
The applicable permissible values, which must
not be exceeded, can be found:
Rin the vehicle documents
Ron the identification plates for the trailer tow
hitch and the trailer
Ron the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris affected more by strong crosswinds
Rdemands more sensitive steering
Rhas a larger turning circle
This could impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to the current road and weather conditions. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
The GLE 550 e 4MATIC cannot be used to tow a
trailer.
RDo not exceed the legally prescribed maxi-
mum speed for vehicle/trailer combinations
in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
ROnly install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
RDo not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle.
RIf you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess. This
will reduce the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling. When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the max-
imum load. You will find the values in the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap of the vehicle
(
Ypage 406).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all:
RPARKTRONIC (Ypage 210)
RBlind Spot Assist (Ypage 227)
RActive Lane Keeping Assist (Ypage 233)
On vehicles without level control, the height of
the ball coupling will alter according to the load
placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Ypage 444).
Driving tips
Observe the information on ESP®trailer stabili-
zation (Ypage 73) and on pulling away with a
trailer (Ypage 149).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents to see what the maximum
permissible speed is. Observe the legally pre-
scribed maximum speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See "Technical data" to
find out whether this applies to your vehicle
(
Ypage 445). If you utilize any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not exceed
a maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/ h)for
reasons concerning the operating permit. This
also applies in countries in which the permissi-
ble maximum speed for vehicle/trailer combi-
nations is above 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
to shift into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients.
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so that less braking will be required to maintain the
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
Towing a trailer257
Driving and parking
Z

In order to ensure that the automatic transmis-
sion stays in positionNwhen towing the vehicle,
you must observe the following points:
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
N.
XLeave the SmartKey in position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 116).
In order to signal a change of direction when
towing the vehicle with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination switch
as usual. In this case, only the indicator lamps
for the direction of travel flash. After resetting
the combination switch, the hazard warning
lamp starts flashing again.
Transporting the vehicle
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles
Transportation of the vehicle should only be car-
ried out by professional recovery companies.
4MATIC vehicles/vehicles with auto-
matic transmission
!When the vehicle is loaded for transport, the
front and rear axles must be stationary and on
the same transportation vehicle. Positioning
over the connection point of the transport
vehicle is not permitted. The drive train may
otherwise be damaged.
All vehicles
!You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting pur-
poses.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
N.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
XShift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion P.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it.
XSecure the vehicle.
Information on 4MATIC vehicles
!
Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed away with both axles on the ground or be loaded up
and transported.
If the vehicle's transmission, front, or rear axle is
damaged, have the vehicle transported on a
truck or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical sys-
tem: if the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position P. To shift
the automatic transmission to position N, you
must provide power to the vehicle's electrical
system in the same way as when jump-starting
(
Ypage 379).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter or
trailer.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
!
Vehicles with automatic transmission must
not be tow-started. You could otherwise dam-
age the automatic transmission.
Towing and tow-starting383
Breakdown assitance
Z

Tires
GLE 250 d 4MATIC
Summer tires
R18
TiresWheels
BA: 255/55 R1810 5 WBA: 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.20 in (56 mm)
BA: 255/55 R18 105 VBA: 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.22 in (56.5 mm)
R19
TiresWheels
BA: 255/50 R19 103 W3BA: 8.0 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.20 in (56 mm)
BA: 255/50 R19 103 W3, 4BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.32 in (59 mm)
BA: 255/50 R19 103 W3, 4BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.44 in (62 mm)
R20
TiresWheels
BA: 265/45 R20 104 Y3, 4BA: 9.0 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 2.24 in (57 mm)
R21
TiresWheels
BA: 265/40 R21 105 Y XL4, 5BA: 9.0 J x 21 H2
Wheel offset: 2.09 in (53 mm)
3Available as MOExtended tires.4Use of snow chains not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.5Only for vehicles with the AIRMATIC package (code 489).
414Wheel and tire combinations
Wheels and tires

GLE 350 4MATIC
Summer tires
R21
TiresWheels
BA: 265/40 R21 105 Y XL4, 5BA: 9.0 J x 21 H2
Wheel offset: 2.09 in (53 mm)
All-weather tires
R18
TiresWheels
BA: 255/55 R18 105 H M+SBA: 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.20 in (56 mm)
BA: 255/55 R18 105 H M+SBA: 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.22 in (56.5 mm)
R19
TiresWheels
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+S3BA: 8.0 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.20 in (56 mm)
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+S3, 4BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.32 in (59 mm)
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+S3, 4BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.44 in (62 mm)
R20
TiresWheels
BA: 265/45 R20 108 H XL M+S3, 4BA: 9.0 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 2.24 in (57 mm)
Winter tires
R18
TiresWheels
BA: 255/55 R18 105 H M+SiBA: 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.20 in (56 mm)
4Use of snow chains not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.5Only for vehicles with the AIRMATIC package (code 489).3Available as MOExtended tires.
418Wheel and tire combinations
Wheels and tires

