Roger8

I want to use my bike rack that fits into the trailer hitch slot of my current SUV. Do I need to order the "towing package" or is there a socket (sorry, I don't know the proper terms) by default? I didn't notice one so I assumed I needed the towing package. I'm also uncertain because I watched a video and saw something automatically pivot from beneath the car with the towing ball there. Is that removable so I can install my bike rack?

flexstar

You will need the installed MB trailer hitch.

Roger8

Is that the towing package or something different?

Jerome Maily

Yes sadly, you need the Towing package. Ordered it for the same reason, delivery Oct/nov.

GregW / Oregon

You don't list where you are, but the pivoting type is European. North America gets a "receiver type" hitch which is part of the towing package.

Roger8

Thanks, that helps. I'm in the US so that clarifies things.

Isawelvis

If all you are going to do is use it for a bike rack. I recommend the Stealth hitch. It is totally hidden until you use it. You do not need the electrical connectors. Its probably cheaper than the Mercedes Trail hitch especially if you get it dealer installed. Either go for an after make like Stealth hitch or order the Mercedes hitch from the factory.

GregW / Oregon

The factory option is less expensive and better (unless you are doing a retrofit), especially for an SUV where a hitch does not look out of place.

fabbrisd1

For a 2020 GLE - as of today - the factory mounted trailer hitch I think is the ONLY option at the moment.

The two major aftermarket trailer hitch companies - Curt Mfg and Drawtite - each has not completed their engineering for a 2020 hitch yet (last time I checked) - which requires them to get a 2020 GLE on hand and design and test fit a new hitch design for this new yr/model/generation. Same with Stealth - same boat.

MB dealer's are not really plugged into any of the aftermarket hitch guys - UHaul is plugged into Curt and Drawtite as a nationwide customer but not plugged into the engineering side of either hitch manufacturer.

Curt/Drawtite/Stealth rely on maybe a half-dozen strong independent hitch installers across the country to get a request to measure/test-fit - and with low GLE#'s to date I don't think much if anything has started up on that side yet.

Best of what I think I know - as of today

GregW / Oregon

Pretty much the same across the board. Most aftermarket mfrs. don’t even know they’ve gone to 15mm lug bolts. The downside of us early adopters, I guess.

bad habit

I wish I would have ordered the Trailer Hitch add-on now, I think it would be helpful to have for protecting the rear of the vehicle, especially parking in NYC.
Since I will be visiting Parts on Monday to pickup wheel locks, I will check as to whether it could be added.

Electric Lizard

I couldn't agree more - this is not a sports car. We've towed trailers several times with our current ML and the 2020 GLE has even more capability. In my opinion, having the factory installed ability to tow is essential to the utility of this SUV.