Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity (All Years 2002-2025)

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a body-on-frame, full-time four-wheel-drive SUV produced in Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr on behalf of Mercedes-Benz. It has been sold in the United States market continuously from the 2002 model year through the current 2025 model year, across three platform generations: the W463 (2002-2018), the updated W463A (2019-2023), and the all-new W465 (2024-present).

This guide covers Mercedes-Benz G-Class towing capacity by model year, including maximum trailer weight, tongue weight limits, payload capacity, and hitch requirements for each available engine configuration. Specifications differ between the standard G500/G550 variants and the higher-output AMG models, as well as between the factory dead-weight hitch and weight-distributing hitch setups.

Staying within manufacturer-rated towing limits protects the engine cooling system, transmission, braking hardware, and chassis structure from overload damage.

2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg) with a standard trailer hitch and integrated wiring harness for trailer lights and brakes. The G500 variant uses a 3.0L inline-6 mild-hybrid engine producing 443 horsepower, while the G63 AMG uses a 4.0L biturbo V8 producing 577 horsepower; both variants share the same towing limit. Standard Trailer Stability Assist is included on all 2025 G-Class models to reduce trailer sway at towing speeds.

2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2024 model year marks the launch of the W465 platform, which raised the rated towing capacity from 7,000 lbs to 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg) compared to the outgoing generation. The W465 architecture introduced the new inline-6 mild-hybrid G500 trim alongside the retained G63 AMG with its 4.0L biturbo V8. Both configurations operate under the same maximum trailer weight rating of 7,716 lbs.

2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class carries a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) when equipped with a weight-distributing hitch setup. The G550 uses a 4.0L biturbo V8 producing approximately 416 horsepower, and the G63 AMG version of the same engine produces 577 horsepower; both share the same towing limit for this model year. Dead-weight hitch towing is limited to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with a 500 lb tongue weight ceiling.

2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2022 G-Class maintains a 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) maximum trailer weight rating across both the G550 and G63 AMG trim levels. The G63 AMG uses a 4.0L biturbo V8 rated at 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT automatic transmission. Tongue weight must not exceed 500 lbs (227 kg) with a standard dead-weight hitch.

2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class supports a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) with a properly rated weight-distributing hitch system. Both the G550 and G63 AMG variants use a 4.0L biturbo V8 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Trailer sway control is integrated into the vehicle stability system on this model year.

2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retains the 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) maximum towing capacity established with the second generation of the W463 platform. The G550 and G63 AMG both use the 4.0L biturbo V8, with the G63 producing 577 horsepower compared to the G550’s 416 horsepower output. Payload is limited to approximately 1,290 lbs (585 kg), which must account for passengers, cargo, and tongue weight simultaneously.

2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2019 model year introduced the substantially redesigned G-Class platform, which replaced the 5.5L V8 engines with a new twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8. Despite the engine change, the rated maximum towing capacity remained at 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) for the US market. The updated suspension geometry and wider track improved stability when towing near rated limits.

2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2018 G-Class represents the final model year of the original long-running W463 body structure before the full redesign in 2019. The G550 uses a 5.5L naturally aspirated V8 producing 382 horsepower, while the G63 AMG uses a 5.5L biturbo V8 rated at 536 horsepower. Both configurations maintain a 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) maximum towing capacity when equipped with the optional tow package.

2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) across the G550, G63 AMG, and G65 AMG trim levels. The G65 AMG adds a 6.0L twin-turbo V12 producing 621 horsepower, though this does not increase the rated trailer weight limit above the standard 7,000 lb rating. All 2017 G-Class variants use permanent four-wheel drive with three electronically controlled locking differentials.

2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) when configured with the factory tow package. The G550 uses a 5.5L V8 producing 382 horsepower paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. International market data confirms a braked trailer rating of 3,500 kg for 2016 models, which converts to approximately 7,716 lbs in regions where that standard applies.

2015 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2015 G-Class supports a maximum trailer weight of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) across G550, G63 AMG, and G65 AMG trim levels. The optional tow package includes a receiver hitch, trailer wiring, and a factory-calibrated trailer stability program. All G-Class variants from this model year use a rigid axle suspension design with coil springs front and rear.

