We might already have seen the new Mercedes G-Class at the Detroit motor show a couple of weeks ago, but that was a cooking version with the optional Night Package fitted – now we're getting to the bones of the range with a first look at the boxy off-roader equipped in its new AMG Line specification for a slightly sportier exterior. Far more representative of what the new G-Wagen is going to be wearing around Knightsbridge.
Giving us an insight into what to expect from the full-blown G63 AMG, the tarted up G-Class features mildly updated front and rear bumper and rides on one of two choices of 20-inch alloy wheels that AMG offers. One particularly noticeable change is the beefier wheel arches over both front and rear axles, along with multiple brushed aluminium exterior accents, and 'Mercedes-Benz' lettering on the front brake calipers. Fancy.
Rounding off the changes on the outside is the sports exhaust system, which is designed to make the most out of the soundtrack coming from the 4-litre twin-turbo V8 inside the G500 where it pumps out 422bhp and 450lb ft of torque.
Once you hop inside the revamped cabin, the 2018 G-Class AMG Line will greet you with a flat-bottomed steering wheel clad in Nappa leather and configured with a three-spoke design. To spice things up, Mercedes will also throw in AMG-branded floor mats and red accents for the leather upholstery as well as the seatbelts. Don't say the company never gives you anything.
If you’re more interested in upgrades underneath the bonnet rather than these more cosmetic changes, you won’t have to wait too long as Mercedes R&D boss Ola Källenius has revealed the G63 will be out sooner rather than later. Even the standard G-Class benefits from AMG’s expertise, however, as the suspension (including the front double wishbone setup), axles, shaft, drivetrain and knuckles have all been developed by Mercedes’ performance division.
The G65’s future seems uncertain at this point as the V12 is expected to survive only in Maybach models. That said, there could still (theoretically) be a G-Class with a mighty 6-litre twin-turbo V12 engine considering the previous generation did spawn a bonkers G650 Landaulet packaged as a Mercedes-Maybach model.
Gallery: 2018 Mercedes G-Class AMG Line
