DecodedCars2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- S500 4matic 4dr Sedan Swb, S560 4matic 2dr Coupe, S560 Cabriolet, S580 4matic 4dr Sedan Lwb
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 20 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 198–209.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,564–4,817 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a large car offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 205 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 122-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,610 lb (S500 4matic 4dr Sedan Swb).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway), 0% better than the 2021 large car average of 24.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2021
- New body dimensions: 3.5 in longer, wheelbase +2.3 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- New hybrid version
- No plug-in hybrid version any more
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl
- Engines dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 6.0L 12-cyl turbo
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 S-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S500 4matic 4dr Sedan Swb | 205.1 in | 76.8 in | 59.1 in | 122 in | 65 / 65 in | 4,610 lb | |
| S560 4matic 2dr Coupe | 198 in | 74.8 in | 55.5 in | 116.1 in | 64.2 / 65 in | 4,795 lb | 53/47 |
| S560 Cabriolet | 198 in | 74.8 in | 55.9 in | 116.1 in | 64.2 / 65 in | 4,795 lb | 53/47 |
| S580 4matic 4dr Sedan Lwb | 209.4 in | 76.8 in | 59.1 in | 126.4 in | 65 / 65 in | 4,775 lb | |
| S63 Amg 4matic 2dr Coupe | 198.4 in | 74.8 in | 55.9 in | 116.1 in | 64.2 / 65 in | 4,564 lb | 53/47 |
| S63 Amg 4matic Cabriolet | 198.4 in | 74.8 in | 56.3 in | 116.1 in | 64.2 / 65 in | 4,817 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S500 4matic Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 24 | 0% | $3,400 | 372 |
| S560 Convertible | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 20 | -15% | $4,100 | 454 |
| S560 4matic Coupe | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 20 | -27% | $4,100 | 454 |
| S580 4matic Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -17% | $4,100 | 452 |
| AMG S63 4matic Plus Coupe | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 19 | -31% | $4,350 | 471 |
| S580 4matic Maybach Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 469 |
| AMG S63 4matic Plus Convertible | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 24 / 17 | -27% | $4,850 | 510 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Similar 2021 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 7 Series | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Lexus LS | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Tesla Model S | 405 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Porsche Panamera | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Lexus ES | 44 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 S-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 S-Class | 23 | 208.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 S-Class | 24 | 208.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 S-Class | 24 | 208.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 S-Class | 23 | 209.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 S-Class | 24 | 205.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 S-Class | 23 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 S-Class | 23 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 S-Class | 22 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 S-Class | 26 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 S-Class | 26 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 S-Class | 26 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →