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

Prices have softened 3.82% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 866 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare across trims and conditions.

If you find a listing below $38,533.66, 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class earns a 4.7/5 user rating and an 8.33/10 expert rating. The model scores 10/10 across Technology and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the blend of luxury, performance, and beautiful design, along with the powerful engine and comfortable interior. The advanced features and overall premium feel also come through strongly in owner feedback.

The main trade-offs are price and feature packaging: some drivers feel it is overpriced, and some advanced safety features are not standard. That matters most if you want a fully loaded luxury sedan without stretching into option-heavy territory.

For you, the E-Class makes the most sense if you want a premium midsize sedan that emphasizes comfort, technology, and a polished driving experience. It also stands out if you value a car that can be tailored across multiple body styles and configurations.

With 34.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still 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, trouble-free, and easy to count on over time, especially when you value a refined daily driver. The expert evaluation also describes it as a quiet and excellent choice for a car this size, with the hybridized powertrains adding smoothness and efficiency to the ownership experience.

The 48-volt setup is designed to support frequent engine shutoffs and restarts while helping the car meet stricter emissions standards. Mercedes also notes that the first scheduled maintenance visit is on the house.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is complexity: this is a highly optioned luxury car, so condition and maintenance history matter more than mileage alone.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because luxury cars can hide expensive repairs behind a clean-looking listing. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on electronics, suspension behavior, and signs of deferred maintenance. Pay close attention to whether the car has the features you want, since some advanced safety equipment is optional rather than standard.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Even in base form, the car’s cabin is rich and inviting, but some advanced safety features are not standard.
• Powertrain: The E-Class uses electrified inline-six powertrains on higher-volume models, while the base 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is underwhelming for a luxury car at this price.
• Safety package: Forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring are standard, while 14 other driver-assist features are optional.
• Infotainment: The system uses dual 12-inch screens, supports touch input, and includes standard 4G WiFi and connected services, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are 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), the E350 4Matic sedan returns 25 mpg combined (22 city / 30 highway), the AMG E53 sedan returns 25 mpg combined (22 city / 29 highway), and the AMG E63 sedan returns 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 13 trim levels: E350 sedan, E450 sedan, AMG E53 sedan, AMG E63 S sedan, E350 4Matic sedan, E450 4Matic sedan, E350 coupe, E450 coupe, AMG E53 coupe, E350 cabriolet, E450 cabriolet, AMG E53 cabriolet, and AMG E63 S wagon.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The E350 sedan is the most affordable entry point, but its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is the least compelling powertrain in the lineup and it still leaves some advanced safety features off the standard-equipment list.
• Sweet-spot trim: The E450 4Matic sedan is the best all-around choice if you want the strongest balance of smooth performance, efficiency, and everyday usability.
• Premium/top trim: The AMG E53 sedan adds brisk acceleration, rear-biased AWD, and a more performance-focused character without going all the way to the extreme cost and intensity of the E63 S.
• Off-road trim: The AMG E63 S wagon is the most specialized choice, but its extreme performance focus makes it less practical for typical daily driving.

Forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring are standard, while other driver-assist features remain optional.

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: 34.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 866 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.82% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $38,533.66, 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 $38,650 sits slightly below last year's $40,184.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy more confidently now. If you keep the car in strong condition and maintain it well, you should be better positioned when it comes time to sell.

Because this model year still carries strong owner satisfaction, it should remain appealing to future shoppers who want a luxury sedan with broad capability. That demand can help support resale value, especially for well-kept examples with desirable equipment.

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 earn five-star overall ratings 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.

Mercedes 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 confirm exactly which systems are fitted on the car you are considering.

The E-Class also includes several standout safety touches, including Pre-Safe Sound, side-bolster inflation in a side collision, and systems that can help counter crosswinds. If you are shopping a coupe or cabriolet, note that those body styles 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:

• 34.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.82% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 refresh brings updated infotainment, revised engines, and fresh styling.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $30,455, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $38,650 average.
• It offers a pre-refresh E-Class with a new base engine and strong standard equipment.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,672, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $38,650 average.
• It keeps the refreshed formula and adds standard automatic high-beam headlights.

The bottom line: If you want the most complete version of this generation, the 2021 is the right target because it combines the refresh with strong tech and safety credentials. If your priority is saving money, the 2020 is the better 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 7, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.