If you are in the market for a Mercedes and you also want a car that is capable of a decent towing capacity, the Mercedes GLE SUV is the one to go for as the GLE can tow up to 7700 pounds. The largest Mercedes SUVs the GLS and the G-class top out at 7000 pounds for the G and 7500 pounds for the GLS.
If these two are too big for you, you can opt for the smaller GLC SUV that is also capable of towing up to 3500 pounds worth of equipment. The GLE, GLS, and the G-class are easily able to tow boats or medium-sized RV’s for prolonged journeys.
Mercedes towing features
All the aforementioned Mercedes SUVs are capable of towing ATVs, small horse trailers, or medium-sized caravans. Mercedes offers a bunch of additional equipment specifically designed for towing purposes such as optional trailer hitches, trailer stability assist, and towing ESP.
Rearview cameras come as standard on every new Mercedes model, and Mercedes offers a high definition, crisp and clear camera feed on your infotainment screen that enables you to easily maneuver even the largest items.
It is highly recommended for you to opt for the 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system if you plan on towing regularly as these numbers are associated with versions that are equipped with the four-wheel-drive system.
Mercedes GLE and the GLS
The Mercedes GLE is a mid-size luxury SUV that starts at $57k for the GLE350 4MATIC, and a bit less for the rear-wheel-drive version. The GLE350 comes equipped with a 2.0-litre inline-4 turbocharged engine offering 273lb-ft of torque.
But the $78k GLE580 is the one to buy if you plan on towing heavier items as the 580 offers a 4.0-litre V8 BiTurbo engine with 516lb-ft of torque. The GLE also offers class-leading cargo capacity that will further increase the usability of this SUV.
The Mercedes GLS is a full-size Mercedes SUV that starts at 76$k for the GLS450 model that comes equipped with a decently capable 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder with 369lb-ft of torque.
But the model to go to is definitely the GLS580 which uses the same engine as the one found in the GLE580, but the GLE is a bit lighter, and that’s the reason why the GLE offers the highest towing capacity.
Mercedes G-class and the GLC-class
The entry-level Mercedes G-class is the G550 that starts at $131k. The G550 comes with a 4.0-litre BiTurbo V8 with 450lb-ft of torque which is plenty for the 7000 pounds towing capacity. The G-class is the most capable off-road SUV offered by Mercedes, and if you plan on towing off-road the G-class is the best towing option by Mercedes.
The smaller GLC SUV is also a fairly capable Mercedes SUV when it comes to towing. The GLC starts at $43k for the GLC300, but for towing purposes, you should definitely step up to the GLC350e as this model comes standard with a 4MATIC system, and offers a hybrid engine that is capable of delivering up to 516lb-ft of torque.
Mercedes EQC
If you specifically want an EV for towing purposes, the Mercedes EQC is capable of towing up to 4000 pounds. The EQC starts at $68k and is capable of a higher towing capacity thanks to the impressive 564lb-ft of torque.
The EQC is able to travel around 200 miles between charges, and it’s worth keeping in mind that by using a trailer the range is decreased significantly. It’s highly recommendable for you to opt for a traditional combustion-engined Mercedes SUV if you plan of towing regularly.
FAQ Section
Are the BMW X5 or Audi Q7 better for towing than the GLE?
BMWs mid-sized SUV is the X5, and the X5 is capable of towing a maximum of 7200 pounds, which is 300 pounds shy of the GLE. The advantage of the X5 is the fact that all X5 models come with BMWs xDrive four-wheel-drive system as standard.
The BMW also comes with wider tires as standard, which enables the BMW to change direction easier as compared to the GLE. The Q7 offers the highest legal towing capacity out of all the Audi SUVs measured at 7700 pounds. The Audi is fairly comparable to the GLE in almost every aspect when it comes to towing.
Which luxury SUV offers the highest towing capacity?
If all of these results still don’t satisfy you, and you plan on towing really heavy loads, the 2020 Ford Expedition is capable of towing up to 9300 pounds. The expedition offers a three-row seating layout, a huge cargo area, and a fairly efficient V6 engine.
The starting price of the Expedition is $53k, but the big drawback of the Expedition is the fact that this SUV is absolutely huge. Paired with a decently sized trailer this SUV is as long as a semi-truck.
If you prefer Dodge over Ford, the Dodge Durango is capable of towing up to 8700 pounds at a $32k starting price, and the Durango is also a mid-sized SUV as compared to the Expedition.
What are the things to look out for while towing?
Towing heavy loads takes some preparation to make sure everything goes smoothly. First of all, you have to check the wear on your tires as the increased weight of the cargo can cause tire blowouts. You have to adjust your mirrors appropriately and you should keep in mind that the fuel efficiency will be greatly compromised while towing.
Furthermore, you should plan your journey in advance so you can avoid any tight city streets and find the appropriate parking for a trailer-attached SUV. You should also keep in mind that some taller trailers will not be able to drive under some bridges and overpasses.
You should also keep in mind that the performance of the vehicle is compromised while towing. You will accelerate slower, and you will need more space to come to a complete stop. You should keep a fair distance from the cars in front so you don’t end up in a crash situation.