2014 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz G-Class carries a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) with the optional tow package installed. The G63 AMG uses a 5.5L biturbo V8 producing 536 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The 6.0L V12-powered G65 AMG, rated at 621 horsepower, shares the same 7,000 lb towing limit.

2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2013 model year marked the introduction of the G63 AMG in the US market, replacing the supercharged G55 AMG. The G63 AMG uses a 5.5L twin-turbocharged V8, and alongside the G550 and newly added G65 AMG, the maximum towing capacity remained at 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg). The G65 AMG was a new addition for 2013, using a 6.0L twin-turbo V12 paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2012 G-Class offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) across both the G550 and G55 AMG variants. The G550 uses a 5.5L V8 producing 382 horsepower, while the G55 AMG uses a supercharged 5.5L V8 producing 507 horsepower. This was the final US model year for the G55 AMG before it was replaced by the twin-turbocharged G63 AMG.

2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class maintains the 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) maximum towing capacity rating shared with the G550 and G55 AMG. The G55 AMG supercharged V8 produces 507 horsepower in this model year. Both variants use a 7-speed automatic transmission paired with permanent full-time four-wheel drive.

2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2010 G-Class supports a maximum trailer weight of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) across both available trim levels. The G550, which replaced the G500 name in 2009, uses a 5.5L V8 engine producing 382 horsepower. The G55 AMG version uses the same 5.5L block with a Roots-type supercharger for a higher output rating.

2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2009 model year introduced the G550 designation, replacing the G500 name while retaining the fundamental W463 platform. The engine displacement increased from 5.0L to 5.5L, and the towing capacity of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) was carried forward unchanged. The five-speed automatic transmission used in earlier years was replaced by a seven-speed unit beginning with this generation.

2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) with the tow package installed. The G500 uses a 5.0L V8 producing 292 horsepower paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The G55 AMG pairs a supercharged 5.5L V8 with a 7-speed automatic for substantially higher power while maintaining the same trailer weight limit.

2007 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2007 G-Class supports a maximum trailer weight of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) in both G500 and G55 AMG configurations. The G500 retains the 5.0L V8 and 5-speed automatic transmission, while the G55 AMG uses a longer-ratio 7-speed unit. The GVWR for the 2007 G500 is approximately 6,834 lbs (3,100 kg), and payload remains at 1,411 lbs (640 kg).

2006 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz G-Class maintains a 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) maximum towing capacity across G500 and G55 AMG variants. The G500 carries a curb weight of approximately 5,423 lbs (2,460 kg) with a GVWR of 6,834 lbs (3,100 kg), setting a maximum payload of 1,411 lbs (640 kg). All G-Class towing configurations require proper trailer brake wiring and recommend an auxiliary transmission cooler when towing near rated limits.

2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2005 G-Class supports a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) with the optional tow package equipment. The G500 uses a 5.0L V8 producing 292 horsepower and 336 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Three lockable differentials, including front, center, and rear units, provide consistent four-wheel torque distribution during towing on uneven surfaces.

2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) in both standard and AMG configurations. The G55 AMG supercharged variant uses a 5.5L V8 producing up to 469 horsepower for this model year. Curb weight for the G500 is approximately 5,423 lbs (2,460 kg), leaving a rated payload of 1,411 lbs (640 kg).

2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2003 G-Class carries a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) with a GVWR of 6,834 lbs (3,100 kg) for the G500 variant. The G500 produces 292 horsepower with a torque output of 336 lb-ft at the 5.0L V8 engine. The G55 AMG uses a supercharged version of the 5.5L V8 with 349 horsepower in this model year.

2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Towing Capacity

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is the first model year offered for general US sale under the W463 platform. The G500 has a curb weight of 5,423 lbs (2,460 kg) and a GVWR of 6,834 lbs (3,100 kg), with a maximum payload rating of 1,411 lbs (640 kg). Maximum towing capacity is 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) when configured with the factory-authorized Class III tow hitch and wiring.

Towing Equipment and Setup

Tow Package

The factory tow package for the G-Class includes a receiver hitch, trailer wiring harness, and trailer stability program activation. Installing a tow package that meets the vehicle’s Class III rating is required to achieve the maximum published trailer weight limit. Towing without a proper hitch mounting point rated for the vehicle’s GCWR can cause structural damage to the frame.

