Towing capacity for a Mercedes GLA

Mercedes GLA towing capacity : the practical guide

The Mercedes GLA belongs to the SUV family, a body style that combines a raised driving position with the structural rigidity needed for towing. Its higher ground clearance and longer wheelbase typically give a more stable behaviour with a caravan than a compact saloon. Across the 4 listed engines, figures vary depending on transmission and gearbox.

Mercedes GLA towing capacity in one line

Across the 4 engines listed, built 2020, towing capacity is 1,800 kg (3,968 lb) to 2,000 kg (4,409 lb), with a manufacturer maximum braked towing weight of 1,800 kg (3,968 lb) to 2,000 kg (4,409 lb). Take the lower of those two figures and you have the real limit, before factoring in your gross train weight.

The line-up includes diesel, petrol, plug-in hybrid. Plug-in hybrid versions often have a lower towing capacity than their non-hybrid counterparts, because the battery weight is counted in the kerbweight and the gross train weight is unchanged.

What you can actually tow with this Mercedes GLA

2,000 kg is the threshold above which we are in demanding towing: large twin-axle caravans, loaded two-horse trailers, boat trailers for 6-metre fishing boats, even small towed motorhomes. This often calls for a high-end diesel SUV, a large van, or a serious 4x4.

Best fit: Experienced caravanners, equestrians, owners of cabin boats. Pick this threshold if you have towed before and know you tow heavy.

Watch out: Above 2,000 kg, always check that the car-plus-trailer combo does not exceed your licence entitlement: post-December 2021 in the UK, a category B licence covers up to 3,500 kg MAM trailer, but always recheck the V5C and your driver record.

Gross vehicle weight, gross train weight and payload

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the maximum laden weight of the car alone : 2,070 kg (4,564 lb) to 2,310 kg (5,093 lb). Gross train weight (GTW) is the maximum laden weight of the whole outfit : not disclosed for the listed versions, check the V5C logbook. Payload (GVW minus kerbweight) sits at 500 kg (1,102 lb), the share you can use for passengers, luggage and the towbar noseweight.

What to check on the V5C of your own Mercedes GLA

• Field F.1 / F.2 : maximum laden weight (GVW). The figure on your logbook is the only one that legally applies to your car.
• Field F.3 : gross train weight (GTW). Compare it to the published values above to spot a discrepancy.
• Field O.1 : maximum braked towing weight. Sometimes lower than the manufacturer brochure if your car was originally fitted without a towbar.
• Field O.2 : maximum unbraked towing weight. Capped at 750 kg in most cases.

What licence do you need to tow with a Mercedes GLA?

If you passed the UK car driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you can now tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM with a standard category B licence: the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer (B+E) test was scrapped. Drivers who passed earlier usually keep grandfather rights. As a stability rule, less experienced drivers should keep the loaded caravan weight to no more than about 85 % of the car kerbweight, especially on motorways and in crosswinds. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate before hitching up.

FAQ

What is the gross vehicle weight of the Mercedes GLA?
The gross vehicle weight of the Mercedes GLA is 2,070 kg (4,564 lb) to 2,310 kg (5,093 lb).

How much can the Mercedes GLA tow?
The Mercedes GLA can tow up to 1,800 kg (3,968 lb) to 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) depending on the engine.

Can you tow a caravan with a Mercedes GLA?
Yes, within its towing capacity of 1,800 kg (3,968 lb) to 2,000 kg (4,409 lb). Compare it with your caravan loaded weight (MTPLM) before buying.

What licence do you need to tow with a Mercedes GLA?
In the UK, drivers who passed the car test on or after 1 January 1997 can tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM on a standard category B licence (the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer test was scrapped). Drivers who passed before then usually keep larger entitlements. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate.