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

Prices have softened 7.30% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 841 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $37,960.19, 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 its blend of luxury, performance, and beautiful design, along with the comfortable interior and advanced features. The E-Class also stands out for its powerful engine choices and broad appeal across body styles and personalities. On the downside, some owners feel it is overpriced, and some note the absence of certain features they expected in a luxury car.

That mix fits the E-Class’s role as a versatile midsize luxury car that can be fast, efficient, quiet, or richly appointed depending on how you spec it. The market also looks healthy, with 32.6% of listings marked as good or great deals.

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 praise centered on its luxury, comfort, and overall satisfaction over time. The powertrains are described as quiet and excellent choices for a car this size, and the model’s refined driving character supports the sense that it is built for long-term use.

Mercedes also emphasizes the 48-volt system’s ability to support frequent engine shutoffs and restarts, which is part of the car’s efficiency-minded design. 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 76.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on electronics, suspension behavior, and any signs of uneven wear. Since this is a luxury model with a lot of equipment, condition and maintenance history matter more than mileage alone.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The cabin is richly appointed even in base form, but the more upscale versions add richer materials, more elaborate stitching, and features like illuminated and motorized tweeters on the front doors.
• Powertrain: The lineup includes multiple engines, from a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder to electrified inline-six powertrains, plus the AMG E53’s 429 hp setup and the E63 S’s 603 hp V8.
• Safety package: Forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring are standard, while all other driver-assist features are optional.
• Infotainment: The car uses MBUX with two 12-inch screens, touch and swipe controls, natural voice processing, and online search; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not wireless, and OTA updates are not included.
• 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 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 gives you the core E-Class experience, but advanced safety features are not standard, so you may need to shop carefully for the equipment you want.
• Sweet-spot trim: The E450 is the best balance for many buyers because it adds the electrified inline-six powertrain and keeps the E-Class’s quiet, refined character.
• Premium/top trim: The AMG E53 is the most compelling upscale pick if you want stronger performance, rear-biased AWD, and the variable-rate air suspension without going all the way to the extreme AMG model.
• Off-road trim: Not applicable here.

Forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring are standard, but 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 have room to compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 32.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 841 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.30% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $37,960.19, 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 $37,902 sits slightly below last year's $40,885.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help future resale if you buy at the right number. If you pay close to the current average or better, you may have a better chance of limiting depreciation pressure later. Strong equipment, clean history, and desirable trim choices should matter more when it comes 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?

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.

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

The standard safety suite includes forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. Other driver-assistance features are optional, so you should check the exact equipment on any used example. The 2020 E-Class sedan was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, but the 2021 text does not repeat that result for this model year.

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:

• 32.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.30% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings a mid-cycle update for the infotainment system, engines, and exterior styling.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $30,657, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $37,902 average.
• It offers a stylish design and impressive technology.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,138, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $37,902 average.
• It keeps the refreshed formula and adds more standard convenience equipment.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of updated tech, strong owner satisfaction, and a softer used-market price, the 2021 is the smart default. If your priority is spending less, the 2020 is the value play; if you want a slightly newer example and do not mind paying more, the 2022 is the cleaner follow-on choice.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.