Hello, looking for a replacement for my old ML320 bluetec (which did great towing a 6k lb trailer @14-15mpg@65mph), and trying to find a similar experience for long roadtrips.
Also getting a 27ft airstream (6600lbs, 7600GVWR). Heavier, but more aerodynamic than we had before. Trying to decide between the GLS450, GLE450/450e and looking for feedback on realistic gas mileage between those two options, ideally looking for something comparable to the diesel, or at least close to it. This will be wife's daily driver as well, so the hybrid option is a huge bonus. Would definitely need 240+ miles range minimum while towing. We don't need the passenger capability of the GLS (only two of us, perhaps two more if kids visit) but the extra space for stuff vs the GLE would be nice, and I presume, more stability while towing? What kind of experience and mileage are people getting towing 25-30ft trailers with the GLS450?

Thanks

 

You're never going to match the milage of your diesel with a gasoline engine. I will say that you do not want the 450e as it uses the 4 cylinder ICE engine when the battery range is exhausted. The proper 450 models use the I6 engine and while it will tow your trailer it will burn more fuel.

 

We have a 2020 GLS 450 and tow a 26 ft Imagine 6000 lbs. We get a consistent 10 MPG. Getting 240 miles will be on fumes.

Reb

 

Good feedback.
How fast do you tow?
I found that I lost 3-5 mpg over 65mph.
With my BlueTecs, that would be 16 -17mpg at 60-65mph, 12-13 at 70.
My best was a 100mile round-trip at 55mph, yielding 24 mpg. Yikes I said.

 

I'd be running in hybrid mode though with the 450e, so it should just be using a combo of gas and electric all the time to tow? As long as I have gas in the tank, shouldn't run out of power, right?

 

@Proteus7 was going to recommend that you visit the Airstream forum, but it looks like you're already there!
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f46...ml#post2776292

I had my 2010 ML bluetec hitch reinforced and set up at Can-Am RV as well.
Which addresses what would have been my first comment, which is make sure you get a weight distribution hitch, WDH. It looks like that's already on your agenda.

Which leaves my other comment which is:
Make sure you have the payload capacity.

Working backwards from a 7,600 lb GVW Airstream (everybody loads their trailer to at least the GVW) you'll need at least 10% tongue weight to prevent sway, (I travel at 12%) or 760-910#. Add the weight of the WDH which will be 100 to 200 lb, and you've eaten up 860 to 1,100 lb of your payload.
And then there are passengers and internal cargo, at least a sandwich.

The payload of my 2021 GLE is 1,047#, so I've limited my RV to 6,000# GVW, and I'm still overloaded, but I still have about 250# leeway if I only pay attention to the GAWR, (Axle weight ratings). With my 6K RV.

To me, what you can tow is not limited by your power, wheelbase, or rated towing capacity. It's limited by the tow vehicle payload.

I don't know the payload of a new GLS 450, but you'll be pushing it, or over, with a 7,600 lb Airstream.
Is the payload of a 450e lower? If so that would rule out the 450e.

Payload varies by equipment, so you need to read the actual label on the door post. Don't rely on an internet search.

BTW the largest payload I've had was my 2015 Cayenne diesel, at 1,600 lb.

I know Can-Am RV tows some heavy trailers with some underrated vehicles, and they show them doing the moose test and other slaloms. As much as I trust them, I'm still cautious about payload.

You might get the payload information from an actual 450e door post sticker, then call Can-Am and ask them their opinion.

Edit: I use Andy Thomson's (Can-Am) "equal depression at all corners" of the TV, not scales, to setup my WDH. Stellar.

 

Thanks,
Yes, I went to the dealership and took down some door jamb numbers of GLS and GLE450 with similar equipment:
GLS - 3505 GAWR front, 4079 GAWR rear, 7341 GVWR..but with an extra 243lbs with WD hitch setup properly. - curb weight of 5489 leaves me with a "real"payload of 2095lbs, which should be plenty for wife and stuff. We don't have dogs, bikes, kids, or anything else really heavy. As long as tires are 109 load index or above (and they all looked like that), should be within specs.
The GLE450E is a bit more on edge..due to the heavy battery. 3131 front, 4343 rear, 7099 GVWR, extra 375lbs with WD hitch, curb weight 5754. That leaves me with 1720lbs. GLS also has a longer wheelbase and similar rear overhang, about 36%, vs 34% for GLE. Tire sticker is low on the GLE, 1004lbs, but that also depends on tires. I'd need to make sure to use an XL load rating, vs the SL some come with.

I really miss the diesels..they were by far the best tow vehicle out there. Unfortunately the only place to get one these days is GMC (their new Duramax 3L in the Yukon and Sierra 1500)..and those options are far bigger than we'd like. And..of course, not a Mercedes . Still looking for that unicorn...The Cayenne e-hybrid was also a possibility..looking at that now too.