The updated 2015 Mercedes-Benz G-Class wagon has been revealed, with the new G 500 getting a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Outputs are also lifted for the diesel version.
In terms of styling changes, they are limited to keep the robust look of the G-Class alive. There are some revised bumper bars though, and bigger wheel arch extensions taken from the AMG version.
Under the chisel-jawed bonnet, the G 350d now produces 180kW (up from 155kW) and 600Nm (from 540Nm), with the 0-100km/h sprint coming up in 8.9 seconds. Mercedes says fuel consumption has been reduced, however, specific figures are yet to be announced.
Stepping up to the G 500 gets you a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 derived from the AMG GT sports car engine. In the G-Class it produces 310kW and 610Nm, with 0-100km/h taken care of in just 5.9 seconds.
If it is outright performance you want though you have to go for one of the two AMG variants. The G 63 AMG comes with a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 420kW and 760Nm, capable of 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds, while the top G 65 AMG comes with a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 producing 463kW and 1000Nm. The V12, strangely, only manages 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
Other updates for the range include new alloy wheels, with 18-inch items standard on the G 350d, and new colour options and two-tone themes, as well as a revised suspension system for the standard models to improve body control and on-road comfort.
