Mercedes Benz

Approaching the end of an over 30-year career in the automotive industry, the G-Class is scheduled to receive a last revamp for 2012 before the 4x4 is put to rest. Apart from the Edition Select and BA3 Final Edition (announcing the discontinuation of the SWB version) that were launched during the summer of 2011, the ultimate highlights of the restyled Gelandewagen lineup will be the new G 55 AMG, to receive the 5.5-litre biturbo V8 unit, and the limited-series G 65 AMG model, a mighty beast pumping out no less than 630 hp out of the well-known 6.0-litre V12 engine.


The latest spy shots reveal a merely-camouflaged G 65 AMG prototype snapped in a garage located in the exotic Dubai. Photographers took their time to capture every key modification the new vehicle from Affalterbach will display. The front end will be dominated by a slightly-revised radiator grille with three chromed louvres and a new bumper, with bigger air intakes. The circular headlamps will stay the same, but Mercedes-Benz could fit the car with LED daytime running lights, as it happens with every new model from Stuttgart. However, the biggest changes take place inside, where we find a new steering wheel (borrowed from the recently-launched M-Class), a new instrument cluster and a new center console. Furthermore, the upcoming G 65 AMG will be fitted with the latest technology: a new aircon management unit, a new gear lever for the AMG MCT-7 SPEEDSHIFT transmission and, last but not least, the COMAND Online infotainment system operated through a rotary controller. Compared to the G 55 AMG, the V12-powered G 65 AMG will be a limited edition model, between 100 and 500 units being programmed for assembly, at a prohibitive purchase price, of course. Mercedes-Benz is expected to drop first details and pictures on its new G-Class range either towards the end of this year or in early 2012.

Related articles:

- Potent G 65 AMG in the cards?
- SPY: Unknown G-Class AMG prototype scooped in the U.S.
- SPY: The Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG is in for a makeover in 2012