW X4 M40i is expected to start in December 2015, so a public debut at Frankfurt 2015 seems a fair assumption.