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

Prices have softened 4.30% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 870 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $37,946.54, 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.

The main trade-offs are that some owners feel it is overpriced, and some wish for more standard equipment. The expert review also notes that the base engine can feel underwhelming compared with the rest of the lineup.

For you, that means the E-Class makes the most sense if you want a premium sedan that emphasizes comfort, tech, and refinement over bargain pricing. Good and great deals account for 33.8% of listings, so there are still opportunities if you shop carefully.

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 dependable, trouble-free feel, with buyers repeatedly highlighting the car’s strong overall quality and confidence-inspiring ownership experience.

The expert review reinforces that impression by describing the E-Class as a quiet, excellent choice with a powertrain that suits a car this size. It also notes that the 48-volt setup helps the engine shut off more often, which supports efficiency in everyday use.

If you’re buying used, the main long-term ownership risk is complexity: this is a highly equipped 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 77.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean title alone does not tell you how the car was maintained or repaired. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on electronics, suspension behavior, and signs of deferred maintenance. On a luxury sedan like this, condition and feature operation matter as much as cosmetic wear.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The cabin is richly appointed even in lower trims, but some advanced safety features are not standard.
• Powertrain: The lineup includes electrified inline-six powertrains, and the base four-cylinder is described as 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 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; it does not update over-the-air, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not wireless.
• Fuel efficiency: The E53 sedan is rated at 25 mpg combined, 22 mpg city, and 29 mpg highway; the E450 4Matic sedan returns 26 mpg combined, 23 mpg city, and 30 mpg highway; the E350 4Matic sedan returns 25 mpg combined, 22 mpg city, and 30 mpg highway.

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

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is offered in 13 trim levels: E350, E450, AMG E53, and AMG E63 S.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The E350 is the value entry point, but its four-cylinder engine is the least compelling choice and some advanced safety features remain optional.
• Sweet-spot trim: The E450 is the best all-around pick if you want the electrified inline-six, strong performance, and a quieter, more polished driving experience.
• Premium/top trim: The AMG E53 adds brisk acceleration, rear-biased AWD, and more performance hardware without going all the way to the extreme E63 S.
• Off-road trim: None of the trims here are aimed at off-road use.

The safety package includes standard forward automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitoring, 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 is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 33.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 870 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.30% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $37,946.54, 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 $37,873 sits slightly below last year's $39,576.

That softer pricing can help you buy in at a more favorable point, but it also means future resale gains may be more limited if the market stays soft. For a seller, the key is that the car still sits in a desirable luxury segment with strong demand for well-kept examples.

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 scored a five-star overall rating and five stars in frontal and side crash tests and for rollover vulnerability from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, the driver's side received a four-star rating in the frontal crash test versus the full five stars for 2020. The 2020 E-Class sedan was rated a "Top Safety Pick+" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with the highest ratings in six crash tests, headlights, and collision-avoidance systems.

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, so you should confirm exactly which systems are fitted on the used example you’re considering.

The one caveat to keep in mind is the four-star driver-side frontal result from NHTSA, which is worth checking against the specific vehicle’s equipment and history.

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:

• 33.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.30% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 update brings refreshed infotainment, electrified inline-six powertrains, and updated styling.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $31,394, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $37,873 average.
• It offers a plush, well-equipped luxury experience with a new base engine.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,847, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $37,873 average.
• It adds standard automatic high-beam headlights and more standard rear USB charging in coupe and convertible models.

The bottom line: you should choose the 2021 if you want the refreshed tech and powertrain lineup without moving up to the next model year’s higher average price. If your priority is saving money, the 2020 is the better value play; if you want to spend more for a slightly newer example, the 2022 is the natural step up.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.