Mercedes-Benz Towing Guide for Birmingham Drivers: GLE, GLS, and G-Class
- The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC® and GLS 450 4MATIC® can each tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.
- The Mercedes-Benz G 550 can tow up to 7,000 pounds when properly equipped and adds permanent all-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and three locking differentials.
- Your SUV’s exact configuration, hitch equipment, payload, passenger load, and trailer setup determine how much you can safely tow.
Whether you are pulling a boat toward Smith Lake, taking a camper through the Alabama foothills, or moving a utility trailer across Birmingham, Mercedes-Benz offers several SUVs with substantial towing capability. The GLE, GLS, and G-Class can all handle a properly matched trailer, but they serve different types of drivers.
The GLE offers a balanced midsize footprint, the GLS provides three-row passenger space, and the G-Class combines towing strength with serious off-road hardware. Here is how their current towing figures and practical advantages compare.
Mercedes-Benz GLE, GLS, and G-Class Towing Capacity
| Mercedes-Benz SUV | Maximum Towing Capacity | Passenger Capacity | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLE 450 4MATIC® SUV | Up to 7,700 pounds | 5, with 7 available | Boats, compact campers, and utility trailers |
| GLS 450 4MATIC® SUV | Up to 7,700 pounds | 7, with 6 available | Family travel with passengers, cargo, and a trailer |
| G 550 SUV | Up to 7,000 pounds | 5 | Rough access roads, steep terrain, and boat or recreational trailers |
Maximum capacities apply to properly equipped vehicles. Towing ratings vary by model, powertrain, optional equipment, model year, and trailer configuration. Always consult the vehicle’s Operator’s Manual and certification labels before towing.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Towing: A Balanced Choice for Birmingham
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the midsize option of these three SUVs. That makes it well suited for Birmingham drivers who need meaningful towing capacity without moving into a larger three-row vehicle for every commute or school run.
The current GLE 450 4MATIC® SUV is rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped. Its 3.0-liter inline-six turbo engine with mild hybrid drive produces 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Power is managed through a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and fully variable 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.
Those figures make the GLE 450 4MATIC® a strong candidate for appropriately sized boats, travel trailers, equipment trailers, and small horse trailers. Its available third row can also expand seating from five to seven, although owners should remember that passengers and cabin cargo contribute to the vehicle’s total load.
Drivers comparing configurations can review the dealership’s Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV research guide for more information about seating, dimensions, technology, and available models.
Mercedes-Benz GLS Towing: More Room for the Whole Family
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the better match when towing needs must be balanced with regular three-row use. The GLS 450 4MATIC® seats seven as standard, with a six-seat configuration available, and provides up to 84.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
Like the GLE 450, the GLS 450 4MATIC® can tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped. It also uses a 375-horsepower inline-six turbo engine with mild hybrid drive, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and fully variable 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.
AIRMATIC® suspension with self-leveling and adaptive damping is standard on the GLS 450. When a properly matched trailer is connected, the self-leveling system can help maintain the SUV’s intended ride height. It does not increase the vehicle’s payload or towing rating, however. All published weight limits still apply.
The GLS is particularly appealing for Birmingham families who want to tow a boat or camper while carrying children, luggage, coolers, and other weekend gear. Because those items add weight, buyers should calculate their expected passenger and cargo load instead of selecting a vehicle based only on its headline towing number.
You can check current availability through the dealership’s new Mercedes-Benz GLS inventory.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing: Built for Difficult Access Roads
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class takes a different approach. The current G 550 can tow up to 7,000 pounds when properly equipped, slightly less than the selected GLE and GLS configurations. Its advantage is the hardware designed for rough, steep, or loose terrain.
The G 550 uses a 443-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six turbo engine with hybrid assist, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and permanent all-wheel drive. A two-speed transfer case and three selectable differential locks provide additional capability when conditions require low-speed control and dependable traction.
That equipment can be useful on unpaved lake access roads, rural property, or routes affected by loose gravel and Alabama rain. It does not make every surface safe, and it does not change the trailer’s weight limits. Drivers should assess the route, weather, ground clearance, trailer angle, and their own skill before leaving a maintained road.
Our guide to Mercedes-Benz off-road features for Southern drivers explains how features such as 4MATIC®, DYNAMIC SELECT, and low-range equipment can assist in real local conditions.
Drivers interested in this distinctive SUV can also view the dealership’s new Mercedes-Benz G-Class inventory.
Which Mercedes-Benz SUV Is Best for Towing?
The right choice depends on more than the weight printed on the trailer’s registration.
