2021 BMW X4 M update spied

The second-generation BMW X4 coupe SUV was introduced back in 2018 so it’s just about time for a mid-cycle nip-and-tuck.

The update will likely be headlined by the introduction of BMW’s latest iDrive operating system, OS7.0. We also expect a larger infotainment system, a redesigned shifter, and some other tweaks to the centre console.

Our spy photographers captured the updated X4 in M guise. 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.

Mind you, BMW could put huge double kidneys on a coupe SUV just to really drive you all crazy.

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

Whether we’ll see any upgrades to the X4’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).

The M Competition currently tops the local X4 range, which also consists of xDrive20i, xDrive30i, M40i models.

Sales are holding steady against its arch-rival, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, with 951 units year-to-date against 891 from the swoopy Benz.

The segment is about to get a little more interesting, however, as Audi introduces its rival coupe SUV: the Q5 Sportback.

Though Audi remains coy about the prospect of an RSQ5, it has confirmed there’ll be an SQ5 variant of the Sportback that’ll serve as a diesel-powered and likely similarly-priced alternative to the X4 M40i.