Spyshots: 2012 Mercedes M-Klasse AMG

After last year when we presented to you a few sets of spyshots showing the next generation Mercedes M-Klasse, it's time to have a looksie at the AMG flavor of the model. Sure, a looksie is a bit of an overstatement, as there's really nothing visible under the heavy camo, so...

Regardless, the M-Klasse AMG is coming, roughly at the same time with it's regular peer, sometime in 2011. The car caught testing here near Nurburgring wears the tell-tale elements of an AMG SUV: AMG wheels, big cross-drilled brake discs and hood vents.

Under the heavy camo, a lower version of the ML AMG presents itself, with possibly different rear passenger-side door and dual exhaust. Larger air intakes on the front bumper seem to be featured on the new generation.

There's no official information to go on when it comes to the engine to be fitted under the hood. Speculation is the ML AMG will use a twin-turbo V8 unit, capable of developing 570 horsepower.

As for the regular ML, the new generation will turn to both in-use units and new ones. The petrol engines will likely include units with displacements ranging from 3.5l to 6.2l, with power outputs ranging from 272 to 510 hp. For the diesel version, engines are expected to be in the 3.0l – 4.0l range, with power outputs of 190 to 306+ hp.

Mercedes is also said to add a newer version of the hybrid system, which will probably be more fuel efficient than the current ML 450 Hybrid.