How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cost?

Prices have softened 4.32% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 867 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare across trims and conditions.

If you find a listing below $38,346.34, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a good car?

Yes — the 4.7/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 8.33/10. The model scores 10/10 across Technology and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the E-Class for its luxury feel, strong performance, and beautiful design. The cabin quality and advanced features also come through as recurring strengths, and the ride quality is a major part of the appeal.

The trade-offs are that some owners feel it is overpriced, and some wish for more standard equipment. The overview also frames it as a premium choice best suited to buyers who want a refined, technology-rich luxury sedan rather than a value play.

With 34.0% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?

Owners rate it 4.7/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback points to a car that feels dependable, with many drivers describing the E-Class as a luxury model they enjoy living with over time. The combination of comfort, performance, and advanced features also suggests a vehicle that can feel well sorted in daily use.

The expert evaluation reinforces that sense of durability by describing the E-Class as a practical, versatile car with a quiet and excellent powertrain choice. The 48-volt setup also helps the engine shut off more often, which supports efficiency-minded operation.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that this is a complex luxury car, so condition and maintenance history matter a lot.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper history review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on a car with advanced electronics and multiple powertrain choices. Focus on wear, option-functionality, and whether the car has been maintained consistently.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Even in base form, the car’s cabin is rich and inviting, but some advanced safety features are optional rather than standard.
• Powertrain: The lineup includes electrified inline-six powertrains, a base turbo four-cylinder, and higher-output AMG variants; the four-cylinder is described as underwhelming, while the six-cylinder setup is quiet and excellent.
• Safety package: Forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring are standard, while other driver-assist features remain optional.
• Infotainment: The system uses dual 12-inch screens, MBUX, touch input, voice control, and gesture features; it does not update over-the-air, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not standard.
• Fuel efficiency: The E450 4Matic sedan returns 26 mpg combined, the E350 4Matic sedan returns 25 mpg combined, the AMG E53 sedan returns 25 mpg combined, and the AMG E63 sedan returns 18 mpg combined.

Which 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class trim should I buy?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is offered in 4 trim levels: E350, E450, AMG E53, AMG E63 S.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The E350 is the value-oriented entry point, but the four-cylinder engine is described as underwhelming, and some advanced safety features are not standard.
• Sweet-spot trim: The E450 is the best all-around choice if you want the quiet, excellent electrified inline-six without jumping into AMG pricing.
• Premium/top trim: The AMG E53 adds brisk acceleration, rear-biased AWD, and more performance hardware while still preserving much of the E-Class comfort.
• Off-road trim: Not applicable here.

The safety package includes standard forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, while other driver-assist features remain optional.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without expecting deep distress pricing.

• Deal availability: 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 867 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.32% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $38,346.34, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

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

The current average of $38,329 sits slightly below last year's $40,058.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy more confidently today. For a future seller, it also means your resale outcome will depend heavily on mileage, condition, and equipment rather than broad market momentum alone.

Because the model still draws strong owner satisfaction, demand should remain healthy for clean examples with desirable options. Well-kept cars with the right history are more likely to hold buyer interest than neglected ones.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.7/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class safe?

The 2021 E-Class sedan and wagon earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five-star ratings in frontal, side, and rollover tests, though the driver's side received a four-star frontal crash rating. The 2020 E-Class sedan was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS.

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

Forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring are standard. Other driver-assist features are optional, and the coupe and cabriolet were not tested by IIHS or NHTSA.

Should I buy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 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:

• 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.32% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 update brings refreshed infotainment, engines, and styling.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $30,233, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $38,329 average.
• It offers a refined luxury experience with stellar design and technology.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,152, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $38,329 average.
• It keeps the refreshed formula and adds standard automatic high-beam headlights.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of updated tech, strong safety, and broad market availability, the 2021 is the primary target. If your priority is lower purchase price, the 2020 is the smarter value play, while the 2022 makes sense if you want a slightly newer example and are comfortable paying more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 14, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.