2021 Mercedes-Benz S560

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S560 represents the pinnacle of luxury sedans, offering a smooth ride, opulent interior, and advanced technology. The S560 is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 496 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options for the 2021 S-Class include a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo with mild hybrid drive and a higher-performance AMG variant with a more powerful V8. Drivers often praise the S560’s comfortable and quiet cabin, cutting-edge features, and powerful yet refined engine. Common dislikes include the complex infotainment system and high price point.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. Can be caused by oil starvation or internal component failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ (depending on if one or both need replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level warning. Can originate from various seals and gaskets, including valve cover gaskets and oil pan gasket.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ (depending on location and severity of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, particularly between lower gears. Hesitation when accelerating.
  • Solution: Software update, transmission fluid flush, or valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3,000+ (depending on the cause and repair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• AIRMATIC Suspension Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting unevenly, suspension warning lights, compressor failure, vehicle riding harshly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air struts, compressor, or valve block. Leaks in the air lines can also cause issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $4,000+ (depending on the component needing replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The MBUX system freezes, restarts randomly, or displays error messages.
  • Solution: Software update, system reset, or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $2,000+ (depending on warranty coverage and necessary repairs)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven for a few days. Can be caused by a faulty module or accessory drawing excessive power.
  • Solution: Identify the source of the drain and repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the cause)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sensor Issues (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: False alarms, failure to detect objects, error messages.
  • Solution: Cleaning or replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on the sensor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof fails to open or close properly, makes excessive noise, or leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S560, while offering a luxurious experience, can be prone to several issues, particularly concerning the AIRMATIC suspension, infotainment system, and potentially the turbochargers. While some problems may be minor and easily resolved with software updates or sensor cleaning, others, such as turbocharger or suspension component failures, can be quite costly to repair. Careful inspection and a thorough pre-purchase inspection are advisable when considering a used 2021 S560.