CDs?
Lol
It ain’t got a CD player, so that should help w payload….hahahaha
Having had an ML320 for 20 some odd years. If MB has the same type of tow ratings as back then, ALL of that model has a tow rating of 7700 lbs. In the owners manual, it states that if you want more performance, then make sure you buy the BIGGEST engine available. You can safely tow that trailer size with your MB. Similar to a 66 IHC travelall I had, best performance, was the biggest engine, most gears in tranny, and lowest overall low ratio to get bigger loads moving.
Now things that can hinder performance, the BIGGEST is aerodynamics! This is worst on performance than overall weight. I drove from Seattle to Ellensburg a few times and back with a truck LONG gone. Towing two different trailers, both at 15K GCW. One was a 90+ sq ft frontal area boxy RV. The other an equipment trailer with maybe 70 sqft of frontal area. I got +2 mpg, and pulled a gear taller, around 7-10 mph with the equipment trailer, than I did the travel trailer.
At the end of the day, you have more HP(2x) and dang near the same torque as the truck I was driving at the time. More gears in trans etc. I would pull a 7500 lbs trailer with your MB! no questions asked!
My current GM 1500 with a 4.3 V6. Ive pulled an 8500 lbs trailer with it. Its pulls better than every BB, DIesel truck I've owned, but my Dmax! I still have that equipment trailer with the same mini excavator on it! I'm very happy with how it pulls. I'm at 285 hp and 300 lb ft of torque. I'd pull one of the newer trailer that was on the aerodynamic side too!
While I agree to a point what the two previous posters said, I need to disagree as to HOW BAD it will be. SUV's can be great tow rigs for many reasons better than a pickup! In your case, the shorter rear overhang can be a blessing!
Have fun.
Marty
