For lovers of Mercedes’ most classic model, the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was officially unveiled to the world today, well in advance of its June launch. Maintaining its legendary design that’s noted worldwide accolade over the past 30 years, the facelifted 2013 G-Class and G63 AMG offer the perfect amount of updates while staying true to its heritage.

Exterior modifications include new LED daytime driving lamps and new exterior mirrors, while the AMG version also features a new, characteristic AMG radiator grille with double louvers and new bumpers with large air intakes. More options include red brake calipers and 20-inch wheels, available for the first time.

The major changes to the updated G-Class can be seen on the inside, where a completely redesigned center console and instrument panel have been added.  Features include new controls and updated trim as well as a TFT color display in the instrument cluster between the two round gauges. A large color screen positioned in the center is part of the COMAND system, and it incorporates a DVD changer as well as the standard COMAND Controller.

Engine options for the 2013 G-Class include the powerful 5.5-litre V8 gasoline engine in the G550, which has an output of 388 hp and 391 lb-ft. of torque.  As is to be expected, the engine is mated to the familiar 7-speed automatic transmission. This is now the sixth generation of the stepped automatic transmission that has been developed and produced by Mercedes-Benz (starting from 1960), and it has once again been thoroughly revised and optimized in regard to both consumption and comfort.  And for the power hungry among you, a new G63 AMG with V8 biturbo engine outputting 544 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque has been added to the lineup, which features the ECO stop/stop system as standard.

You can see more of the updated 2013 Mercedes G-Class in the gallery below,or expand the press release for more in-depth information on the classic SUV.

We recently brought you news that the Mercedes G-Class will continue its production with Magna through 2016, and now we have a glimpse of what is in the works for the G-Class. Last summer, we saw a G55 with large air intakes testing in the desert. Today we have spy photos of a second prototype with similarly large air intakes undergoing winter weather testing around the Arctic. In addition to the AMG prototype was a standard Mercedes-Benz G550, likely for comparison sake.

The stealthy spy photogs over at Motor Authority offered up information about the sound of the engines in addition to taking revealing photos. Spy photographers confirmed that the prototype was far louder than the standard G55 AMG which has been dropped for the 2012 model year.

As always, as more news comes in on engine specifics, we will keep you posted.

Source: Motor Authority