- Choose the GLE if you want up to 7,700 pounds of properly equipped towing capacity in a midsize SUV that remains easy to manage around downtown Birmingham, Homewood, Mountain Brook, and Hoover.
- Choose the GLS if you regularly need three rows, greater maximum cargo space, and the ability to tow while carrying a larger family.
- Choose the G 550 if your plans include rougher access roads, steep grades, or recreational property where low-range gearing and locking differentials may be useful.
Two SUVs with the same maximum towing rating may still have different payload limits, curb weights, suspension systems, and seating capacity. Bring the specifications for your boat, camper, or trailer when you visit Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham. Our team can help you compare those figures with the limits of a specific vehicle.
What “Properly Equipped” Means
A vehicle does not automatically qualify for its maximum published towing capacity. The correct configuration may require an approved trailer hitch, suitable electrical connections, properly rated hitch components, and other model-specific equipment.
Before towing, confirm all of the following:
- The exact towing capacity listed for your vehicle’s model, drivetrain, and model year
- The gross vehicle weight rating and gross combined weight rating
- The vehicle’s available payload after accounting for passengers and cargo
- The trailer’s loaded weight, not only its empty or dry weight
- The allowable tongue weight and the trailer manufacturer’s loading instructions
- The ratings for the receiver, ball mount, hitch ball, and safety chains
- Correct trailer lighting, wiring, and braking equipment
- Proper inflation and condition of the vehicle and trailer tires
The lightest trailer weight listed by a manufacturer may exclude water, propane, batteries, luggage, food, tools, and dealer-installed equipment. Use the trailer’s actual loaded weight whenever possible.
If you need model-appropriate equipment, contact the Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham Parts Center before purchasing a universal towing component. Compatibility matters for both safety and vehicle operation.
Towing Around Birmingham and Central Alabama
Birmingham’s hills, summer temperatures, heavy rainfall, and busy interstate corridors can all affect towing. A trailer requires more space for acceleration, braking, lane changes, and turns, particularly on I-65, I-20, I-59, I-459, and US-280.
Reduce speed before descending a grade rather than relying on heavy braking after the vehicle has already gained momentum. Use the transmission and available drive settings according to the Operator’s Manual. Leave additional following distance, watch for trailer sway, and avoid abrupt steering inputs.
Before heading toward Smith Lake, Logan Martin Lake, Lay Lake, or another recreation area, review the final portion of the route. Boat ramps and campground entrances may include narrow lanes, limited turnaround space, loose surfaces, or steep approaches.
Alabama heat also places additional demand on tires, brakes, and cooling systems. Our Mercedes-Benz summer road trip maintenance guide covers several checks worth completing before a longer trip.
Service Your Mercedes-Benz Before Towing
Towing adds load to the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and tires. Before a major trip, have your SUV inspected if it is due for maintenance, has been stored for an extended period, or has recently displayed a warning message.
A pre-trip inspection may include checking tire condition and pressure, brake wear, fluid levels, exterior lighting, cooling-system operation, and the hitch connection. The trailer should receive its own inspection as well.
Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham supports owners through service facilities in Irondale and Hoover. You can schedule Mercedes-Benz service online before your next towing trip.
Find a Towing-Capable Mercedes-Benz SUV in Birmingham
The GLE, GLS, and G-Class each provide a different combination of towing strength, passenger space, and all-terrain capability. The best way to choose among them is to compare the exact vehicle configuration with your fully loaded trailer and the routes you plan to travel.
Visit Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham in Irondale or Hoover to compare available SUVs, review towing equipment, and speak with our team about your needs. We can help you identify a Mercedes-Benz SUV suited for local commutes, Alabama lake trips, family travel, and properly planned towing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a Mercedes-Benz GLE tow?
A properly equipped Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC® SUV can tow up to 7,700 pounds. The exact capacity depends on the model, powertrain, optional equipment, model year, and trailer configuration.
Do the Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS have the same towing capacity?
Selected properly equipped GLE and GLS models can each tow up to 7,700 pounds. The GLE has a smaller footprint, while the GLS provides standard three-row seating and more maximum cargo space.
How much can a Mercedes-Benz G 550 tow?
A properly equipped Mercedes-Benz G 550 SUV can tow up to 7,000 pounds. It also includes permanent all-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, and three selectable differential locks.
Does 4MATIC® increase Mercedes-Benz towing capacity?
4MATIC® can improve traction when accelerating on wet, loose, or uneven surfaces, but it does not automatically increase towing capacity. Always use the rating assigned to the vehicle’s exact configuration.