After the new BMW 4 Series, M3 and M4 arrived with massive grilles, it came as a relief to see BMW testing prototypes of the upcoming X3 and X4 M facelifts with regular-sized grilles. After the regular X3 was spied earlier this month with refreshed styling, our spy photographers have now caught its sportier X3 M sibling undergoing testing for the first time. And don't worry, it also won't be getting the big grille treatment.

Caught preparing to be unleashed onto the Nurburgring for some hot laps, the X3 M prototype is covered in camouflage at the front and rear in order to disguise the design details.

However, the grille appears to have slightly larger kidneys positioned closer together, but they're nowhere near as massive as the new 4 Series and M4's nostrils. It also looks like the front bumper will feature redesigned air intakes and the rear bumper has received some minor design tweaks. Like the recently refreshed 5 Series, the updated X3 M will gain slimmer headlights and restyled daytime running lights.

At the back, we're expecting the taillights to be restyled with new graphics along with a larger diffuser between the exhaust pipes. Our spies didn't manage to snap any photos of the interior, but there's a good chance the X3 M facelift will gain a larger infotainment screen and updated switchgear.

We aren't expecting any changes under the hood, however, so expect the X3 M to be powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six twin-turbo producing 473 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque in the standard X3 M and 503 hp and 442 lb-ft in the more powerful Competition variant. This is the same unit found under the hood of the new M3 and M4, so the updated X3 M is unlikely to get a power boost.

BMW hasn't confirmed when the X3 M will debut, but it won't be until next year at the earliest since the regular X3 facelift hasn't been revealed yet.