We always complain when a new model of a particular car looks exactly the same as the old one. Not this time though. In the case of the Mercedes G-Class, we would be mad if they’d actually changed it! This mightily cool and iconic car has received a slightly refreshed design, a new interior, and a couple of fine engines for 2013. Some of the changes are good, some are not, but the big G is as awesome as ever.

The best news about the new G-Class is that it has not let go of its AMG brothers. Not only there’s a new G63 on the block, Mercedes and AMG also decided to launch a V12-powered G65 version. Just for fun.

The G65 gets Mercedes’ legendary V12 biturbo engine with 450 kW/612 hp and 1000 Nm of torque, which guaranteed to make the car one of the fastest of its kind in the world. The new G63 model, replacing the old G55, gets the new 5.5 liter Biturbo V8 with 400 kW/544 hp and 760 Nm of torque and ECO start/stop system as standard. The G65 averages 17 liters/100 km and the G63 about 14.

If you just want the looks and not the power, you can go for either of the G500, which also comes as a Cabriolet, or the G350 Bluetec diesel. The diesel is fairly economical, but at 211 hp, it makes the car feel like a gun with no bullets; useless. The G500 is more like it with a 388 hp V8 engine. Both the G 350 and the G 500 feature the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as standard.

In terms of design, you get new LED daytime running lamps and new exterior mirrors for all engine variants. The AMG models also come with a new bolder grille, distinctive new bumpers with large air intakes. Red brake callipers and 20-inch wheels, available here for the first time, complement the emotive appeal of its exterior.

Inside the heavily revised cabin you get a new steering wheel, a TFT colour display in the instrument cluster between the two round dials, another TFT screen for the COMMAND Mercedes infotainment system), and the redesigned shift lever in the lower section of the centre console.

The 2013 G-Class comes fully loaded with features, including LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The options list include items like DISTRONIC PLUS, Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid PARKTRONIC with reversing camera. The ESP®system has been completely revised and now includes Trailer Stability Assist and a HOLD function.

And finally, the price. Well, it is as follows:

G 350 BlueTEC       85,311.10 euros
G 500                        99,948.10 euros
G 500 Cabriolet    100,900.10 euros
G 63 AMG               137,504.50 euros
G 65 AMG               264,180.00 euros