A 2,400 kg braked tow rating makes the Mercedes GLC EQ 400 one of the more serious electric tow cars on paper. The number is valuable, but it is only the first line of a safe towing calculation. This guide covers the checks that belong beside our full GLC EQ review.
GLC EQ towing capacity
| Item | Manufacturer figure / check |
|---|---|
| Maximum braked trailer | Up to 2,400 kg |
| Unbraked trailer | 750 kg in the current Dutch table |
| Nose weight | 100 kg in launch material |
| Drive | Dual-motor 4MATIC |
| Important | The vehicle's own plate and registration document take precedence |
A caravan's advertised unladen mass is not the figure to compare blindly. Use its actual laden mass and legal maximum, then check the car's permitted gross combination mass, payload and axle limits. Passengers, luggage, accessories and tow-bar load all consume payload.
How towing changes GLC EQ range
A tall trailer can raise aerodynamic drag far more than its weight suggests. Speed, headwind and temperature then multiply the effect. Do not apply a fixed percentage to every trailer. Start with a conservative energy-use scenario and refine it using the car's consumption over the first 30–50 km.
For example, at 30 kWh/100 km a theoretical 94 kWh full-to-empty distance is about 313 km; using 70% of the battery between a 90% departure and a 20% arrival gives about 219 km. At 36 kWh/100 km, that same usable window gives about 183 km. These are planning examples, not GLC EQ road-test results.
Charging with a caravan attached
- Use satellite imagery and recent user photos to find pull-through bays.
- Check whether reversing out is possible before entering a tight site.
- Keep a backup station within the remaining range.
- Expect to unhitch at some chargers and carry the required security equipment.
- Use the charging preparation steps in our GLC EQ charging guide.
Nose weight, payload and tyre pressure
The nose-weight limit is not a target. The trailer must remain stable while staying within the tow-bar, rear-axle and vehicle limits. Load heavy items low and close to the trailer axle, never compensate for poor loading by exceeding a limit, and use the tyre pressures specified for a laden vehicle. A retailer or qualified towing specialist should confirm the final combination.
Is the GLC EQ better for towing than the BMW iX3?
BMW lists a 2,000 kg maximum for the iX3 50 xDrive, versus 2,400 kg for the GLC 400 4MATIC. The BMW has the larger battery and stronger official charging figures, so the better tow car depends on trailer mass, route and charging access. Our GLC EQ vs BMW iX3 guide compares the complete picture.
Before you tow
- Read the exact registration and owner's manual limits.
- Confirm licence and insurance requirements in every country on the route.
- Weigh the loaded trailer and vehicle rather than relying on brochure mass.
- Test the electrical connection, brakes, lights and breakaway system.
- Check luggage and cable storage in the GLC EQ practicality guide.
Mercedes GLC EQ FAQ
Can the GLC EQ 400 tow 2.4 tonnes?
The manufacturer lists up to 2,400 kg braked, but the exact vehicle documents, gross combination mass and local law determine the legal limit.
What is the unbraked trailer limit?
The current Dutch specification table lists 750 kg.
Will towing halve the range?
It can in difficult conditions, but there is no universal percentage. Trailer shape, speed, weather and mass matter.
Can I rapid-charge without unhitching?
Sometimes. Pull-through sites help, but many charging bays require unhitching; inspect the location before arrival.
Does the BMW iX3 tow more?
No on the published launch figures: BMW lists 2,000 kg for the iX3 50 xDrive and Mercedes lists 2,400 kg for the GLC 400 4MATIC.
Continue your GLC EQ research
Sources and methodology
Specifications and dates were checked against manufacturer material. Range and charging results in daily use vary with temperature, speed, wheels, traffic, payload and charger conditions.
- Mercedes-Benz current towing table (official manufacturer source)
- Mercedes-Benz launch specifications (official manufacturer source)
- BMW Group iX3 towing specification (official manufacturer source)
