2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review & Buyer's Guide
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What Are the Strengths of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Luxurious Interior
Owners highlight the beautiful leather interior, wood accents, ventilated seats, and Burmester audio system, describing it as quiet and supremely comfortable with excellent visibility.
Smooth Performance
The E450 4Matic with 9-speed automatic and AWD delivers torque-rich acceleration and responsive handling, praised as the best handling car some owners have owned.
Advanced Technology
MBUX infotainment, voice controls, GPS, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking are user-friendly and effective, preventing accidents according to owners.
Reliable Daily Driver
Many report zero issues with routine maintenance only on E350 models up to 31,000-45,000 miles, calling it a great car for commuting and travel.
Safety Features
Active safety tech like rear cross-traffic braking and blind-spot alerts work impeccably on highways and in parking lots.
Comfortable Ride
Air suspension provides a luxury-first ride, though better on 18-inch wheels than 19-inch as tested in E450.
What Are the Weaknesses of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Electronic Glitches
Intermittent issues like no-start problems, rearview/360-camera failures, and seat memory glitches require dealer software updates.
Ride Quality on Larger Wheels
E450 with 19-inch wheels shows declined ride comfort compared to 18-inch setups, despite air suspension.
High Repair Costs
OEM wheels crack from potholes costing $1200+ each; costly repairs and no V6 option noted.
Infotainment Controls
Steering wheel touchpad unreliable, Distronic speed-set misfires 50% of time, hard HUD settings on E350.
Minor Annoyances
Ear-piercing reverse tone in ECO mode, wiper chatter in rain, transmission jerks on downshifts.
What Are the Most Common 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Problems?
Wheel Cracking
HighOEM wheels prone to cracking after hitting normal potholes, requiring $1200+ replacements per wheel.
No-Start and Camera Failures
ModerateIntermittent no-start (fault code found but self-resolved) and rear/360-camera blackouts around end of test period, fixed by software updates.
Engine Stop-Start Malfunction
LowECO stop-start fails frequently, especially in cold weather, even after warmup.
Transmission Jerks
LowJerk on downhill 3-2 downshifts in 9-speed, intermittent on E350.
Wiper Chatter
LowWindshield wipers chatter in heavy rain at low mileage (3900 miles), no fix after multiple service visits.
What Owners Say
Owners love the luxury, performance, and tech but express frustration with electronic glitches, minor annoyances, and expected Mercedes maintenance costs compared to more reliable brands like Lexus.
"Best car I have ever owned. Low maintenance cost... Beautiful interior / Smooth drive / Perfect audio." — KBB
"I drive a 2021 E350... It's been a great car - zero issues, just routine maintenance - 31,000 miles now." — MBWorld
"Having driven a Lexus... Never expected a new car, especially a Mercedes, to have problems like this." — Edmunds
"The vehicle remains the best handling and most powerful car I have ever owned... I continue to enjoy this vehicle immensely." — Edmunds
"Wheels are prone to cracking... OEM wheels... cost $1200+ each." — Consumer Reports
Reliability Rating
AverageConsumer Reports rates 2021 E-Class average reliability based on owner surveys, with issues in noises/leaks, wheels, electronics, and brakes; MotorTrend found it mostly reliable except intermittent electrics; forum owners report few major problems up to 45k miles.
Final Verdict
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excels in luxury and driving dynamics for enthusiasts seeking premium refinement, ideal for E350 or E450 buyers prepared for average reliability and potential electronic fixes. Avoid if prioritizing bulletproof dependability over features. Certified Pre-Owned models with warranty extension recommended for peace of mind.
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