Can a Mercedes E-class tow a caravan?

In this review, we will answer the following question: Can a Mercedes E-class tow a caravan? We will talk about the basics of a Mercedes E-class and what details you need to check before towing a caravan.

Can a Mercedes E-class tow a caravan?

A Mercedes E-class can tow a caravan as long as the total permissible laden weight of the towing vehicle + caravan combination does not exceed 3,500 kg. A Mercedes E-class has a braked capacity of 2100kg and it will easily tow the average caravan. Please see the table below for more information. 

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Towing Capacity

Year	Towing capacity from	Towing capacity to
2021	1800kg	2100kg
2020	0kg	2100kg
2019	0kg	2100kg
2018	0kg	2100kg
2017	0kg	2100kg
2016	0kg	2100kg
2015	0kg	2100kg
2014	0kg	2100kg
2013	0kg	2100kg
2012	0kg	2100kg
2011	0kg	2100kg
2010	0kg	2100kg
2009	0kg	2100kg
2008	0kg	2100kg
2007	0kg	2100kg
2006	0kg	2100kg
2005	0kg	2100kg
2004	0kg	2100kg
2003	0kg	2100kg
2002	0kg	2100kg
2001	1500kg	2100kg
2000	1500kg	2100kg
1999	1900kg	2100kg
1998	1900kg	2100kg
1997	1890kg	2100kg
1996	1890kg	2100kg
1995	1890kg	2100kg
1994	0kg	2100kg
1993	0kg	1900kg

Mercedes E Class: the basics

Like any high-end Mercedes, the E-Class is structured with an engine placed longitudinally (architecture that begins from the C-Class, everything below is transverse because of smaller calibre), the platform used here is the MRA for (Mercedes Rear-wheel Architecture). 

The basic traction (excluding 4Matic, therefore) is then carried out from the rear for ages. Compared to the old one, the wheelbase grows significantly with 2.94 m (W213) against 2.88 (W212) previously, enough to gain in stability at high speed (but also in comfort) while potentially losing agility at low speed. 

Note that Class C is at 2.84 m and the S at 3 m all round. Finally, an S measures 5.12 m when the E culminates at 4.92 m.

The running gears are sophisticated in order to hold the car while offering first-rate comfort, even on entry-level. Mercedes, therefore, suggests a multi-link rear axle and a double-wishbone at the front.

E-class: muted efficiency

The E-Class keeps its philosophy while always carrying it a little further than in previous generations. We then have to make do with a sedan very balanced and soft as regards the entry-level, with a temperament that does not encourage to rush it. 

Despite everything, the beautiful will do very well and will cling to the road in all circumstances, I believe that the chassis works very well even if it suffers the 17 inches on the sides a bit too high. The pleasure distilled here is oriented primarily towards comfort; those who like to ride cushy will therefore be in heaven.

On the other hand, for fans of driving a little more “flavoured”, it will be necessary to benefit from at least the combo of 18-inch rims/chassis lowered by 15 mm (from the second Executive trim level). 

The ideal being with the 18 inches (19 inches even “more perfect”) which have a greater width at the rear (what style by the way!) Of 275 mm … Enough to hook in the bends a Series 5 without worries!

In fact, the steering (slaved to the speed in passing) gains a little in precision and the car seems a bit lighter. Still, when we look closely at the technical sheets we must admit that it is ultimately almost as heavy, it is therefore above all at the level of sensations.

In fact, it varies (driver included 75 kg) from 1650 kg to nearly 2000 kg on the AMG and hybrid versions. The station wagon then adds 100 kg compared to the equivalent sedan.

Mercedes E-class: Driving behaviour

Here are a few things to know about the handling of cars:

The fitting of rims/tires has a direct effect on the level of comfort and on the precision of the steering. The higher the sidewalls, the less precise the front axle will be, but the greater the suspension comfort will be. The greater the width of the tire, the better the road holding will be, but this will not be favourable to fuel consumption or aquaplaning.

The electric steering is generally less precise and consistent than a hydraulic version.

