Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

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 $57,838
• 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: $57,838 (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. It offers premium features and a refined experience.

• Avg. market price: $122,868 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 12 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 $57,838 avg market price — below the lineup median of $90,353 — 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 8, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

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

Prices have softened 10.55% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 741 listings available, which gives you a meaningful 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. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Technology.

Owners consistently praise its luxurious feel, advanced technology, and strong performance. The review summary also points to thrilling acceleration and enjoyable handling, which fits the S-Class’s role as a flagship luxury sedan. On the downside, the high price and run-flat tire complaints are the main trade-offs.

For you, that means the S-Class makes the most sense if you want a top-tier luxury sedan that emphasizes comfort, tech, and prestige over value. It also lands in a market where 33.7% of listings are good or great deals, so there are still opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?

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

The owner summary points to a car that feels dependable and trouble-free in everyday use, with strong long-term appeal among shoppers who want a flagship sedan they can count on. The expert notes also emphasize the S-Class’s refined powertrain behavior and its ability to deliver smooth, confident operation, which supports its reputation for durability when properly maintained.

Mercedes also backs the car with a four-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty and a four-year, 50,000-mile powertrain warranty. Still, because this is a complex luxury sedan, long-term ownership risk is higher if maintenance has been deferred.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on electronics, suspension behavior, and any signs of expensive wear. Given the car’s complexity and luxury positioning, condition matters more than mileage alone.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S500 4Matic and S580 4Matic are the two launch configurations, and the S580 adds the stronger V8 for buyers who want more power. The base setup already brings a high-end cabin, but the upper trim is the better fit if you want the most effortless performance.
• 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 a nine-speed automatic, 4Matic all-wheel drive, and EQ Boost mild-hybrid assistance.
• Safety package: Standard driver-assistance 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 a standout feature.
• Infotainment: You get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USB ports, and an updated MBUX system. The setup also supports voice control, biometric or facial recognition profiles, and available rear-seat touchscreens.
• 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 with the lower starting price and still want strong output, standard all-wheel drive, and the full luxury-tech package. It delivers the core flagship experience without stepping up to the V8.
• S580 4Matic: Choose this if you want the most powerful launch trim and the strongest straight-line performance. It adds the V8’s extra muscle and is the right pick if you care most about effortless acceleration.

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

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop patiently but should move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 741 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.55% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $58,029, 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 $58,029 sits slightly below last year's $64,876.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer but may pressure resale returns if you plan to sell soon. If you buy at the right price and keep the car in excellent condition, you can reduce the impact of that depreciation. The S-Class still benefits from strong brand appeal and flagship status, which helps support demand.

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 broad suite of standard driver-assistance features, including 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.

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

Mercedes also includes an industry-first rear-passenger airbag, which is a notable safety highlight for rear-seat occupants. The system’s lane-centering and adaptive cruise control are described as especially well executed, with smooth responses and the ability to handle highway curves. 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:

• 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.55% 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 $62,063, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $58,029 average.
• It adds EPA-rated fuel economy figures and continues the same mild-hybrid, all-wheel-drive formula.

The bottom line: If you want the lower entry price and are comfortable with a freshly redesigned flagship, the 2021 is the smarter buy. If you’re willing to pay more for the next model year’s added refinement and published efficiency figures, the 2022 is the cleaner alternative. For most shoppers, the 2021 offers the better value right now.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.