Mercedes Benz Best Models to Buy: Top Reliable Picks

Buying a used luxury car can be exciting, but it’s crucial to be informed, especially with brands like Mercedes-Benz. While German engineering is renowned, some perceive these vehicles as less reliable and potentially more expensive to maintain than their Japanese counterparts. But is this always the case, particularly when considering a used Mercedes? Recent reliability studies provide valuable insights, and digging into the data reveals that some Mercedes-Benz models have consistently demonstrated better reliability than others over the past decade.

Consumer Reports’ latest reliability analysis, evaluating 26 car brands based on 5-to-10-year-old models, placed Mercedes-Benz 10th. While trailing behind top-ranked Japanese brands, Mercedes still outperformed Audi and showcased pockets of strong reliability within its model lineup. This ranking underscores that choosing the right model year is key when considering a used Mercedes-Benz. To help you navigate this, we’ve analyzed Consumer Reports’ data to pinpoint the most reliable Mercedes-Benz models of the last decade, offering a guide to smart purchases in the used luxury car market.

10. 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Reliability Verdict: 3/5

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class marks the beginning of our list, representing the fourth generation of this popular mid-size SUV. This generation introduced updated powertrains, including a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four in the 350 models and a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six in the 450 variants. While the initial 2020 model year of this generation faced typical first-year teething issues, the 2021 GLE-Class achieved a Reliability Verdict of 3/5, making it the most reliable model year within this generation.

450 4MATIC Performance Specifications

Pros:

• Fuel-efficient powertrain options within the GLE range.
• Comfortable and high-quality ride.
• Availability of a high-performance AMG model.

Cons:

• Driving dynamics could be more engaging.
• Infotainment system and controls can be cumbersome.
• Potential long-term maintenance costs associated with the mild-hybrid system.

9. 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Reliability Verdict: 3/5

Next on our list is the first-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC crossover SUV. The GLC received a significant refresh in 2020, bringing with it Mercedes’ new generation of powertrains. The 2021 model year stands out as the most reliable within this refreshed first generation, earning a 3/5 Reliability Verdict. This model year features a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, representing the last iteration before Mercedes integrated the more complex 48-volt mild-hybrid system into subsequent models.

300 4MATIC Performance Specifications

Pros:

• Exceptional ride comfort.
• High-quality interior.
• Confident handling for its class.

Cons:

• Infotainment system complexity.
• Fuel economy could be improved.
• Some drivers may desire more power.

8. 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Reliability Verdict: 3/5

The fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan makes its appearance on our list. This generation underwent a notable refresh in 2019, updating powertrain options to include the 48V mild-hybrid system now standard in modern Mercedes vehicles. Among the 2015-2021 model years of this C-Class generation, the 2021 model achieved the highest Reliability Verdict score of 3/5. For those considering this generation, the 2019 and newer models are recommended due to their consistently higher reliability scores post-refresh.

C 300 4MATIC Performance Specifications

Pros:

• Quiet and comfortable cabin.
• Refreshed interior design.
• Standard LED headlights on refreshed models.

Cons:

• Infotainment system and user interface still have room for improvement.
• Potential long-term maintenance costs associated with the mild-hybrid system.

7. 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Reliability Verdict: 3/5

Returning to the C-Class, we highlight the third generation, specifically the 2014 model year. Around a decade ago, this C-Class generation was Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling model. The 2012 model year brought a significant refresh, improving the interior and updating powertrains. The 2014 model, the final year of this generation, achieved a 3/5 Reliability Verdict, the highest score within the third-generation C-Class.

2014 C 300 4MATIC Performance Specifications

Pros:

• Comfortable front seats.
• Availability of a manual transmission in pre-refresh RWD C 300 models.
• The C 63 AMG variant remains highly desirable.

Cons:

• Pre-refresh interior quality is dated.
• Lower trim models may lack performance.
• Pre-refresh models can appear and feel outdated compared to newer models.

6. 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Reliability Verdict: 4/5

Before the GLC-Class, there was the GLK-Class SUV, essentially a C-Class-based SUV. While introduced in 2010, the 2013 model year refresh proved to be a significant improvement. The 2013 GLK-Class earned an impressive 4/5 Reliability Verdict, positioning it among the more reliable modern Mercedes-Benz models. The GLK 350’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine in the 2013 model is considered one of its most refined iterations. Interestingly, the final 2015 model year saw a lower reliability score, despite minimal changes.

