BMW lifted the wraps off the first-ever X3 M and X4 M performance crossovers earlier this year but we're still waiting for the new X5 to get the full M treatment. We may not have to wait too long for the covers to come off, however, as it appears to be getting closer to production. Our spy photographers have spotted a new prototype X5 M flexing its muscles at the Nurburgring with less camouflage than before. This gives us our clearest look yet at the 2020 X5 M, although we've already seen it without any camouflage in leaked low-resolution factory photos.

We can now see the aggressive air intakes dominating the front fascia, and the quad tailpipes also indicate we're looking at the full-fat X5 M. Elsewhere, the sporty SUV has been fitted with beefy brakes with blue calipers and drilled discs.

Like the regular X5, the X5 M will ride on BMW's new CLAR platform that underpins the 5 Series, 7 Series, and the Rolls Royce Phantom. This new platform should make the X5 M significantly lighter and more agile to drive. No doubt it was given an exhaustive workout at the Green Hell.

Under the hood, the new BMW X5 M is expected to use the M5's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine. We're expecting it to have a similar output to the M5, with around 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Power will be sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system will be standard.

If this isn't enough power for you, last month's leaked photos confirmed that BMW is also cooking up a hardcore X5 M Competition that will offer similar upgrades as the M5 Competition. In the sedan, the V8 engine has been tuned to produce 617 hp while torque remains the same. Other modifications include stiffer engine mounts, lowered suspension, updated dampers, and a stiffer sway bar. No word yet when the new X5 M will break cover, but the official reveal can't be too far away now.