Currently sitting atop BMW’s X6 range is the xDrive50i but if these latest spy shots are anything to go by there may be a new top dog in the X6 lineup - just don’t call it an M car. A performance SUV doesn’t suit the M philosophy of increased performance through reduced weight, but demand for a more powerful version of the X6 will see BMW introduce a new high-performance version of the twin-turbocharged V8 model.

After witnessing Porsche and AMG rack up thousands of sales with their respective Cayenne and ML models, BMW is now primed to launch its own high-performance version of the X6 SUV. These latest spy shots show the car’s new front cowling, revealing much larger intakes than any previous X6 model plus a slightly revised grille and new side mirrors.

While still powered by BMW’s new 4.4L V8 twin-turbo engine, output is expected to be higher than the current 400hp (298kW) and 450lb-ft (600Nm) torque in the xDrive50i. The same powertrain is expected to feature in a similar version of the X5 SUV, which has also been spotted testing in prototype form.