MERCEDES E (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 4,602 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
4,602
Avg Mileage
34,724 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,482
Is the 2021 MERCEDES E reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 3 years old, 92% of MERCEDES Es from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 4,602 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 34,724 miles.
How does the 2021 MERCEDES E compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 MERCEDES E has 34,724 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES E?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 77%. The 2021 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2021 MERCEDES E cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES E by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 92% | 53 | 32,945 mi |
| 2022 | 96% | 126 | 59,884 mi |
| 2021 | 92% | 4,602 | 34,724 mi |
| 2020 | 90% | 14,944 | 39,756 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 41,000 | 54,796 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 47,312 | 65,452 mi |
| 2017 | 89% | 47,254 | 81,087 mi |
| 2016 | 89% | 42,891 | 87,292 mi |
| 2015 | 86% | 44,602 | 93,549 mi |
| 2014 | 84% | 44,780 | 95,170 mi |
| 2013 | 82% | 42,002 | 100,537 mi |
| 2012 | 81% | 31,910 | 105,440 mi |
| 2011 | 81% | 30,211 | 107,589 mi |
| 2010 | 80% | 25,610 | 111,787 mi |
| 2009 | 80% | 14,250 | 119,764 mi |
| 2008 | 79% | 8,606 | 134,385 mi |
| 2007 | 80% | 10,451 | 135,015 mi |
| 2006 | 79% | 7,256 | 133,383 mi |
| 2005 | 78% | 8,269 | 136,951 mi |
| 2004 | 78% | 8,333 | 138,870 mi |
| 2003 | 78% | 5,869 | 136,033 mi |
| 2002 | 79% | 2,009 | 120,200 mi |
| 2001 | 77% | 1,446 | 110,720 mi |
| 2000 | 79% | 1,031 | 110,044 mi |
| 1999 | 81% | 1,453 | 121,790 mi |
| 1998 | 83% | 1,696 | 116,683 mi |
| 1997 | 77% | 975 | 105,694 mi |
| 1996 | 78% | 1,535 | 128,722 mi |
| 1995 | 79% | 2,442 | 133,725 mi |
| 1994 | 79% | 2,118 | 129,558 mi |
| 1993 | 78% | 599 | 123,052 mi |
| 1992 | 80% | 148 | 142,883 mi |
| 1991 | 78% | 90 | 110,439 mi |
| 1990 | 82% | 85 | 135,367 mi |
Checking a specific MERCEDES E?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2021 MERCEDES E
The 2021 MERCEDES E is a family car with a 1950cc diesel engine. 4,602 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 34,724 miles at 3 years old, MERCEDES E owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2021 MERCEDES E Fuel Costs
The 1950cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 MERCEDES E?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,482 (£124/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
MERCEDES E Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES Es show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 MERCEDES E
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Alternatives to the 2021 MERCEDES E
The MERCEDES E is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel family cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2019) 89% pass rate (-3%) from 93,803 tests
- MERCEDES A (2019) 91% pass rate (-1%) from 89,588 tests
- FORD KUGA (2019) 91% pass rate (-1%) from 72,831 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2019) 89% pass rate (-3%) from 65,751 tests