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

Prices have softened 11.11% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 819 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $36,792.15, 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 comfortable interior and advanced features. The E-Class also stands out for its powerful engine choices and upscale feel, which fit its role as a premium midsize luxury car with broad appeal.

The main trade-offs are price and some equipment gaps: the car can feel overpriced to some shoppers, and advanced safety features are not standard. That matters most if you want a fully loaded luxury experience without stepping up through the options list.

With four body styles, four engines, and a wide range of personalities, it suits you best if you want a refined do-it-all luxury car rather than a single-purpose machine. Good and great deals account for 29.2% of listings, so there is still 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 points to a car that feels dependable, with buyers repeatedly highlighting the luxury experience, comfortable interior, and advanced features they can count on over time. The expert evaluation also describes the E-Class as a quiet and excellent choice for a car this size, which reinforces the sense that it is built for steady everyday use.

Mercedes also leans into durability-minded engineering here, with a 48-volt setup that supports smoother starts and restarts while helping the engine shut off more often. 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 mainstream model.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.7% — 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, especially on higher-spec cars with more equipment and more complex systems. Focus on condition, maintenance history, and whether the features you want are actually installed on the car you are considering.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The cabin is richly appointed even in lower trims, but the base setup can miss some of the more premium touches and safety equipment that make the E-Class feel fully loaded.
• Powertrain: You can choose from multiple engines, including a revised 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and electrified inline-six powertrains; the base engine is the weakest performer, while the higher-output setups are much more satisfying.
• 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, touch input, wireless phone charging is optional, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not wireless; it also does not update over-the-air.
• Fuel efficiency: The E53 sedan is rated at 25 mpg combined, while the E450 4Matic sedan returns 26 mpg combined and the E350 4Matic sedan returns 25 mpg combined.

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, AMG E63 S, sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible, E350 4Matic, E450 4Matic, E350 sedan, E450 sedan, and E53 sedan.

Here's the short version:

• E350: This is the entry point if you want the E-Class experience at the lowest cost, but the base four-cylinder is the least compelling powertrain and is best for shoppers who care more about the badge, comfort, and style than outright performance.
• E450 4Matic: This is the best-value choice for most buyers because it pairs the stronger electrified inline-six with all-wheel drive and the more satisfying everyday balance of power and refinement.
• AMG E53: Choose this if you want the sportiest mainstream E-Class feel, with brisk acceleration, rear-biased AWD, and the more performance-focused character that comes from the AMG tuning.

Advanced safety features are not standard, so check equipment carefully on any trim you are considering.

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

This is a moderate buyer's market, so you can shop selectively without expecting a deep bargain on every listing.

• Deal availability: 29.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 819 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.11% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 75.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $36,792.15, 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 $36,681 sits slightly below last year's $41,264.

That price decline suggests the market has already absorbed some of the model's depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price today. If you pay near the current average or below it, you may have a better chance of limiting your loss later. The E-Class also benefits from strong owner satisfaction, which can help keep demand steady in the used market.

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 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.

Forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring are standard. Other driver-assist features are optional, so you should confirm the exact safety equipment on the car you are considering.

The main caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, so a used E-Class can vary meaningfully by trim and option content.

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:

• 29.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.11% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds a refreshed infotainment system, updated engines, and revised exterior styling.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $30,731, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $36,681 average.
• It offers strong design and technology with a new base engine.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,373, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $36,681 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 healthier used-car market, the 2021 is the smart default. If your priority is saving money, the 2020 is the better value play; if you want a slightly newer example and do not mind paying more, the 2022 is the cleaner follow-up.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.