The X6 may well be the one of the most controversial models BMW has produced but it has been a big success for the Bavarian manufacturer and has reached the point in its life cycle where it needs a nip and tuck.

Announced alongside the news that the X6 is to get a de-facto M diesel variant the facelift is subtle and possesses something of a blink-and you miss it quality.

The chrome grille is a little wider than before; the fog lights are repositioned and are housed in matt finish surrounds; adaptive LED headlights are now available replacing the bi-Xenon items of old and out back there are new light clusters similar to those of the current 5 Series. The styling changes are more than just cosmetic though as the wider grille and repositioned lights improve engine cooling and breathing.

The colour palette for the X6 has been extended to two non-metallic and eight metallic colours, including shades such as Marrakech Brown and Midnight Blue, while the leather trim is now available in Vermilion Red. As standard the X6 comes fitted with 19-inch rims with 20-inch versions available as an option.

We expect the updated BMW X6 to debut at the Geneva Motor Show.