Leaked: 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class interior

Pictures have emerged of the next-gen Mercedes-Benz G-Class cabin, proving the replacement for the rugged, near 40-year-old off-roader will feature an interior similar to that of an E-Class or S-Class sedan.

The images -- posted late last night on Dutch website autoweek.nl before being removed early this morning -- are almost certain to be genuine.

It's thought they were snapped at an event involving dealers or journalists at the German car-maker's HQ.

Published months ahead of its official launch at the Detroit motor show, the pics reveal that the new G-Class will come with the same steering wheel you find in the recently updated S-Class.

That means drivers will operate functions of the car with the same touch pads introduced in the latest E-Class.

Instead of a cruise control wand, there are new buttons to operate the car-maker's Distronic cruise control.

Fit, finish and tech will also be in another league compared to the dated, ancient SUV's current cabin.

The all-new G-Wagen also gets the stylish turbine-style  air-vents from the E-Class coupe and similar buttons to operate the climate control.

The 'buck' dashboard pictured also features the same huge 12.3-inch infotainment system from the latest E-Class and a pair of conventional analogue dials.

It's thought that, like higher-grade E-Class models, the G-Class will be available with a virtual cockpit-style digital dash that will be completely customisable.

Beneath the surface, it's rumoured the tough SUV will share its full electronic architecture with the latest updated S-Class, which not only means the new G-Wagen will share its advanced in-car tech, but also the limousine's next-generation driver assistance systems – including semi-autonomous cruise control.

It's difficult to tell, but owners of the current G-Class might notice the interior's wider proportions.

That's because the all-new replacement for the old military-grade off-roader will be a substantial 100mm wider.

Despite being bigger in every dimension, the new G-Class is set to weigh 150-200kg lighter than the current car thanks to extensive use of lightweight aluminium in its construction.

Already spotted last year testing, the new SUV keeps the old car's boxy lines and ladder frame chassis. The next G-Class will also come with an independent front suspension and gain a development of the old car's live, coil-suspended rear axle.

Under the bonnet, initially, there will be Mercedes-AMG's twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 and the car-maker's latest 2.9-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel. Both will be combined with a nine-speed automatic.

All versions are expected to come with a low-range gearbox and three lockable differentials.

Mercedes is likely to reveal its all-new G-Class shortly before the Christmas break ahead of its official launch at the Detroit show in January, and its global release later next year.