硕大双肾格栅，大尺寸合金轮圈，车尾典型的四排气尾管，这一切以前都是用来形容X6M的，而在最近拍到的X4M雪地测试谍照上也出现了上述元素。作为奔驰-AMGCLC63轿跑车的竞争车型，这辆M版X4采用了全部量产车配置和前后照明系统，只是没有配备后反光板/雾灯。在谍照记者去年八月看到M0i和M40d之后，已经不难想象这辆X4M的云纹伪装下会掩盖这什么样的车身，包括更大进气口，外延轮拱和后扰流器。更突出运动风格的悬挂设置让车身行驶高度更低，轮圈内配备更大刹车盘，内装也进一步升级。据传X3M和X4M将共享改进后的S553.0升六缸涡轮增压引擎，内部编号为S58，新引擎功率将从目前的444马力提升至470或475马力。未来，这台引擎还将配备在下一代M3上，在混动系统加持下，该车功率将达到约500马力。全新一代的宝马X4将会在今年年末正式亮相，不过初期亮相的车型并不会包括这辆X4 M，预计新车将会在明年亮相。至于同平台的宝马X3 M倒是会在今年年末正式亮相。

BMW X4 M Spied Up Close Heating Up Cold Test Day

Big kidney grilles up front, large alloy wheels on the sides, and the typical four exhaust tips at the back – that’s how one could describe a BMW M car. Just like the X6 M, the first-ever X4 M will be a special appearance in Bavaria’s M portfolio as it will bank on the popularity of coupe-ified SUVs to lure in buyers willing to pay the premium over the regular X3 M.

Going up against the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe, the M-flavored X4 had the full production body and lights, though it seems the test vehicle was missing the rear reflector / fog lights. Having seen the M40i and M40d versions without any sort of camouflage back in August last year, it’s really not that hard to image what’s hiding underneath the swirly camouflage of the X4 M prototype. The amped-up will look slightly more aggressive thanks to beefier air vents, bulging fenders, and a rear spoiler. A sportier suspension with a lower ride height, bigger brakes, and some interior tweaks will round off the upgrades over the lesser models.

Rumor has it the X3 M and X4 M will share an evolution of the turbocharged 3.0-liter S55 six-cylinder engine powering the M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe. Codenamed “S58,” the new version will up the power ante from the current 444 hp to somewhere in the region of 470 hp or even 475 hp. Further down the line, the engine will then be implemented in the next M3 where it will supposedly form a hybrid powertrain with roughly 500 hp on tap.

BMW has announced the standard X4 will premiere later this year, most likely with the hotter M40i and M40d versions available from day one. Look for the fully fledged M version to land at some point in 2019, following the X3 M’s supposed launch later this year.