GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Towing experience with my GL320 -- smooth as silk.

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Old Oct 15, 2009 | 05:52 PM
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Fifth Ring's Avatar
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C32 AMG
Towing experience with my GL320 -- smooth as silk.

I towed my track car (Porsche 944) from DC to Danville VA (300 miles each way) on a rented U-Haul car carrier. The trailer was heavy (3,000 lbs) and the car is about the same.

I was very impressed by the whole experience. The diesel did a great job of motivating the setup and still managed about 16 MPG running 60-65 MPH. The ride was of course a bit "bobby" with the added tongue weight; but it rode level. It tracked absolutely straight and was easy to handle on winding roads at speed. It had "surge" brakes (actuated by momentum of the trailer against the hitch) and they worked fine. I was running late on my way down there, and honestly there were times I was driving as if there was no trailer back there.

I never did get used to seeing my 944 in the mirror (WTF is that guy DOING back there!?!?).

Last edited by Fifth Ring; Oct 15, 2009 at 05:55 PM.
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Old Oct 17, 2009 | 04:25 PM
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From: Louisville, KY
2014 Black SLK 55 AMG, Black 2015 GL 550, 2011 Blue GLK 350
Yes, the 320's torque is quite nice. I tow a 22' center console with surge brakes also. The total weight is about 5500 lbs. Very smooth ride. Due to the height of my t-top, my MPG is about 13 to 14 at 70-72mph. Get a fair amount of wind drag. Still much better than my V8 Explorer did. (about 7 mpg).
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