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

Prices have softened 4.67% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 848 listings available, which suggests you have a workable amount of inventory to compare. If you find a listing below $38,302.81, 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, performance, and beautiful design. The cabin quality and advanced features also come through as recurring strengths, and the car’s comfortable interior is a major draw.

The trade-offs are familiar for a luxury sedan: some owners feel it is overpriced, and a few note missing features such as active lane keeping assist. The overview also frames it as a premium choice best suited to buyers who value comfort, technology, and a polished driving experience over bargain pricing.

With 33.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some 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. The owner feedback also points to a car that feels dependable, with praise centered on its luxury, performance, and comfortable day-to-day use.

The expert evaluation describes the E-Class as a quiet and excellent choice for a car this size, and the hybrid inline-six setup is presented as a refined solution for smoother starts and restarts in traffic. That combination suggests a car built to feel composed over time rather than fragile or fussy.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that this is a complex luxury car, so condition and maintenance history matter more than they would on a simpler sedan.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.6% — 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 that focuses on electronics, suspension behavior, and any signs of deferred maintenance. Pay close attention to how the cabin features, driver-assistance systems, and infotainment functions operate, since this model leans heavily on technology.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base setup leaves some advanced safety features off the standard equipment list, so you should confirm exactly which driver-assistance items are included on the car you are considering.
• Powertrain: The lineup includes a revised 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and electrified inline-six options; the four-cylinder is described as underwhelming, while the six-cylinder models are quieter and more satisfying.
• Safety package: Forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring are standard, while many other driver-assist features remain optional.
• Infotainment: The cabin uses MBUX with dual 12-inch screens, touch and swipe controls, natural voice processing, and online search; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard but not wireless, and the system does not update over the air.
• Fuel efficiency: The E450 4Matic sedan returns 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway), while the E350 4Matic sedan returns 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway). The AMG E53 sedan is rated at 25 mpg combined (22 city/29 highway), and the AMG E63 sedan at 18 mpg combined (16 city/23 highway).

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 least expensive path into the lineup, 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 refined hybrid inline-six, stronger performance, and a quieter, more polished driving experience.
• Premium/top trim: The AMG E53 adds brisk acceleration, rear-biased AWD, and a more performance-focused setup without going all the way to the extreme of the V8 model.
• Off-road trim: The AMG E63 S is the most extreme option, but its extra performance and cost make it a poor fit for most daily drivers.

Forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring are standard.

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

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

• Deal availability: 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 848 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.67% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $38,302.81, 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 $38,548 sits slightly below last year's $40,435.

That softer pricing can help you buy more confidently now, but it also means future sellers may face a more competitive market if values continue to ease. The current trend suggests the model is still desirable, yet not immune to depreciation pressure. If you maintain the car well and keep its history clean, you should be in a better position when it is time to sell.

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?

It earns a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five-star ratings in frontal and side crash tests and for rollover vulnerability. The driver's side received a four-star rating in the frontal crash test.

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

The E-Class includes forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring as standard equipment. Other driver-assistance features are optional, so you should verify the exact safety package on any used example you are considering. The coupe and cabriolet versions 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:

• 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.67% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 update brings refreshed infotainment, updated engines, and revised styling.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $31,079, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $38,548 average.
• It offers a new base engine and a similarly luxurious, tech-forward cabin.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,831, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $38,548 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 a softer used-market price, the 2021 is the primary target. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 can save you money while still delivering the E-Class experience.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 31, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.