Mercedes GLE (2021)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 8,477 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,852
£154/month
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1950cc Diesel
Great Choice
93% pass rate, £1,852/year to run. 11 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mercedes brand average of 87%.
93% of MOT tests on Mercedes GLEs from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 8,477 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 32,161 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
32,161
Average miles
22,200
Expected for age
The average 2021 Mercedes GLE had 32,161 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2017 model has the lowest at 91%. The 2021 scores 93%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Mercedes GLE by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 Mercedes GLE
The 2021 Mercedes GLE is a premium car. Our records list a 1950cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 8,477 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 32,161 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes GLE owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2021 Mercedes GLE 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 £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2021 Mercedes GLE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,852 (£154/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Mercedes GLE Reliability Trend
The Mercedes GLE has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.
Buying a Used 2021 Mercedes GLE
At 5 years old, the Mercedes GLE offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 8,477 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Low riskExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2021 Mercedes GLE stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes GLE(2021) | 93% | £1,397 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £1,852 |
| Ford Focus(2019) | 89% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£28 |
| Mercedes A(2019) | 91% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,674-£178 |
| Ford Kuga(2019) | 91% | £1,397 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £1,852same |
| Volkswagen Polo(2019) | 89% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£28 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2021 Mercedes GLE
Is the 2021 Mercedes GLE reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 93% of MOT tests on 2021 Mercedes GLEs ended in a pass, from 8,477 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2021 Mercedes GLE cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,852 a year (£154 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Mercedes GLE?
93% of 8,477 MOT tests on the 2021 Mercedes GLE ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 1407th of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (top half).
Which year Mercedes GLE has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Mercedes GLE has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2017 the lowest at 91%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2021 Mercedes GLE?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Mercedes GLE is 32,161 miles, which is above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
Mercedes A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
Mercedes C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
Mercedes A-Class
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
Ford Focus
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
Mercedes A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
Ford Kuga
2019 · 1997cc Diesel
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