Trailer Brake Controller

A proportional brake controller is required for trailers exceeding 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) gross weight in most US states. The G-Class wiring harness on newer models includes a dedicated brake controller output circuit. Verify trailer brake wiring compatibility before connecting a trailer with an independent braking system.

Weight-Distributing Hitch

The dead-weight hitch rating for most G-Class model years is 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg), which is below the maximum 7,000 lb towing capacity. To reach the 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) maximum trailer weight limit on pre-2024 models, a weight-distributing hitch is required. A weight-distributing system transfers tongue load back to the front axle, reducing steering instability and rear sag.

Transmission Cooler

Towing heavy trailers for extended distances generates excess transmission fluid heat, which can accelerate wear and cause failures. An auxiliary transmission cooler is advisable when towing near the rated maximum on routes with extended grades or in high ambient temperatures. Most G-Class models from 2009 onward include an engine cooling system capable of handling towing loads under normal conditions.

Tire Load Ratings

Tire load capacity must match or exceed the vehicle’s GVWR plus the tongue weight applied through the hitch. The G-Class uses standardized load-range tires; confirm that the specific tire fitted on any used example meets the original manufacturer load index specification.

Trailer Sway Control

The G-Class uses an integrated trailer sway program through the vehicle’s ESP electronic stability system. The 2025 model includes Trailer Stability Assist as a standard feature. On earlier model years, the trailer stability function is part of the ESP calibration and activates automatically when sway is detected.

Normal vs. Heavy Towing Setup

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum towing capacity of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class?

The maximum towing capacity of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg) for the 2024 and 2025 model years. For model years 2002 through 2023, the US-rated maximum towing capacity is 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) when equipped with the optional tow package and a weight-distributing hitch.

How much can a Mercedes-Benz G-Class tow with a tow package?

With the factory tow package installed and a weight-distributing hitch, a G-Class can tow up to 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) on 2002-2023 models and up to 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg) on 2024-2025 models. Without a weight-distributing hitch on pre-2024 models, the dead-weight hitch limit is 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).

Does 4WD affect Mercedes-Benz G-Class towing capacity?

The G-Class uses permanent full-time four-wheel drive on all model years and in all configurations. Since no two-wheel drive variant is available, the published towing capacity reflects the full-time 4WD drivetrain in all cases. Three lockable differentials are present on all G-Class variants and do not change the maximum trailer weight rating.

What trailer weight is safe for a Mercedes-Benz G-Class?

The safe trailer weight is any load at or below the manufacturer-rated maximum for the specific model year and hitch configuration. For most G-Class years, this means 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) maximum with a dead-weight hitch and 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) with a weight-distributing hitch. On 2024-2025 models, the maximum is 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg).

Do I need a weight-distributing hitch for a Mercedes-Benz G-Class?

A weight-distributing hitch is required on 2002-2023 models to reach the full 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) maximum trailer weight rating. Without it, the dead-weight limit is 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with a 500 lb tongue weight ceiling. For the 2024-2025 W465 generation, confirm the specific hitch type requirement in the owner’s manual for the rated 7,716 lb limit.

What hitch class does the Mercedes-Benz G-Class use?

The G-Class uses a Class III 2-inch receiver hitch on all US-market model years. A Class III receiver supports dead-weight hitch loads up to 5,000 lbs and, with a weight-distributing head, can be rated to handle the full 7,000-7,716 lb towing capacity the G-Class supports. Aftermarket Class IV receiver upgrades are available but must be mounted to factory-approved attachment points.

Conclusion

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class towing capacity ranges from 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) on model years 2002 through 2023 to 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg) on the 2024 and 2025 W465 platform. All G-Class variants use permanent full-time four-wheel drive, and the towing limit is consistent across standard and AMG trim levels within each model year. The factory tow package, hitch class selection, and proper weight-distributing hitch setup directly determine which rated limit applies to a specific vehicle. Engine configuration, whether the inline-6 MHEV in the 2024-2025 G500 or the biturbo V8 in the G63 AMG, does not change the maximum trailer weight rating for a given model year.