2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS towing capacity
Max tow rating
7,700lb
- GLS 450 4MATIC AWD, 3.0L 6cyl.
- Base trim: 7,700 lb.
- Top 14% of 127 SUVs (2021).
Trailer check
Yes. 6,100 lb is within 80% of the rating.
- Tow rating
- 7,700 lb
- 80% rule
- Up to 6,160 lb
- Margin
- 1,600 lb (21%)
- Hitch class needed
- III, up to 8,000 lb
- Share of curb weight
- 112% of 5,467 lb
Over the 85% curb weight guideline.
Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 13-17 mpg.
What it can pull
Rule: keep the trailer at 80% of the rating or less.
- Max tow rating
- 7,700 lb
- 80% of the rating
- 6,160 lb
- Hitch class at max
- III, up to 8,000 lb
| Trailer | Loaded weight | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Teardrop camper | 1,000 to 2,500 lb | Yes |
| Utility trailer | 1,000 to 3,000 lb | Yes |
| Pop-up camper | 1,500 to 3,000 lb | Yes |
| Boat on a trailer | 2,000 to 6,000 lb | Yes |
| Small travel trailer | 3,000 to 5,000 lb | Yes |
| Mid-size travel trailer | 5,000 to 7,500 lb | Some, up to 6,160 lb |
| Car on a car hauler | 5,500 to 7,500 lb | Some, up to 6,160 lb |
| Large travel trailer | 7,500 to 10,000 lb | No |
| Fifth wheel | 10,000 to 16,000 lb | No |
Trailer weights are typical loaded weights.
Tow rating by trim
Cheapest at 7,700 lb: GLS 450 4MATIC AWD, $76,000.
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Tow rating | Curb weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLS 450 4MATIC AWD | 3.0L 6cyl | AWD | 7,700 lb | 5,467 lb | $76,000 |
| GLS 580 4MATIC AWD | 4.0L 8cyl | AWD | 7,700 lb | 5,754 lb | $98,850 |
| AMG GLS 63 4MATIC AWD | 4.0L | AWD | 7,700 lb | 5,611 lb | $132,100 |
| Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC SUV | 4.0L | AWD | 7,700 lb | 5,611 lb | $160,500 |
| 600 Mercedes-Maybach 4MATIC | N/A | AWD | 7,700 lb | 5,611 lb | $160,500 |
Max rating by year
- Changed in 2018: 7,500 lb to 7,200 lb.
- Changed in 2020: 7,200 lb to 7,700 lb.
Rivals: max tow rating
| Model | Max tow rating | Cheapest trim at max | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Navigator | 8,300 lb | Reserve 4WD | $85,165 |
| Cadillac Escalade | 8,000 lb | Prem Luxury Platinum SUV 4D 4WD | $103,595 |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV | 7,900 lb | Prem Lux Platinum SUV 4D 4WD | $106,595 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLS (this car) | 7,700 lb | GLS 450 4MATIC AWD | $76,000 |
| BMW X7 | 7,500 lb | M50i Dark Shadow Edition AWD | $119,495 |
| Maserati Levante | 5,952 lb | AWD | $74,490 |
| BMW X4 M | 4,400 lb | AWD | $73,400 |
Lists by trailer weight
Other models rated for these weights.
- What can tow 1,500 lb? 173 models (2026)
- What can tow 2,000 lb? 155 models (2026)
- What can tow 3,500 lb? 135 models (2026)
- What can tow 5,000 lb? 92 models (2026)
- What can tow 7,500 lb? 47 models (2026)
What this cannot tell you
Ratings need the right hitch and tow package.
Passengers and cargo count against the payload.
- 2 or more sources
- 1 source
- Model-level, rule or estimate
- Sources disagree