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

Compare 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Trims

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

• Starting at $57,739
• 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: $57,739 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 162 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, albeit at a higher price point.

• Avg. market price: $118,974 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 15 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Maybach S 580 Sedan 4MATIC listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — S 580 Sedan 4MATIC

With 162 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 $57,739 avg market price — below the lineup median of $88,356 — 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 fuel efficiency of 17/25 MPG.

Browse S 580 Sedan 4MATIC listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

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

Prices have softened 10.22% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 753 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory 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, which points to broad appeal with some clear compromises. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Technology.

Owners consistently praise its luxurious feel, advanced technology, and remarkable performance. Many also highlight the thrilling acceleration and enjoyable handling.

The main trade-offs are its high price and the fact that some owners noted issues with the run-flat tires. In the context of a flagship luxury sedan, that means you’re getting a highly polished, tech-forward car, but you should expect premium ownership costs and pay close attention to tire condition.

The market looks reasonably favorable, with 34.7% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?

Owners rate it 4/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction. The owner feedback also points to a car that feels luxurious and enjoyable to live with over time, with many describing it as impressive and refined.

The expert review reinforces that dependability angle by noting the S-Class’ strong engineering and its ability to deliver smooth, composed performance with advanced systems working well. Mercedes also backs it with a four-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty and a four-year, 50,000-mile powertrain warranty.

If you buy used, the biggest long-term ownership risk is complexity, so a careful pre-purchase inspection and maintenance history review matter a lot.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any car you’re considering, even if it looks clean on paper. A pre-purchase inspection is especially important on a high-complexity luxury sedan like this, where small issues can become expensive. Focus on overall condition, tire wear, and evidence of consistent maintenance.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The cabin is minimalist and tech-heavy, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, Nappa leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and a two-panel glass roof. The AMG Line package adds a sportier visual touch, while the base setup already feels richly equipped.
• 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. The rear-passenger airbag is also standard.
• 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. The system also supports over-the-air-style updates through Mercedes’ updated MBUX setup, and rear-seat entertainment is available with 11.6-inch touchscreens.
• Fuel efficiency: Mercedes says the mild-hybrid system adds efficiency, and the trip computer averaged 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 core S-Class experience with the six-cylinder engine, EQ Boost mild-hybrid assist, and the full suite of luxury and tech features without paying for the V8. It still delivers strong performance, and it’s the trim most buyers should start with.
• S580 4Matic: Choose this if you want the stronger V8 powertrain and the quickest, most effortless version of the lineup. It suits you best if performance matters as much as luxury and you’re comfortable paying more for it.

Standard safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, traffic-sign recognition, 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, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 34.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 753 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.22% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 80.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $57,697, 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 $57,780 sits slightly below last year's $64,355.

That price decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. If you plan to sell later, the current softness means your near-term depreciation risk is still relevant, especially if you overpay now.

On the other hand, the S-Class’ strong owner satisfaction and flagship status can help support demand when it’s time to resell. Well-kept examples with clean history and desirable equipment should remain easier to move than neglected ones.

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 says the lane-centering system can handle highway curves, and the adaptive cruise control reacts quickly and smoothly in traffic. The main caveat is that crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS aren’t available for this model year.

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:

• 34.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.22% 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 $61,908, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $57,780 average.
• It adds a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup with updated EPA-rated efficiency and a broader powertrain presentation.

The 2021 is the better pick if you want the redesigned car at a lower average price and are comfortable with its current-market value. If you’re willing to spend more for the next model year’s updated powertrain presentation and slightly newer positioning, the 2022 is the cleaner alternative.

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 October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.