Mercedes is planning to reveal the ultra-luxury Maybach-branded GLS within the year, aiming to steal customers away from models like the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls Royce Cullinan.

According to Autocar, the new Mercedes-Maybach GLS will be priced at around £150,000 ($184k in current exchange rates) in the UK, offering similar luxury and comfort levels with the Maybach S-Class.

Key markets include China, North America and Russia for the upcoming Maybach GLS, which will feature unique styling details compared to the standard GLS, including a different grille, new headlight and taillight signatures and, of course, plenty of chrome.

Also Read: Made In Alabama – Mercedes-Maybach GLS Will Cost Around $200k

2018 mercedes-maybach ultimate luxury concept 2

Mercedes insiders remain mum when it comes to details, but it’s believed that the final production model will get an extended wheelbase compared to the GLS and a range of different interior layouts to better suit the needs of its eclectic customers.

The cabin will be dressed with expensive materials that range beyond those offered in regular Mercedes models, including a more exclusive selection of leather hides and Maybach-specific trim options. Even the graphics of the infotainment system will be unique to the Maybach version.

As for the engines, the upcoming luxury SUV will most likely use the company’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 in conjunction with the nine-speed automatic transmission and Air Body Control air suspension. Although the company is still not revealing anything, expect to see a proper range-topping version powered by a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12, which sounds like a logical step given the audience of the new model.

Mercedes previewed the Maybach GLS with the Ultimate Luxury Concept back in 2018, a strict four-seater luxurious mix of an SUV with a sedan. Our spy shots, however, showed that the production version will retain its traditional SUV silhouette, although when you’re dealing with rich Chinese customers, you can never be sure.