Sometimes, you just want to have the nice things in life. It’s not about how quickly you get there, or how much stuff you can carry, it’s about chilling out and enjoying the journey, without the modern world being able to pull back the curtain of civility and intrude on your reverie.
If that’s the way you want to go about your motoring life and you’re looking for a used tow car, then you could do a great deal worse than opting for the splendid second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE.
What’s a used Mercedes-Benz GLE like inside?
Large. In fact, it’s so big, if you were to travel from the front seats to the rearmost pair, you could feasibly find yourself in a different postcode.
Two people seated up front get a huge amount of room, so finding a comfortable driving (and passengering) position is an absolute doddle. Legs can be stretched, spines unkinked, arms unknotted, something that can be an important factor when you’re choosing a used tow car.
But the people sitting in the middle row get an even better deal, because legroom is equally vast there. One six-footer could easily sit behind somebody of similar dimensions.
However, life isn’t perfect, and so it also proves here, because the two passengers consigned to the pair of rear seats could end up feeling rather like battery hens. Still, the middle row can also slide forward, which would give them a bit more leg space.
When all of the seats are in use, nobody will be bringing much baggage with them. However, when the rear two seats are folded down out of the way, there are 630 litres of space – and that’s with the middle-row seats moved all the way back. When all of the seats are folded down, there are 2055 litres to fill, giving you plenty of room for packing all of your essential caravan accessories.
The provided kit can be an important factor, whether you’re thinking of buying a new or used car, and here, equipment is great, as far as tow car aficionados should be concerned. Even the entry-level model has parking sensors at both ends, as well as a reversing camera, LED headlights and 20-inch alloys.
AMG Line Premium cars come with a surround-view camera system to take all the worry out of manoeuvres, while AMG Line Premium Plus adds a quality Burmester stereo unit and an interior-fragrance system.
Add in a pair of the best caravan towing mirrors and you’ll be well on your way to an enjoyable towing experience.
How does a used Mercedes-Benz GLE drive?
Most of the powertrains in the GLE are diesel, which makes it ideal for tow car owners (see: ‘should you think about buying a diesel tow car‘ for more on this). Even the base-model four-cylinder 300d is strong, if a bit noisy, but the 400d is a six-cylinder cracker. It’s smooth and strong, and although it’s linked to a nine-speed automatic gearbox, it’s torquey enough to make at least four of those gears feel pretty much superfluous.
The driving experience is one of complete comfort, so you’ll be able to cover a vast number of miles without feeling it, another important trait of the standout tow cars.
That’s because the GLE is superb at smoothing away rough surfaces, and generally keeping out the outside world.
This is partly because it’s heavy, which is also a boon for tow car buyers. The big Merc pulls strongly, and is unfazed by anything short of a tornado. The electric handbrake makes light work of hill starts, and the smooth way the gearbox allows the car to creep means parking will be very easy, too.
What to pay for a used Mercedes GLE
- High: price: £64,000; model: GLE 400d; year: 2019; miles: 36,500
- Sweet spot: price: £46,800; model: GLE 400d; year: 2019; miles: 40,000
- Low: price: £28,000; model: GLE 300d AMG Line; year: 2019; miles: 127,000
Take a look at our review of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 D AMG Line Premium Plus to see what we made of it at the time.
What will a Mercedes GLE tow?
Making sure you have an appropriate car/caravan match will be an essential part of staying safe and legal on the road. In the case of a used Mercedes GLE, it has the following spec:
- Kerbweight: 2265kg
- Towing limit: 3500kg
- Noseweight limit: 120kg
- 85% match: 1925kg
Running costs
- Insurance group: 48
- Annual VED: £600*
*All GLE models cost over £40,000 new, so are liable for an additional £410 fee for the first six years
- Average economy: 39.2mpg
- Interim/full service: £240
Servicing price supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, servicingstop.co.uk
Trouble spots
The Mercedes GLE has been recalled more than a few times. Issues include potentially faulty welding between the filler neck and the fuel tank, updates to the software to improve emissions, possible emergency call system issues, and the possibility of water accumulating in the spare wheel well. Oh, and a steering coupling hadn’t been tightened enough.
A full list of recalls can be found at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.
Verdict
The Mercedes GLE is a rather expensive way to get around, but it pays you back in the luxurious ambience and the confident way it can tow a heavy tourer. It’s large, roomy, comfortable and well equipped, and running costs are fair. It’s one of the nice things in life.
Are you interested in the new options for towing a heavy tourer too? Then take a look at our best tow car for a 2000kg caravan guide to see our top picks on the market in 2025.
Alternative to consider
Used Audi Q7 (2015-)
The Q7 is pretty much the consummate tow car. The powertrains are all fabulously strong. The Audi is vast inside, with space for up to seven (five in the PHEV version), who will be ensconced in an interior that few rivals can match. Add in the fact that the running costs are entirely reasonable, and there really isn’t much to complain about here, apart from the slightly iffy residual values.
Volvo XC90 (2015-)
The Volvo XC90 has been around the longest of all these large SUV rivals, and it’s starting to show it. So where the others are strong and comfortable, the Volvo’s ride quality allows annoying bumps and ridges to affect your journey. Still, the interior is a fine example of Scandinavian style, with neat design and cool trims. It’s all the more of a shame that noise takes the shine off it.
BMW X5 (2018-)
The BMW X5 has punchy and civilised engines, four-wheel drive, and a cabin that is the epitome of efficient, businesslike luxury. However, where the X5 scores a neat little win over almost everything else is the fact that this is also a really enjoyable car to drive. If there’s any downside, it’s that seven-seat versions of this car are as rare as rocking-horse droppings.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Caravan magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things caravan related.
