2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

The German carmaker has published the first official photographs of the G63 AMG on its corporate website, ahead of the SUV's world premiere at the Auto China 2012 in Beijing.

The second most powerful model in the 2013 G-Class series sports the same twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 direct injection petrol engine with a start-stop system found in other AMG models like the CLS 63 AMG and SL 63 AMG.

In this application, the bi-turbo V8 delivers a maximum output of 536hp (544PS) at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 760Nm (560 lb-ft) between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. It is linked to a 7-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system with three electrically controlled, 100-percent differential locks.

Mercedes isn’t telling us yet how fast the G63 AMG is, but it did reveal that the G55 AMG's replacement returns an average fuel consumption of 13.8lt/100km (17mpg US or 20.5mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 322g/km, making it the second most efficient model in the G-Class series behind the diesel powered G350 BlueTEC (11.2lt/100km or 21mpg US / 25.2mpg UK).

On the outside, the G63 AMG sports a new front bumper design with additional air ducts, a twin-bar grille, larger alloy wheels and side mounted exhaust pipes. The interior is also upgraded with bespoke instruments, carbon fiber trim, and two-tone leather seats.

Story References: Mercedes via MB-Passion