Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE cost?

Prices have softened 9.86% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,572 listings available, which suggests you have a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earns a 4.5/5 user rating and an 8.00/10 expert rating. The model scores 10/10 across Performance, Technology, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its technology, comfort, customizable features, and high-quality sound system. The overview also points to a premium interior and a wide range of powertrain choices, which helps explain why it appeals to shoppers who want a traditional luxury SUV with an upscale cabin.

The trade-offs are that styling is uninspired and the base engine is underwhelming, while some owners feel it is overpriced and that performance may not match competitors at the same price point. That makes it a stronger fit if you value comfort, tech, and cabin quality more than sharp styling or bargain pricing.

With 35.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still 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 points to a vehicle that feels dependable in daily use, with praise centered on technology, comfort, and features you can count on over time. The performance write-up also notes that the base coil-sprung setup makes the most sense for reliability because it avoids expensive suspension hardware.

The cost-effectiveness notes add that the base setup is the simplest mechanically, which can be a plus for long-term ownership. For used buyers, the main risk is that the more complex higher trims and suspension systems may bring more maintenance exposure than the simpler versions.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 84.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully, because accident-free listings are strong but not universal. A pre-purchase inspection matters here, especially if you are considering a higher-trim model with more complex suspension or advanced equipment. Focus on overall condition, electronics, and signs of heavy use, since this SUV leans heavily into technology and premium features.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The cabin is a major selling point, but the base setup is less richly equipped than higher trims, and the overview notes that you may need to option a GLE pretty high to feel rich.
• Powertrain: The lineup ranges from a 255-hp base engine to much stronger six-, eight-cylinder, and AMG options, and the hybrid setup adds brief bursts of power rather than electric-only driving.
• Safety package: Blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor are standard, while adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control are optional.
• Infotainment: The main display is a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, and it works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Fuel efficiency: The six-cylinder returns 21/26/23 mpg, the four-cylinder 4Matic returns 19/26/22 mpg, and the V8 is rated at 16 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined.

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 entry point, and it is the only version with rear-wheel drive. It makes the most sense if you want the lowest starting price and are comfortable with the base engine’s more modest output.
• GLE 450: This is the best-value choice for most shoppers because it adds the stronger inline-six and the more desirable standard equipment balance without jumping to AMG pricing.
• GLE 580: Choose this if you want the V8 and are willing to pay for the extra performance and torque.
• AMG GLE 53: This is the performance-oriented middle ground, pairing the inline-six with the electric supercharger and AMG tuning for buyers who want speed without going all the way to the top.
• AMG GLE 63 S: This is the top performance trim, with the most power and the most aggressive hardware for buyers who want the full AMG experience.

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

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 35.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,572 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.86% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 84.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $38,609, 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 $38,662 sits slightly below last year's $42,892.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer but may temper future resale upside if you plan to sell soon. If prices continue to soften, a future seller may need to be more competitive to stand out.

The good news is that strong owner satisfaction can help support demand over time, especially for a luxury SUV with a premium cabin and broad appeal. 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 for scoring the top ratings in six crash tests, for headlights, and for its standard forward emergency braking.

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

Blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor are standard. Adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control are optional, along with 360-degree cameras and other features. Pre-Safe Sound is standard, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side is optional on higher trims.

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:

• 35.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 84.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.86% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines comfort, technology, and multiple powertrain choices in a highly upscale cabin.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,421, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $38,662 average.
• It brings a roomier cabin and Mercedes’ newest technology.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,127, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $38,662 average.
• It leans harder into the SUV-coupe style with a more expressive design.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, comfort, and technology, the 2021 is the primary target. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is the smarter value play, while the 2022 makes sense only if you want the newer styling direction and are willing to pay more.

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