Mercedes-Maybach GLS concept coming to Beijing?

The production model will allegedly make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Mercedes-Maybach's answer to the Bentley Bentayga and the upcoming Rolls-Royce Cullinan is nearly ready for prime time. Based on the next-generation GLS, the model will make its debut as a concept car next month during the biennial Beijing Auto Show.

British magazine Autocar reports Maybach will create an even more luxurious GLS by following the same recipe it used to make the more opulent S-Class (pictured above). The Benz and Maybach variants will share the same basic body and many mechanical components, but the Maybach model will receive design changes on both ends. It will also offer a considerably more luxurious interior that will be available with four, five, or seven seats.

Building a tech-free luxury car isn't possible these days. To that end, the concept we'll see in Beijing will preview many of the semi-autonomous driving functions that will seep down into the production model when it makes its debut later this year at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

"We have been quietly surprised by the sales success of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which is proving extremely popular in many key markets. The plan now is to extend the exclusivity surrounding the Maybach name into the upper end of the SUV segment. We're confident this new model will leave little to be desired in terms of luxury," an inside source told Autocar.

Mercedes-Maybach hasn't commented on the report. The Beijing Auto Show opens its doors to the press in a little over a month, so we won't have to wait long to find out what the brand has in store.

Photo by Ronan Glon.