Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class for Sale near California

Compare 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Trims

The S-Class offers a blend of luxury and performance, with the S 580 Sedan 4MATIC being the most accessible option in the lineup.

• Starting at $55,757
• Best MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Most Popular: S 580 Sedan 4MATIC

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

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Trim Deep Dives

S 580 Sedan 4MATIC — "Who It's For"

The S 580 Sedan 4MATIC is the pick for shoppers who want luxury and performance without the high price of the Maybach. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $55,757 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 171 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View S 580 Sedan 4MATIC listings

Maybach S 580 Sedan 4MATIC — "Who It's For"

The Maybach S 580 Sedan 4MATIC is the choice for shoppers seeking the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity. Its premium features justify the higher price point.

• Avg. market price: $119,860 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 14 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Maybach S 580 Sedan 4MATIC listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — S 580 Sedan 4MATIC

With 171 active listings, the S 580 Sedan 4MATIC is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse S 580 Sedan 4MATIC listings

Best Budget Option — S 580 Sedan 4MATIC

At $55,757 avg market price — below the lineup median of $87,808 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse S 580 Sedan 4MATIC listings

Best for Fuel Economy — S 580 Sedan 4MATIC

The S 580 Sedan 4MATIC leads the lineup with its impressive fuel efficiency of 17/25 MPG.

Browse S 580 Sedan 4MATIC listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class cost?

Prices have softened 8.78% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 723 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable selection to compare.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class a good car?

Generally — the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class earns a 4/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Technology.

Owners consistently praise its luxurious feel, advanced technology, and strong performance. They also highlight the thrilling acceleration and enjoyable handling, which fits a flagship sedan meant to feel special every time you drive it.

The main trade-offs are its high price and the fact that some owners mention run-flat tire issues. In the context of a full-size luxury sedan that’s meant to serve as both a prestige car and a technology showcase, that means you’re paying for capability and refinement, but you should still budget for premium ownership costs.

With 34.2% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market offers some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?

Owners rate it 4/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a car that feels luxurious, advanced, and enjoyable to live with over time, while also suggesting it can be counted on for strong performance and comfort. The expert review also emphasizes the S-Class’s sophisticated engineering, including EQ Boost mild-hybrid assistance and a nine-speed automatic transmission, both of which support smooth, modern operation.

Mercedes also backs the car with a four-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty and a four-year, 50,000-mile powertrain warranty. Given the S-Class’s complexity, used buyers should pay close attention to maintenance history and make sure the car has been cared for properly.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any car you’re considering, even if the listing looks clean. A pre-purchase inspection matters here because the S-Class is loaded with technology and expensive components, so condition and maintenance history matter more than usual. Focus on how well the electronics, suspension, and interior features are working, and make sure any premium options are functioning as intended.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S-Class comes standard with 19-inch wheels, while 20-inch and 21-inch wheels are optional. The cabin is built around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, and the test car’s AMG Line package added 20-inch wheels that filled out the wheel wells nicely.
• Powertrain: The S500 4Matic uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, while the S580 4Matic uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 496 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both use EQ Boost mild-hybrid assistance and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
• Safety package: Standard driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, automated lane centering, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, traffic-sign recognition, a driver-attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system.
• Infotainment: The standard setup includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USB ports, and an updated MBUX system. An augmented-reality head-up display is also included.
• Fuel efficiency: EPA fuel-economy ratings aren’t available yet, but the trip computer showed 22.4 mpg over about 300 miles of driving.

Which 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class trim should I buy?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is offered in 2 trim levels: S500 4Matic and S580 4Matic.

Here's the short version:

• S500 4Matic: This is the better-value choice if you want the S-Class experience without paying for the V8. It still gives you the 3.0-liter inline-six, 429 horsepower, EQ Boost mild-hybrid assistance, and the same core luxury and tech features that define the car.
• S580 4Matic: Choose this if you want the strongest performance and don’t mind paying more for it. The V8’s 496 hp and 516 lb-ft make it the more effortless and more expensive version, but the rest of the S-Class formula remains the same.

The safety package is strong across the lineup, with standard adaptive cruise control, lane centering, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market.

• Deal availability: 34.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 723 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.78% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 79.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $57,676, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class's resale value?

The current average of $58,069 sits slightly below last year's $63,662.

That price movement suggests the market has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy at the right price. Because the current average is still near the lower end of the year-round range, a well-kept example bought now may have less downside than one purchased when prices were higher.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class safe?

The S-Class does get a plethora of safety features, including an industry-first rear-passenger airbag.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard driver-assistance features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, automated lane centering, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, traffic-sign recognition, a driver-attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. Mercedes also says traffic-sign recognition can detect stop signs and red lights, while lane-keep assist can read road edges and lets you adjust sensitivity.

Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS aren’t available, so you won’t get a formal third-party score to lean on. That makes the standard safety equipment and the quality of the driver-assist systems especially important to evaluate during a test drive.

Should I buy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 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:

• 34.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.78% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The redesign brings a more sophisticated infotainment system, new powertrains, and more aerodynamic bodywork.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $61,464, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $58,069 average.
• It adds a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup with updated EPA estimates and a slightly revised model-year presentation.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter buy because it delivers the redesign, strong owner satisfaction, and a softer used price. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model-year example, the 2022 is the cleaner alternative, but price-sensitive buyers should focus on the 2021 and shop carefully for a well-kept, accident-free listing.

How does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class compare to the 2021 BMW 7 Series?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.