350 4MATIC Performance Specifications

Pros:

• Refreshed models boast the best version of the smooth V-6 engine.
• Good fuel economy for its size.
• Improved interior quality in refreshed models.

Cons:

• Low-speed handling can be less refined.
• Interior space could be more generous.
• Infotainment system is dated.

5. 2014 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Reliability Verdict: 4/5

The M-Class, predecessor to the GLE-Class, was Mercedes-Benz’s full-size SUV offering. While the name changed to GLE after the 2015 model year refresh, the 2014 M-Class stands out for its reliability. This penultimate year of the third-generation model achieved a 4/5 Reliability Verdict, contrasting sharply with the 2015 model year’s lower score. The 3.5-liter V-6 in the ML 350 is considered the most reliable powertrain for this model, while the ML 500/550 with its twin-turbo V-8 offers increased power.

ML 500 Performance Specifications

Pros:

• Wide range of engine options across trims.
• Quiet and comfortable ride.
• Impressive off-road capabilities.

Cons:

• Driving dynamics lack sharpness.
• Infotainment system is not user-friendly.
• Fuel economy can be a concern.

4. 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Reliability Verdict: 4/5

Following the GLK-Class, the first-generation GLC-Class debuted for the 2016 model year. Typically, first model years can be less reliable, serving as a testing ground for future improvements. However, the 2016 GLC-Class defied this trend, achieving a 4/5 Reliability Verdict, the highest within its generation (2016-2022). This reliability is attributed to efficient powertrain options across the GLC lineup compared to its predecessor.

300 4MATIC Performance Specifications

Pros:

• Comfortable and quiet cabin.
• High-quality interior.
• Good value for its price point.

Cons:

• Infotainment system can be frustrating.
• Rear seat space could be improved.
• Fuel economy is adequate but not exceptional.

3. 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Reliability Verdict: 4/5

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands out as a reliability leader. The fifth-generation E-Class achieves a unique feat: three different model years within the same generation earned a 4/5 Reliability Verdict. Remarkably, the 2017 model year, the first of this generation, is one of these top-rated years, despite significant changes from the previous generation. The fifth-generation E-Class offered a wide array of models and powertrain options, creating a somewhat complex lineup.

E 300 Performance Specifications

Pros:

• Improved fuel economy across various trims.
• Luxurious interior.
• E-Class models available across a broad price range.

Cons:

• Ride quality is slightly less plush than the previous generation.
• Infotainment and user controls remain a point of concern.
• Slightly less interior space compared to the previous generation.

2. 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Reliability Verdict: 4/5

Continuing the E-Class’s reliability streak, the 2019 model year also earns a 4/5 Reliability Verdict. Despite a wide range of body styles and powertrain choices in the pre-facelift fifth-generation E-Class, the turbocharged four-cylinder engines in the E 300 and 350 models prove to be the most reliable. The twin-turbo V-6 in the E 450 marked its final appearance in an E-Class, succeeded by mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engines in later models. The fifth-generation E-Class’s success is rooted in its foundation: Mercedes’ modern modular chassis platform (MRA), shared across many reliable models.

E 450 4MATIC Performance Specifications

Pros:

• Improved driving dynamics compared to its predecessor.
• Luxurious interior.
• Wide range of E-Class options to suit different budgets.

Cons:

• Ride quality is slightly less plush than the previous generation.
• Infotainment and user controls could be more intuitive.
• Complexity of the model range might be overwhelming for some buyers.

1. 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Reliability Verdict: 4/5

Topping our list of the most reliable Mercedes-Benz models to buy is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This model year represents a significant facelift introduced in 2021. A key aspect of this refresh was the simplification of the powertrain lineup, streamlining what had become an overly complex engine and transmission offering. The 2021+ facelift brought a more refined approach to Mercedes’ powertrain options. The facelifted E 300 features the current standard mild-hybrid turbo-four setup, while the E 450 models utilize the mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six. The iconic E 63 AMG twin-turbo V-8 ended with this generation, reflecting Mercedes’ broader move towards engine downsizing.

Performance Specifications

Pros:

• Modernized and simplified powertrain options.
• Luxurious interior.
• E-Class models for various price points.

Cons:

• The end of the E 63 AMG V-8 lineage.
• Infotainment system usability still needs improvement.
• Long-term reliability of mild-hybrid technology is still being established, and repair costs could be high.

This list provides a data-driven starting point for anyone considering a used Mercedes-Benz. Focusing on these model years can increase your chances of purchasing a reliable vehicle within the Mercedes-Benz lineup, potentially offering a more rewarding ownership experience.