BMW is expected to reveal a hotter version of its X3 SUV, the X3 M, later this year.

The model, which has been recently spotted testing in minimal camouflage at the Nürburgring, gets new bumpers, more prominent exhausts, new alloy wheels and LED headlamps and tail-lamps as standard.

The most obvious change comes under the bonnet as the X3 M is expected to borrow the M3 and M4’s 430hp, 3.0-litre, straight-six, twin-turbo, petrol motor. The SUV’s suspension set-up - a modified double-wishbone at the front and multi-link at the rear – is also expected to be used on the X4 M that is due sometime in 2018.

The X3 M will be the new range-topping variant, slotting above the X3 M40i M Performance, which is powered by a 360hp, twin-turbo 3.0-litre, straight-six engine. With a 70hp difference between the two, the X3 M is expected to better the X3 M40i M Performance’s claimed 0-100kph time of 4.8 seconds.

The X3 M will rival the Porsche Macan Turbo and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 in international markets when launched. There is no word on this version coming to India, though BMW has planned to bring the X2 and X4 SUVs to the country in 2018.

M-spec versions of the X5 and X6 are currently sold in India, priced at Rs 1.86 crore and Rs 1.92 crore, respectively (prices on-road, Delhi).