Heads up Kim K, Autocar UK reported that the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been spotted testing, with a 'Panamericana' grille of its AMG counterparts.

The G-Class's styling will be moved more into line with its AMG-badged stablemates, where before a simpler grille was used. The Panamericana grille is also seen on most other hot Mercedes models, with vertical slats finished in chrome. Side-exit exhausts carried over from the current-generation car mark it out as the AMG variant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdkRzM5OqmI

The overhauled rugged SUV can be seen with new LED lighting at both the front and rear. Projector units are also seen through the headlight lenses, while the taillights have new round-shaped red lights. Few other changes have been made to the car's exterior, which has remained largely the same since the 1979 original.

Like all previous generations of the G-Class - aka G-Wagen - the future model will feature the same basic retro body mounted on a frame chassis with a live rear axle. But the new car will sit on a wider track, as illustrated by the more flared wheel arches, improving cabin space.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE_T8fFOb_w

Mercedes will equip the future model's interior with its latest infotainment system and trim - evidence for which came with a sighting of new door cards fitted to an earlier development car, shown in the gallery.

The 2018 G-Class will gain Mercedes' latest twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, first introduced by the Mercedes-AMG GT. The 'hot vee' unit is expected to replace the 5.5-litre engine of the current V8 model, offering improved performance and efficiency.

Above this, the new model will retain its range-topping turbocharged 6.0-litre V12, but lower down the range, the G 350 d will almost certainly trade its diesel V6 unit for Mercedes' cleaner and more potent straight-six alternative, which will be shared with the upcoming S-Class facelift.

The updated G-Class looks set to make its world debut later later this year, possibly at the LA motor show in September, before going on sale in 2018.