Ride height influences handling. The higher the car is on the legs, the more the body roll will be pronounced. A reduced centre of gravity makes it possible to turn flat in turns by limiting the pitch, but this reduces the level of comfort (suspension) since the travel of the wheels is reduced.

A 4X4 version will be heavier than a version with two drive wheels, this will also promote understeer. Traction will tend to understeer while propulsion will tend to oversteer. Propulsion is generally better balanced in terms of mass (weight distribution between the front and the rear)

A long wheelbase helps promote stability at high speeds but will promote understeer. A wheelbase that is too short does not allow you to drive quickly while being serene, take the test with a Smart.

Diesel cars are heavier and are therefore generally less good in terms of weight distribution. They are also sometimes firmer in suspension to counter excess weight.

What license and what power to tow a caravan?

Wondering what license and what engine power is required to tow a caravan? It all depends on the Total Authorized Weight:

• If it is less than 750 kg, a B permit is sufficient.
• If it is greater than the empty weight of the towing car or if the two cumulative masses (car + caravan) exceed 3,500 kg, the E license is then required.

Indeed, if a caravan adds length to the convoy, it is above all its weight that represents the greatest danger. Towing a caravan implies a significantly reduced possibility of acceleration, along with an increase in braking distances. So :

The towing vehicle must provide sufficient power and effective braking to compensate for the additional weight of the caravan. A family model or a minivan will offer you great guarantees of stability.

Which car to tow a 1500 kg caravan? 1800 kg? Double axle? A mid-range sedan like an Audi A4, Mercedes E or VW Passat can tow up to 1800 kg. Beyond that, prefer a 4×4 or an SUV.

Good to know: towing a caravan with an automatic gearbox is perfectly possible. Thanks to the great flexibility and ease of use of automatic driving, it is even a solution favoured by some drivers.

How to properly distribute the weight in a caravan?

Since mass is therefore the essential criterion for simplified towing and safe driving, it is important to know how to distribute the weight in a caravan:

1. Take into account all accessories’ weight (ladder, awning, ground cover) to distribute them judiciously in the caravan.
2. Place heavy loads between the axles, distributing the weight well between the two.
3. Avoid overloading the rear of the caravan (fridge, water tank, cupboards, etc.).
4. To distribute the mass of the loads evenly, calculate the weight on the boom of the caravan, which corresponds to:

• 7% of the PTAC for caravans less than or equal to 1200 kg;
• 5% of the PTAC for caravans over 1200 kg.

Final thoughts

If you want to get in by towing a Mercedes E-Class, you will have to stick to a few measures. We present them below:

• Do not drive on motorways, as the speed you will be towing your Mini Cooper can endanger you and other drivers if you do so on a highway.
• Do not exceed 25 km/h (15.53 miles/h).You must constantly maintain control of both vehicles, a high speed will not allow you to predict possible challenges, and the towed car can enter the first
• Limit yourself to short-distance trips. If you have to travel several dozen kilometres, it is best to call a tow-truck.
• When towing, try to make sure the Mini Cooper and the car towing it are correctly aligned, to maintain good handling.
• Turn on the warning lights on both vehicles.

If you have any questions or more tips for towing with a Mercedes E-class, please let us know!

FAQ on Can a Mercedes E-class tow a caravan?

How much can a Mercedes e350 tow?

A Mercedes e350 can tow up to 4,630 lbs. Its towing capacity makes it a great car to go on a trip!

How much can a Mercedes tow?

Any Mercedes can tow from 1800kg to 2100kg, which is quite impressive. Check out the car’s model and year, and the manufacturer’s manual for more accurate information.

What can a Mercedes C Class tow?

A Mercedes C Class can tow a fully loaded trailer with a maximum weight of 2000kg. Depending on the car’s year, the towing capacity will vary between 1650kg and 2000 kg.  

Can you tow an automatic Mercedes C Class?

It is best not to tow an automatic Mercedes C Class because the automatic transmission may be damaged in the process of tow starting vehicles with automatic transmission. 

References

Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI Estate

Mercedes E-Class Pros and Cons Review

Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Consumer Report