After a couple of previews, AMG finally drops more images and details of the new 2013 G63 AMG. Normally, it should be called the G55, because it always have been, and it’s got a 5.5 liter bi-turbo engine. But they decided to call it the G63, to match the rest of the cars in AMG range. Apart from the new engine, the big G also gets a rather deep facelift, and a a revised interior.

While the interior changes, including an AMG instrument cluster with colour TFT screen, AMG main menu and separate gear display, plus white-lit AMG sills on all doors, as well as a new infotainment system, steering wheel and fine leather upholstery, are most welcome, changes to the exterior might not go down well with die hard AMG fans.

The new front bumper with its big air intakes, plus the new LEDs and the front grille, they do indeed give the G63 a fresh new look. But a design icon like the G-Class should not be altered too much, or it’ll be ruined.

The looks might not be all that brilliant, but the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine which develops a maximum output of 400 kW (544 hp) and a torque of 760 newton metre is more than make up for that. The top speed is not that thrilling at 210 km/h, but a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.4 seconds, that’s truly astonishing. What’s more, thanks to some fuel saving technologies including the auto start/stop, the G63 is 13 percent more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

2013 Mercedes G63 AMG is priced at 137,504.50 euros in Germany.