Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE for Sale nearBirmingham, AL

How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE cost?

Prices have softened 10.28% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,550 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable selection to compare.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE a good car?

Yes — owners rate it 4.5/5, and the expert rating is 8/10. The model scores 10/10 across Performance, Technology, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the technology, comfort, customizable features, and high-quality sound system. The cabin also stands out for its premium materials and upscale feel, which fits a buyer looking for a traditional luxury SUV experience with a strong tech focus.

The trade-offs are that some shoppers feel it is overpriced, and the performance may not match competitors at the same price point. The overview also frames it as a midsize luxury SUV that leans hard into comfort and technology, so it makes the most sense if you value refinement and features over bargain pricing or a sportier personality.

With 35.6% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. The owner summary also points to a dependable-feeling ownership experience, with praise centered on comfort, technology, and a generally trouble-free impression.

The expert performance notes add that the base GLE 350 uses an ordinary coil-sprung setup, which makes the most sense for reliability because there is nothing expensive to fail. The cost-effectiveness notes also highlight that the base model starts with a simpler setup than the more complex versions.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the more advanced suspension and powertrain setups can be more complicated to own than the base configuration.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 84% — 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 suspension behavior, electronics, and any signs of uneven wear or prior bodywork. Condition matters a lot here because the GLE’s appeal depends heavily on its premium cabin and advanced equipment.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base GLE 350 is the only version with rear-wheel drive, while every other trim gets 4Matic all-wheel drive as standard. The higher trims add more power and more complex hardware, so the base model is the simplest path if you want to keep things straightforward.
• Powertrain: The GLE 350 uses a 255-hp turbocharged engine, the GLE 450 uses a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp, the GLE 53 raises that to 429 hp with an electric supercharger, the GLE 580 uses a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 483 hp, and the GLE 63 S tops the range with 603 hp. Efficiency is strongest in the GLE 450 at 21/26/23 mpg, while the GLE 350 4Matic returns 19/26/22 mpg.
• Safety package: The standard setup includes blind-spot monitoring, a driver attention monitor, and forward emergency braking. Adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, semi-automated control, and 360-degree cameras are optional, and some higher-level protection features are not standard.
• Infotainment: The cabin centers on a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, plus standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also supports touchpad and thumbpad control, voice commands, and a highly configurable display layout.
• Fuel efficiency: The GLE 450 returns 21/26/23 mpg, the GLE 350 4Matic returns 19/26/22 mpg, the GLE 580 is rated at 16/21/18 mpg, and the AMG GLE 53 Coupe averaged 16 mpg.

Which 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE trim should I buy?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE is offered in 5 trim levels: GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 580, AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 63 S.

Here's the short version:

• GLE 350: This is the simplest entry point, and it is the only trim with rear-wheel drive. It makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and a more straightforward ownership experience, but the base engine is the weakest part of the lineup.
• GLE 450: This is the best-value choice for most shoppers because it adds the stronger turbo inline-six and better efficiency without jumping into the pricier V8 or AMG models. It gives you a more satisfying balance of power, comfort, and everyday usability.
• GLE 580: Choose this if you want V8 power and a more effortless feel, but expect to pay a lot more for the upgrade. It suits buyers who care more about performance and refinement than value.
• AMG GLE 53: This trim is for you if you want the sportier AMG character and quicker response, along with the extra hardware that comes with it. It is the right pick if performance matters more than cost.
• AMG GLE 63 S: This is the top performance choice, with the most power and the most aggressive setup. It is the one to buy if you want the most capable and most expensive version of the GLE.

Blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor are standard, while more advanced driver-assistance features remain optional.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 35.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,550 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.28% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 84.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $38,640, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE's resale value?

The current average of $38,749 sits slightly below last year's $43,190.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. For a future seller, that also means your resale outcome will depend heavily on how well you preserve condition and how desirable your trim and equipment package are when it is time to sell.

Because the model still draws strong owner satisfaction, demand should remain healthy for well-kept examples. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE safe?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earns the best Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not rated the GLE.

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

Standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, a driver attention monitor, and forward emergency braking. Optional features include adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, semi-automated control that can stop the car if the driver does not respond, and 360-degree cameras.

One caveat is that several advanced safety features are not standard, so you may need to shop carefully if you want the fullest driver-assistance setup.

Should I buy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 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:

• 35.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 84% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.28% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 lineup combines comfort, technology, and multiple powertrain choices in a highly upscale cabin.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,638, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $38,749 average.
• It brings a roomier cabin and the newest infotainment system.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,807, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $38,749 average.
• It leans harder into the SUV-coupe style with a more expressive design.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of comfort, technology, and selection, the 2021 is the best all-around target. If price matters most, the 2020 is the smarter value play, while the 2022 makes sense only if you specifically want its styling and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.