R19
TiresWheels
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+Si3BA: 8.0 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.20 in (56 mm)
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+Si3, 4BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.32 in (59 mm)
BA: 255/50 R19 103 W M+Si3BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.44 in (62 mm)
R20
TiresWheels
BA: 265/45 R20 108 V XL M+S i4BA: 9.0 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 2.24 in (57 mm)
GLE 350 d 4MATIC
Summer tires
R21
TiresWheels
BA: 265/40 R21 105 Y XL4, 5BA: 9.0 J x 21 H2
Wheel offset: 2.09 in (53 mm)
All-weather tires
R18
TiresWheels
BA: 255/55 R18 105 H M+SBA: 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.20 in (56 mm)
BA: 255/55 R18 105 H M+SBA: 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.22 in (56.5 mm)
3Available as MOExtended tires.4Use of snow chains not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.5Only for vehicles with the AIRMATIC package (code 489).
Wheel and tire combinations419
Wheels and tires
Z

GLE 400 4MATIC
Summer tires
R21
TiresWheels
BA: 265/40 R21 105 Y XL4, 5BA: 9.0 J x 21 H2
Wheel offset: 2.09 in (53 mm)
All-weather tires
R18
TiresWheels
BA: 255/55 R18 105 H M+SBA: 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.20 in (56 mm)
BA: 255/55 R18 105 H M+SBA: 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.22 in (56.5 mm)
R19
TiresWheels
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+S3BA: 8.0 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.20 in (56 mm)
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+S3, 4BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.32 in (59 mm)
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+S3, 4BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.44 in (62 mm)
R20
TiresWheels
BA: 265/45 R20 108 H XL M+S3, 4BA: 9.0 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 2.24 in (57 mm)
Winter tires
R18
TiresWheels
BA: 255/55 R18 105 H M+SiBA: 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.20 in (56 mm)
BA: 255/55 R18 105 H M+SiBA: 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.22 in (56.5 mm)
4Use of snow chains not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.5Only for vehicles with the AIRMATIC package (code 489).3Available as MOExtended tires.
Wheel and tire combinations421
Wheels and tires
Z

R19
TiresWheels
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+Si3BA: 8.0 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.20 in (56 mm)
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+Si3, 4BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.32 in (59 mm)
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+Si3, 4BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.32 in (62 mm)
R20
TiresWheels
BA: 265/45 R20 108 V XL M+S i4BA: 9.0 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 2.24 in (57 mm)
GLE 450 Sport AMG 4MATIC
Summer tires
R20
TiresWheels
BA: 265/45 ZR20 108 Y XL3, 4BA: 9.0 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 2.24 in (57 mm)
R21
TiresWheels
BA: 265/40 R21 105 Y XL4, 5BA: 9.0 J x 21 H2
Wheel offset: 2.09 in (53 mm)
Winter tires
R20
TiresWheels
BA: 265/45 R20 105 V XL M+SiBA: 9.0 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 2.24 in (57 mm)
3Available as MOExtended tires.4Use of snow chains not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.5Only for vehicles with the AIRMATIC package (code 489).
422Wheel and tire combinations
Wheels and tires

GLE 550 e 4MATIC
Summer tires
R21
TiresWheels
BA: 265/40 R21 105 Y XL4, 5BA: 9.0 J x 21 H2
Wheel offset: 2.09 in (53 mm)
All-weather tires
R19
TiresWheels
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+S3BA: 8.0 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.20 in (56 mm)
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+S3, 4BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.32 in (59 mm)
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+S3, 4BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.32 in (62 mm)
R20
TiresWheels
BA: 265/45 R20 108 H XL M+S3, 4BA: 9.0 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 2.24 in (57 mm)
Winter tires
R19
TiresWheels
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+Si3BA: 8.0 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.20 in (56 mm)
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+Si3, 4BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.32 in (59 mm)
BA: 255/50 R19 107 H XL M+Si3, 4BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.44 in (62 mm)
R20
TiresWheels
BA: 265/45 R20 108 V XL M+Si4BA: 9.0 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 2.24 in (57 mm)
4Use of snow chains not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.5Only for vehicles with the AIRMATIC package (code 489).3Available as MOExtended tires.
Wheel and tire combinations423
Wheels and tires
Z