With production to begin in December, the M Performance variant of the BMW X4 has been spied testing totally free of camo. Like other near-M models, the X4 M40i as it will be called, boasts an array of M goodies including an aggressive body kit, bigger wheels and brakes, and a sportier suspension and chassis setup. There'll also be some interior upgrades in the form of a M-built steering wheel and sporty seats, while power will come from the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six set to feature in the upcoming M2, developing in the region of 375 hp.

We'll know whether BMW plans to sell the X4 M40i in the US if the car appears at next month's LA Auto Show, as it is being widely tipped to do.