Can a Mercedes GLC tow a caravan?

By Elaine Knight
Page last updated: 08/09/2022 | Next review date: 08/09/2024
close

Author bio


Elaine Knight
View More north_east

In today’s article, we will answer the following question: Can a Mercedes GLC tow a caravan? Additionally, we will review the Mercedes GLC engine, performance and behaviour on the road. 

Can a Mercedes GLC tow a caravan?

A Mercedes GLC has a kerb weight of 1845 kg, which means that it can tow any caravan up to 1568 kilograms (or 3500 lbs). The engine makes an excellent tandem with the 9-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. 

For these 4-cylinder engines, the 4MATIC system is one that distributes the torque in a fixed ratio in front and rear, of 55% in the rear and 45% in the front, but in the rear now the differential is electronically controlled, for even more precise trajectories.

Mercedes GLC Towing Capacity 

Car make and modelYearTowing Capacity
Mercedes GLC Coupe20201568 kg (or 3500 lbs)
Mercedes GLC  SUV20201568 kg (or 3500 lbs)
Mercedes GLC Coupe20191568 kg (or 3500 lbs)
Mercedes GLC  SUV20191568 kg (or 3500 lbs)
Mercedes GLC Coupe20181568 kg (or 3500 lbs)
Mercedes GLC  SUV20181568 kg (or 3500 lbs)

Mercedes GLC specs & more

Mercedes-Benz was one of the pioneers and today is reaping the rewards. We are not talking here about the 1979 G-Class, which is clear, but the first ML also came at a time when other premium manufacturers had not yet launched an SUV. 

In 2018, Mercedes-Benz sold over 800,000 SUVs worldwide, and GLC was the best-selling SUV in the range. So well sold that the GLC family has reached the 1.5 million mark sold since the launch of GLK in 2008.

Mercedes-Benz GLC breaks any connection with the past and clearly delimits itself from its predecessor, the GLK angle. Smoother and more aerodynamic than ever, the new GLC is positioned as a sporty, lifestyle-style alternative to the classic SUVs in the segment.

Also new is its platform, the modular MRA architecture took ad-litteram from the younger brother, Class C – hence the C symbol insinuated in the equally fresh title.

Other questions you may be interested in

Can a Ford EcoSport tow a caravan?

Can a Forester tow a caravan?

Can a Golf tow a caravan?

In line with industry trends, GLC is not only significantly lighter than GLK (-80 kg) but also displays completely different proportions, with 4,656 mm length (+12 cm), 1,890 mm width (+5 cm) and 1,639 mm high (+0.9 cm), the wheelbase of 2,873 mm is also 118 mm more generous. 

The back knee space has increased by 57 mm, while at the front / rear shoulders GLC offers 54 mm and 28 mm more, respectively. And it’s not about dry numbers, laid out on paper. The interior is simply huge, an impression sprouted from the first seconds spent aboard the new SUV. 

The trunk is not small either.  GLC eclipses its predecessor by 80 litres, offering a loading volume that sweeps between 550 litres and 1,600 litres (plus 50 litres), with the folding seat in 40/20/40 format completely folded.

The driver’s seat evokes pleasant memories of the C-Class. The centre console framed by the five circular vents with metal finish, independent colour display, perfectly contoured seats, flawless finish, nothing has been forgotten. 

If entry-level models delight their owners with an Audio 20 CD system equipped with a 7-inch colour display and Bluetooth, the optional upgrade is called Online Command and translates into a professional navigation system and a superior display of 8.4 inches and high resolution.

Mercedes GLC engine and performance

In terms of engines, GLC can be ordered with three four-cylinder versions: GLC 250 equipped with 2-litre turbo engine and 211 hp and two types of diesel, GLC 220d and GLC 250d, both powered by the same 2.1 diesel litres (M274), in steps of 170 and 204 hp, respectively. They display similar consumption values ​​(5 l / 100 km) and are 19% more economical, like the petrol model, 16% more efficient (average 6.5 l / 100 km).

From 2016, Mercedes offered a Plug-In Hybrid version, GLC 350e 4Matic, technically identical to the recently launched C 350e. Thus, a 2-litre petrol turbo is equipped with a 116 hp electric motor, in the already classic four operating modes (Hybrid, E-Mode, E-Save and Charge). 

The result is the total power of 320 hp, managed by the 7G-Tronic seven-speed transmission. The autonomy in electric running mode is also similar to that displayed by the greenest C-Class, 34 km. Mercedes announces a consumption of only 2.6 l / 100 km and emissions of 60 g / km CO2.

Mercedes GLC options

As standard, the GLC is available with a classic comfort suspension and the Agility Control undercarriage with adaptive hydraulic shock absorbers and various adjustments for steering, engine and gearbox as part of the Dynamic Select system with five driving programs – ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT + and INDIVIDUAL – offered as standard.

The standard equipment includes a 4Matic all-wheel drive, which distributes torque in the 45/55% front / rear ratio, no longer an integrated system in the automatic transmission, but a separate, independent.

And if we keep talking about the ground clearance, it should be mentioned that for the versions with the classic suspension, it is 181 mm, while for the models with Off-road package and AIR BODY CONTROL, it reaches 227 mm. 

GLC also boasts good angles of attack and flight, of 31 and 25 degrees, respectively, for the variants with an Off-road package and air suspension (22 and 23 degrees for those with classic suspension).

To be king, however, the new GLC must also impose itself dynamically in the face of rivals with old states in the field, such as the BMW X3. The good news is that Mercedes has accomplished the impossible, the new GLC offering an ideal mix between the comfort expected from an SUV of its size and the sportiness typical of a smaller car, with a significantly lower centre of gravity. 

Perhaps the biggest surprise is the extremely communicative direction, which creates a perfect connection between the driver and the car, between his aspirations and its untimely reactions.

The top engine, the well-known 2.1-litre diesel and 204 hp is the ideal companion for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. A refined and impressively elastic engine, it is perfectly complemented by the new 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission, the Mercedes Crown Pearl and the only option available at launch. 

Yes, you read that right, the new GLC is the first premium middle-class SUV to permanently give up the classic manual gearboxes.

The bottom line

Larger, lighter and much more seductive than its predecessor, the Mercedes-Benz GLC aspires relentlessly to the title of king of medium SUVs, with its arguments hard to ignore: nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, extra adaptive air suspension and a plug-in hybrid version, unique in the segment.

What do you think? Do let us know what you think: will your Mercedes GLC succeed in towing a caravan? 

FAQ on Can a Mercedes GLC tow a caravan?

Can a Mercedes GLA tow a caravan?

With a braked towing capacity of 1800kg, most Mercedes GLA models can tow a caravan.

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.  

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.  

References

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!