BMW is getting ready to give its hottest mid-sized SUVs a mild mid-life makeover.

    Both the X3 M and X4 M have been snapped during cold-weather testing ahead of a likely reveal later this year.

    The update will likely be headlined by the introduction of BMW’s latest iDrive operating system, OS7.0, with smarter voice commands and more screen real estate than you get in the current model.

    We also expect a redesigned shifter and some other tweaks to the centre console, along with new ambient lighting options.

    Whether we’ll see any upgrades to the X3 and X4 M’s powertrains isn’t yet clear.

    The recently revealed M3 and M4 Competition feature the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine as the X4 M Competition with the same power output (375kW), albeit with more torque (650Nm vs. 600Nm).

    Outside, tweaks are limited to the front and rear ends.

    There look to be slimmer LED headlights and a refreshed grille at the front, though we don’t expect the X4 to go full M3/M4 with its double kidneys.

    Instead, expect to see the kidneys become more conjoined, as with other recent BMW products, with the two separate elements separated only by a thin strip of chrome instead of body-colour paint.

    At the rear, changes appear to be limited to new tail light graphics and potentially a new rear bumper.

    MORE: BMW X3 news, reviews, comparisons and videos
    MORE: BMW X4 news, reviews, comparisons and videos
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    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

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