X4 M

Make
BMW
Segment
SUV

With SUV sales booming, BMW wants to capitalize on the demand and is wasting no time updating its SUV family across a variety of segments. A facelift is planned for the X2and the Bavarian automaker is preparing to roll out the next-generation X1 subcompact. On the other end of the spectrum, all-new models are also coming including the first-ever X8 luxury SUV and the iX flagship electric SUV.

If you're in the market for a sports SUV, BMW has been caught testing a prototype of the upcoming X4 M facelift, which will be joined by an updated X3 M. Spied undergoing testing in the snow to put the components under strain, the prototype's front is completely covered up, so we can expect revisions to the grille, intakes, and bumper.

Like the 5 Series facelift, the X4 M also sports updated headlights with a sleeker design. After BMW presented the polarizing 4 Series, M4, and M3 you would be forgiven for worrying that BMW's gigantic kidney grille will carry over to other models. While the X4 M's grille looks larger than its predecessor's, it won't be as massive as the grille on its M4 sibling, although they will have a different shape and the kidney grilles will be positioned closer together.

At the back, it looks like the diffuser between the two exhaust pipes will be larger, while the rear bumper will be tweaked and the taillights will feature updated graphics.

We weren't treated to a look inside the prototype, but we're expecting the infotainment system to be updated with a larger screen and the area around the gear shifter to be redesigned. The shifter knob will also be redesigned and BMW's iDrive system will be updated to the latest iDrive 7 system.

Since the new M3 and M4 have the same outputs as the current X3 M and X4 M, we aren't expecting any changes under the hood, meaning the X4 M will pack a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 473 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. BMW hasn't confirmed when the X4 M will debut, but there's a good chance it will be revealed sometime this year after the standard X4 breaks cover.