2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class towing capacity
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class is published in 4 configurations with a tow rating of 5,000 lb (mid-size SUV / pickup territory).
The table below lists every trim of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.
Per-trim breakdown
| Configuration | Engine | HP | Torque | Axle | Tow (lb) | GVWR | Curb | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ML 350 Sport Utility 4D | V6, 3.7 Liter | 232 | 254 | — | 5,000 | — | 4,819 | — |
| ML 500 Sport Utility 4D | V8, 5.0 Liter | 288 | 325 | — | 5,000 | — | 4,874 | — |
| ML 320 Sport Utility 4D | V6, 3.2 Liter | 215 | 233 | — | 5,000 | — | 4,786 | — |
| ML 55 AMG Sport Utility 4D | V8, 5.5 Liter | 342 | 376 | — | 5,000 | — | 5,073 | — |
How to interpret the headline tow figure
Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.
How this year compares to 2002
The 2002 Mercedes-Benz M Class carried a maximum tow rating of 5,000 lb. The 2003 model carries the same headline figure — manufacturers usually leave the rating alone year-over-year unless there's a powertrain or hitch change. See the 2002 Mercedes-Benz M Class page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2003 Mercedes-Benz models
The rest of Mercedes-Benz's 2003 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz G Class | 7,000 |
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320 | 5,000 |
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML 500 | 5,000 |
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG | 5,000 |
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 | 5,000 |
All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.