etrailer

Updated 05/26/2020 | Published 05/21/2020

Question:

The 2017 Mercedes Benz 400E wagon estate has a towing capacity of 2,100K or 4,620 pounds. The only hitches I can find online are 1.25inch hitches, no 2inch versions. Doesnt make sense. These cars are very commonly used in Europe to tow caravans and other trailers. I can get a greater capacity hitch out of England but it doesnt make sense.

asked by: Donald M

Expert Reply:

Unfortunately, Curt is the only manufacturer that offers a hitch for your Mercedes Benz 400E. The only hitch they offer does indeed have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening, part # C11454.

I located a pdf copy of the US spec E Class wagon owner's manual, and was able to find no mention of a towing capacity.

I don't have a concrete reason why there isn't a listed towing capacity or why there's only a Class I rated hitch here, but I have my suspicions. In Europe, you routinely see smaller vehicles towing larger trailers. We've seen in the past that vehicles like the VW Golf are rated for 3500 lbs of towing in Europe, while the very similarly equipped US spec version is only rated for 1000 lbs, or not at all. I suspect that the more litigious atmosphere in the US is responsible but I don't have any concrete proof.

I'm sorry we didn't have what you were looking for.

expert reply by: Mike L