Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE cost?

Prices have softened 10.05% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,747 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing trims and prices.

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, and high-quality sound system, and many also like the customizable features. The GLE’s premium interior and strong feature content fit well if you want a midsize luxury SUV that feels upscale and tech-forward rather than flashy.

The trade-offs are clear: styling is described as uninspired, the base engine is underwhelming, and advanced safety features are not standard. Even so, the model’s broad powertrain lineup and refined cabin make it appealing if you value luxury and features over visual drama. Good and great deals account for 36.3% of listings, which gives you 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.

User feedback points to a vehicle that feels comfortable, customizable, and generally dependable enough to inspire confidence over time. The expert test-drive notes also emphasize a smooth, seamless stop-start experience and a base suspension setup that makes sense for reliability because it avoids more complex hardware.

The maintenance angle is also favorable in the sense that the base setup is simpler than the more elaborate air-suspension versions. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that higher-spec models can bring more complexity and potentially higher repair exposure.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free listings are strong but not universal. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re looking at a higher-trim or more heavily optioned example. Focus on overall condition, since luxury features and advanced systems can be expensive to sort out after the sale.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GLE lineup spans multiple variants, and the base GLE 350 is the least elaborate version. Higher trims add more luxury, performance, and technology, but the base model is where you’re most likely to notice feature gaps.
• Powertrain: The GLE 350 uses a 255-hp four-cylinder, while higher trims move to stronger six- and eight-cylinder setups. Efficiency varies by version, and the more powerful models trade economy for performance.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, a driver attention monitor, and forward emergency braking. Adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control are optional, so check carefully for the features you want.
• Infotainment: The cabin centers on a 12-inch touchscreen with gesture control, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also supports voice control and a more advanced interface, but you should verify the exact equipment on the vehicle you’re considering.
• Fuel efficiency: The GLE 350 4Matic returns 19/26/22 mpg, while the GLE 450 returns 21/26/23 mpg. The GLE 580 is rated at 16/21/18 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, and AMG GLE 63 S.

Here's the short version:

• GLE 350: This is the entry point, and it’s the trim to consider if you want the lowest starting price and a simpler setup. It gives you the core GLE experience, but it’s also the version most likely to leave you wanting more power and equipment.
• GLE 450: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it adds a stronger six-cylinder powertrain and a more upscale balance of performance and refinement. If you want the sweet spot between price and capability, this is the trim to target.
• GLE 580: Choose this if you want V8 power and a more serious performance step up. It’s for buyers who care more about muscle and smoothness than value.
• AMG GLE 53: This trim is the performance-focused choice if you want sharper response and AMG character without going all the way to the top model. It suits buyers who want a more athletic feel and more aggressive equipment.
• AMG GLE 63 S: This is the top performance trim, aimed at shoppers who want the most power and the most extreme version of the GLE. It’s the one to buy if performance is your priority and budget is less of a concern.

Standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor, 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: 36.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,747 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.05% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $37,583, 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 $37,588 sits slightly below last year's $41,786.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer today but may temper future resale gains if prices stay soft. For a seller, the current trend means you should expect more competition from similarly priced listings and may need to price aggressively to move the vehicle.

The good news is that strong owner satisfaction can help support demand over time. 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.

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. Adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control are optional, so you’ll want to confirm which driver-assistance features are actually installed on the used example you’re considering.

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:

• 36.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.05% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines a premium interior with strong technology and multiple powertrain choices.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,025, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $37,588 average.
• It brings a roomier cabin and a quieter, more comfortable feel.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,026, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $37,588 average.
• It adds a more distinctive coupe-style design with strong performance and modern features.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, inventory, and satisfaction, the 2021 is the primary path to consider. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 offers a lower entry price, while the 2022 makes sense if you want the newer coupe-style direction and can pay more.

How does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE compare to the 2021 BMW X5?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Premium interior materials, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Uninspired styling, Advanced safety features are not standard, Underwhelming base engine.

2021 BMW X5:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Stylish design, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Advanced safety features are not standard.

Our experts score the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 8/10 and the 2021 BMW X5 8/10. The GLE leans harder into interior luxury and tech, while the X5 gets the edge on styling. Both offer multiple powertrain options and both leave advanced safety features off the standard-equipment list.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.