Leaked (again): Mercedes-Benz G-Class cabin revealed

More pictures of the all-new next-gen Mercedes G-Class have surfaced online, once again testifying to huge improvements made over the current rugged SUV's cabin.

The new images, posted on Russian Instagram user account Avto_msk and Autotrade.moscow before being removed, appear to have been captured at a Mercedes-Benz event thought to have been held for journalists or dealers months ahead of its official launch at the Detroit motor show.

This time round, instead of a design buck, the two Instagrammers have managed to photograph a real pre-production G-Wagen that's still wrapped in camo.

Thought to be a high-grade model, the rugged SUV gets a plush, luxurious interior unrecognisable from the current car's antiquated cabin.

Featuring a steering wheel lifted from the S-Class, complete with the same touch pads introduced on the latest E-Class, the G-Class pictured also gains a pair of high-definition 12.3-inch screens – one for the instrument panel, the other for the infotainment system.

Perhaps surprisingly, the SUV also adopts the stylish turbine-style air vents from the E-Class coupe and shares the same buttons for its climate control.

In contrast with the current car's cluttered cabin, the new G-Class will feature a clear, minimalist dash layout that slashes the button count.

With a single shot of the rear seats, legroom doesn't seem quite as generous as you might expect, but shoulder room is significantly improved thanks to the old military-grade SUV growing a substantial 100mm in width.

The materials used, as well as fit and finish, are expected to be improved beyond recognition compared to the current SUV, which is closely related to the near-40-year-old original.

Set to weigh 150-200kg lighter than the current car, thanks to extensive use of lightweight aluminium in its construction, the new G-Class will be both faster and more efficient.

But don't make the mistake of thinking the big Benz SUV has gone soft.

Already spotted last year, while 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 coil-suspended live 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.