When I ask about the possibility of adding a trailer hitch to a new 2018 E400 wagon at the dealer, I get a response as though the salesman could lose his job for even pretending he heard the question. If I had the parts sent from Europe, regardless of cost, the dealer would not even consider installing one.

So, having the cargo space of a wagon as nice as the E400 is offset by the possible likelihood I wouldn’t be able to tow a small trailer (small meaning enough to pull a 14’ sailboat or a motorcycle). Seems kind of foolish considering a small crossover like a GLC is no more capable of the task, or getting the kids to a soccer game with one installed.

i am no expert mechanic, but had no trouble installing a hitch on a Jetta Sportwagen (which I’d still be driving had VW not defrauded their customers and cheated on emissions testing). But either appropriate attachment points are not readily available, or companies like Curt or Drawtite can’t envision putting a $150 hitch onto an $80,000 car.

My question is, does anyone in the US make a hitch that a competent DIYer could install in a few hours without costly (specialized) tools? Or has anyone found someone who could reasonably fabricate one? It would be helpful if it could also be removed when the time came to sell the car, or reduce the likelihood of warranty denial that could be blamed on its existence.

This seemingly small issue is about the only thing keeping me from purchasing the E400 (or the E63 S if I won the lottery). Money is not a major concern, but I’m not willing to spend several thousand dollars on a hitch (or a matte grey paint job). If I can’t find a hitch, my current alternative is an Audi SQ5 which doesn’t look nauseatingly like an SUV.

Thanks for any help or suggestions.