The next-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class is close to a debut, possibly as soon as the Detroit Auto Show in January, and a new spy video reveals the latest state of the G63's development. This one features a digital instrument panel. A mule in previous spy shots (gallery below) provided a better view of the cabin, but that model had analog instruments. It's not clear at this point whether the earlier model is simply early in development or whether Mercedes intends to offer the digital panel as an option. In addition, the interior features a large display on the center stack. Below it, there's metallic trim surrounding stylish vents and an array of physical controls. This video shows two test mules under development. One of them appears to be in a more finished state. Mercedes' mesh over the front end can't hide the shiny vertical slats in the company's Panamericana grille. Horizontal dividers break up the corner intakes in the lower fascia, and there's mesh in the center section. The headlights are under heavy concealment, but the engineers expose the LEDs in the center. The other model in this clip has standard halogen lights. In profile, the G63 continues to look tough. It features muscular fenders, an upright stance, and side-exit exhausts. Around back, there's a big rear window and fairly tiny rectangular taillights. Mercedes recently announced that it would discontinue the G500 4脳4虏 at the end of October. This suggests the company is winding down production of the current generation in preparation for the new model. The next G-Class reportedly rides on a new platform that helps it cut a significant amount of weight. Mercedes-AMG's 4.0-liter biturbo V8 would power the new G63, and the 6.0-liter biturbo V12 would continue to motivate the G65.

What鈥檚 interesting: Drag coefficient is 0.54, perhaps the worst out there. FRANKFURT, Germany鈥擬ercedes is quick to call its G-Class SUV an icon. At 36 years old, it鈥檚 certainly that. But so is a 鈥?9 Caddy with sky-high tail fins, and the original Harley-Davidson Sportster, and Meatloaf, and Jack Nicholson. It doesn鈥檛 mean they鈥檙e still any good. Cadillac and Harley kept up with the times by redesigning everything 鈥?can鈥檛 say the same for Meatloaf and Jack 鈥?but the G-Wagen just keeps soldiering on. It looks a little different from the utilitarian off-roader of the 1980s, on the outside at least, and that鈥檚 why its owners buy it. It鈥檚 鈥渜uirky鈥?after all. For the first half of its life, it was the only SUV in Mercedes鈥?lineup, stripped-down for the military, but now it鈥檚 just one of at least six. Popular demand for crossovers and SUVs increased 25 per cent around the world in the last year, and the German automaker is moving quickly to satisfy it. Already in 2015, Mercedes introduced the GLA and GLE and GLC, and it鈥檚 soon to reveal the GLS.

Actually, there are plenty of reasons. Let me list a few. It drinks fuel like a thirsty race car, mostly thanks to its slab-fronted aerodynamics and solid weight. The new 4.0-litre biturbo V8 in the G550 is apparently 17 per cent more fuel efficient than the previous generation, but that only translates to a European combined fuel consumption rating of 12.3 L/100 km. I drove the more powerful G63 AMG, which has a 5.5-litre biturbo V8 engine and official European efficiency of 13.8 L/100km. In fact, my average over a couple of hours of driving came out to a staggering 22.9 L/100 km. Some of that time was in the city, some was hauling on the Autobahn, and most was stuck in traffic. 250 in premium fuel. 100 for the round trip. Most owners don鈥檛 care about fuel consumption, however. Mercedes says 70 per cent of its Canadian buyers opt for the 571 hp G63, or now its 630 horsepower G65 AMG V12-powered big brother. So forget about the fuel.

Well, it鈥檚 loud, thanks to the near-vertical windscreen. And you can鈥檛 see much out the back window, thanks to the rear headrests and the giant spare tire obscuring much of the glass. It鈥檚 comfortable enough, cosseted by thick leather and seats that adjust every which way, but if you鈥檙e the driver, the throttle pedal is too close to the seat. My foot ached in the awkward position and I turned on the cruise control whenever I could. This is a vehicle that started out as an army truck, don鈥檛 forget. It was only when the Hummer was popular that Mercedes began kitting it out to meet public demand. It鈥檚 also going to be cramped if there are passengers in the back. When the people in the front have enough legroom, those at the back are compromised, and vice versa. Headroom鈥檚 not a problem though. There鈥檚 lots of room to keep your helmet on.