Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE for Sale nearWashington, DC

How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE cost?

Prices have softened 10.10% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,747 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 review summary also points to its stylish design and strong luxury feel, though some shoppers note that it can feel overpriced and that performance may not match competitors at the same price point.

The expert review also highlights premium interior materials and impressive technology, while noting that styling is uninspired and the base engine is underwhelming. For you, that means the GLE makes the most sense if you value comfort, features, and a polished cabin more than sharp styling or the strongest entry-level punch.

With 37.6% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still offers 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 points to a vehicle that feels dependable in daily use, with praise centered on comfort, technology, and a generally satisfying ownership experience. The expert performance notes also emphasize a smooth, seamless driving character, including a seamless stop-start system and a cold start with virtually no vibration or shake.

The cost-effectiveness 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. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the more complex, higher-trim versions may bring more expensive ownership if you want the most advanced hardware.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 85.2% — 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 the condition of the electronics, suspension, and interior features, since this model leans heavily on technology and comfort equipment. It also makes sense to compare trim content closely, because the feature spread is wide and some advanced safety items are not standard.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GLE lineup spans multiple configurations, and the cabin quality is a major draw, but you may need to move up the range to feel truly rich. Base-trim equipment gaps matter here because advanced safety features are not standard.
• Powertrain: The GLE 350 uses a 255 hp engine, while higher trims add more power and complexity, including a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, a twin-turbo V8, and AMG-tuned variants.
• 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, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a natural voice assistant.
• Fuel efficiency: The six-cylinder GLE 450 returns 21/26/23, while the four-cylinder GLE 350 4Matic returns 19/26/22.

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 most budget-friendly way into the lineup. It gives you the core GLE experience, but the base engine is the weakest part of the package, so it suits you best if you want the cabin and tech more than maximum performance.
• GLE 450: This is the best-value trim if you want a stronger all-around balance. It adds the turbo 3.0-liter inline-six and more power without jumping all the way to AMG pricing.
• GLE 580: This trim is for you if you want V8 power and a more serious performance step up. It sits well above the 450 in price, so it makes the most sense if power matters more than value.
• AMG GLE 53: This is the performance-focused choice for buyers who want sharper responses and AMG tuning. It adds the electric supercharger setup and more aggressive driving hardware.
• AMG GLE 63 S: This is the top performance trim and the most extreme version in the lineup. It is the right pick only if you want the most power and the most hardware, not the best value.

Advanced safety features are not standard, so you should check carefully which driver-assistance items are included on the exact trim you are considering.

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

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

• Deal availability: 37.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,747 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.10% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 85.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $37,879, 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 $37,927 sits slightly below last year's $42,189.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer but may limit upside if you plan to sell soon. If you buy at the right price, you reduce the risk of taking a bigger depreciation hit later. The year-round low of $37,879 also shows that well-priced examples can move quickly, which matters if you want to preserve value on the way out.

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.

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. Pre-Safe Sound is standard, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side is optional on higher trims. The main caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, so you should confirm exactly which driver-assistance systems are included on the used example you are 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:

• 37.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 85.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.10% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 stands out for comfort, technology, and a broad range of powertrains.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,133, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $37,927 average.
• It offers a roomier interior and a strong infotainment system.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,065, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $37,927 average.
• It leans harder into style with a more distinctive SUV-coupe design.

The bottom line: You should choose the 2021 if you want the strongest mix of comfort, technology, and market availability. If price is your top priority, the 2020 is the better value path, while the 2022 makes sense if you want a more expressive design and are willing to 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 more heavily into interior quality and comfort, while the X5 gets the edge on styling. Both offer strong technology and multiple powertrain options, but neither makes advanced safety features standard. If you care most about a premium cabin, the GLE is compelling; if you want a more stylish look, the X5 has the advantage.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.