Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE cost?

Prices have softened 10.27% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,710 listings available, which suggests you have a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earns a 4.5/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating. The model scores 10/10 across Performance, Technology, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its technology, comfort, and premium feel, and many also like the customizable features and high-quality sound system. The trade-offs are that some shoppers find it overpriced, and the heavier versions can feel like they strain the engine; ride quality also gets mixed feedback.

In use-case terms, this is the kind of SUV that fits you best if you want a refined, feature-rich luxury family vehicle rather than a flashy one. It also appeals if you value a broad range of variants and a cabin that feels upscale.

36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. Review feedback also points to a vehicle that feels dependable in daily use, with owners highlighting comfort and technology they can count on over time.

The expert test-drive data emphasizes a seamless hybrid setup on most trims, along with a smooth start-stop system and a generally composed driving experience. The base coil-sprung setup is also framed as the most sensible choice for reliability because it avoids more complex hardware.

The main long-term ownership risk for used buyers is complexity, especially on higher-spec versions with more advanced suspension and technology.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 83.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any listing you like, because a clean percentage does not replace a vehicle-by-vehicle check. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are looking at a higher-trim model with more complex equipment. Focus on condition, maintenance records, and whether the features you want are actually present on the specific vehicle.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The cabin is described as richly appointed, but the base setup is still the one most likely to feel less luxurious than higher trims. Higher trims add more of the premium feel the GLE is known for, while the lower end of the range is where feature gaps are most noticeable.
• Powertrain: The GLE offers multiple powertrain options, starting with a 255-hp base engine and moving up through stronger six- and eight-cylinder choices. The base engine is called underwhelming, so you may want to step up if you care about stronger acceleration.
• Safety package: The standard safety setup includes blind-spot monitoring, a driver attention monitor, and forward emergency braking. Adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control are optional, so check carefully for those features if they matter to you.
• Infotainment: The GLE uses a 12-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus gesture control and a voice assistant. The system is highly featured, so make sure the interface and controls work the way you expect during a test drive.
• Fuel efficiency: The six-cylinder version returns 21/26/23 mpg, while the four-cylinder 4Matic version returns 19/26/22 mpg. The eight-cylinder version is rated at 16 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined.

Which 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE trim should I buy?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE is offered in 5 trim levels: GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 580, AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 63 S.

Here's the short version:

• GLE 350: This is the entry point, and it is the trim most likely to make sense if you want the lowest starting price. It gives you the core GLE experience, but the base engine is the weakest part of the lineup, so it is best if value matters more than performance.
• GLE 450: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it adds a stronger six-cylinder powertrain and keeps the GLE’s comfort-and-tech formula intact. If you want the sweet spot between everyday usability and stronger performance, this is the trim to focus on.
• GLE 580: This trim is for you if you want a V8 and a more powerful, more expensive version of the GLE without jumping all the way to AMG territory. It suits buyers who want extra muscle and are willing to pay for it.
• AMG GLE 53: This is the performance-oriented choice if you want sharper response and more aggressive tuning. It adds the AMG character without going to the most extreme end of the lineup.
• AMG GLE 63 S: This is the top performance trim, aimed at buyers who want the most power and the most aggressive setup in the range. It is the one to choose if outright performance is your priority.

Advanced safety features are not standard, so check the equipment list carefully on any trim you consider.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The market looks selective rather than overheated, which gives you some leverage if you shop carefully.

• Deal availability: 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,710 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.27% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 83.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $37,723, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE's resale value?

The current average of $37,723 sits slightly below last year's $42,039.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer today but may temper future resale gains if you own one for only a short period. For a seller, the current pricing trend means you should expect a more competitive market than last year. Well-equipped examples and cleaner-history vehicles should still hold up better than rougher ones, especially if they are priced in line with current demand.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE safe?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earns the best Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

It earns a 10/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, a driver attention monitor, and forward emergency braking. Pre-Safe Sound is also standard, and it plays pink noise to help reduce hearing damage in a crash. Higher-level driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control are optional, so you should confirm whether a used example has the safety tech you want.

Should I buy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 83.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.27% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines comfort, technology, and multiple powertrain choices in a refined midsize luxury SUV.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,022, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $37,723 average.
• It brings a roomier cabin and a standout infotainment system.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,030, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $37,723 average.
• It adds a more distinctive coupe-style design and stronger style appeal.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of current pricing, inventory, and satisfaction, the 2021 is the safer default. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 is the value play; if you want a more dramatic look and can spend more, the 2022 is the upgrade path.

How does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE compare to the 2021 BMW X5?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Premium interior materials, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Uninspired styling, Advanced safety features are not standard, Underwhelming base engine.

2021 BMW X5:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Stylish design, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Advanced safety features are not standard.

Our experts score the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 8/10 and the 2021 BMW X5 8/10. The GLE leans harder into interior luxury and tech, while the X5 gets the edge on styling. Both have multiple powertrain options and both leave advanced safety features off the standard-equipment list, so your decision comes down to whether you value the GLE’s cabin and feature richness or the X5’s design.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.