I have a hitch installed on my 2010 E350. Tow rating for the car is 2000 lbs and 200 lbs tongue wt. A comparable ML350 is rated for 5000 lbs and I would guess a 500 lb tongue wt. I'm thinking they both are using the same engine/transmission package so what accounts for the 3000 lb difference? Is it mostly the rear suspension softly sprung for a smooth ride? Are the Euro versions rated to tow more? Pickups are not as common there, so sedans and wagons pull trailers for all the Harry Homeowner stuff.

That is a great question. Back in the way back machine my dad towed his boats with a Merc Grand Marquis. Lots of people towed with sedans. I’m sure it has to do with the frame structure of the sedan vs suv. MB doesn’t really have a towing package on those ML cars( no longer made). They just call it a “Hitch” when so equipped. To my knowledge there are no added trans coolers either. They also aren’t set up from the factory for trailer brake control. This needs to be added. I was looking for a tow vehicle myself and the ML400 rated at 7,200#. That is pretty stout.

Ask US lawyers about the derating.
Those sedans are rated at 2500 kg in Europe.
That is what you get in country where litigation are prime reason to live for some.

I believe you just nailed the answer.

Things that effect tow ratings:
Power and drivetrain torque rating
Suspension
Brakes
Frame structure to support hitch and load.
vehicle GVWR and axle ratings.
Tires and wheels

That was probably the answer to the question I had in mind. Thats about 5500 lbs which is pretty much the same as the ML.

Somehow, towing a hipster TRIKE on a trailer behind a Mercedes-Benz sedan looks so much cooler than pulling a 16-foot, Bass Pro fishing tub with 50hp outboard. Definitely better than dragging a U-Haul trailer... Just an observation...

Yeah, that is bad ***.

Nothing wrong with a bass boat. Not sure about it being hipster though, most of the people riding these are old farts or folks that arent comfortable on two wheels.

We got the bike and the trailer to use as a toad behind the camper. And since I sold my Tundra last year, the trailer gets used for hauling "stuff". Hooking up the bike was more of a proof of concept when I took that photo, most of the miles on that rig were like this:





Badass? I dont get called that much if ever, but thanks...

Only the wagons have 2100 kg tow rating. 2500 kg is for the GLK


At Moritzburg near Dresden

Looks strange, is legal

Useful if the van is not available

my two Diesels


Kind regards
Eberhard

It's not uncommon to see diesel variations of any European CAR to pass you on the autobahn with a travel trailer. And these were wagons usually.

If you search the forums, you will find all kind of towing behind MB sedans.
I found Polish W211 sedan hauling fiberglass swimming pool behind.
Our UK member post several pictures how he pulls a trailer with another MB on it, or his moving with what he says was over 3 tons cargo trailer.
Fact is that European trailers are build lower and with more advanced suspension, so they track better.
Average US trailer is having higher clearance and just leaf springs with no shock absorbents, so they need heavier TV that can take fishtailing.
Driving in Alps, I have seen whole variety of Travel Trailers pulled by cars with 1.3l engines.
Thing of the past, but Fiat 126 was used for pulling 600 kg TT as well.
With 2-cylinders delivering whooping 21 HP, it seldom switched on 3rd gear, when 4th was usable only downhill, but it "was getting there"