TL;DR
The 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S580 has shed roughly 34% of its value after five years, now averaging $120,000 on the used market. High-mileage examples offer the steepest discounts, making them a potent entry point into ultra-luxury ownership for buyers willing to accept more wear.
What Happened
A 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S580 that originally listed for approximately $185,000 now trades for an average of $120,000 on the secondary market, according to data reported by Jalopnik. The depreciation figure of 34% highlights how even the most exclusive Mercedes-Benz sedans are not immune to the steep initial-value loss that plagues most luxury automobiles, though the Maybach badge does provide a measurable cushion compared to standard S-Class models.
Key Facts
- The 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S580 has depreciated by 34% from its original MSRP of roughly $185,000.
- The average used price after five years is $120,000 as of July 2026.
- High-mileage examples represent the biggest bargains, often trading below the $100,000 mark.
- The Maybach sub-brand targets buyers seeking an extra tier of opulence above the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with longer wheelbases and bespoke interior options.
- The S580 variant is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 496 horsepower, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
- The car was launched as a 2021 model in late 2020, initially competing with the Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost.
- Jalopnik published this analysis on July 26, 2026, during a period when the broader used luxury car market is showing signs of stabilization after two years of price corrections.
Breaking It Down
Luxury sedan depreciation follows a well-known curve: the steepest drops occur in the first three years, then a gradual taper. For a $185,000 Maybach S580, the losses are substantial even by that standard. The car’s retention of 66% of its original value after five years is actually better than the typical luxury sedan, which often sheds 40–45% in the same period. The Maybach nameplate, along with its limited production and bespoke interior options, helps limit some of the bleeding.
A 34% depreciation on a $185,000 Maybach S580 equates to a $63,000 loss in value over five years — roughly the price of a new Honda Accord every year of ownership.
That number is stark, but it must be contextualized. The Maybach S580 competes with the Bentley Flying Spur (depreciation typically 40–50% after five years) and the Rolls-Royce Ghost (around 35–40%). The 34% figure places the Maybach at the top of its peer group for value retention. Why? The car is mechanically similar to the S-Class, which means service and parts are more accessible than for a Rolls-Royce. The brand itself carries a subtle status that appeals to buyers who want luxury without the ostentation of a flying lady or a winged B.
High-mileage examples are where the real bargains lie. A 2021 Maybach S580 that has accumulated 60,000 miles or more can dip below $100,000, offering a buyer a nearly new luxury experience at roughly half the original price. The catch: those miles often mean heavier wear on the interior leather, air suspension, and the twin-turbo V8—though Mercedes-Benz’s powertrain reliability on the M176 engine family has been solid. The depreciation on these high-mile units can exceed 50%, creating an even steeper discount for cash buyers who plan to hold the car for another 3–5 years.
The used Maybach market also reflects a shift in buyer demographics. Younger entrepreneurs and tech professionals are increasingly turning to pre-owned ultra-luxury sedans rather than leasing new ones. For them, a $120,000 Maybach S580 offers a combination of comfort and status that a new BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class cannot match—at roughly the same price point as a new mid-range luxury sedan.
What Comes Next
- 2027 Maybach EQS Launch: Mercedes-Benz is expected to introduce an all-electric Maybach flagship, the EQS SUV and possibly a sedan variant, by late 2027. This will create a new depreciation path for the combustion-engine S580, potentially accelerating value drops as the market shifts toward electric luxury.
- Interest Rate Impact: The Federal Reserve’s rate decisions through late 2026 will affect financing costs for used luxury vehicles. Higher rates could depress demand for $120,000 used cars, widening the gap to $100,000 or lower for the Maybach S580.
- Auction Activity: Watch Bring a Trailer and Mecum results for low-mileage 2021 Maybach S580s in the fall of 2026. If pristine examples start fetching above $140,000, it would signal a floor for depreciation. If they slip below $110,000, further declines are likely.
- Trade-In Waves: As 2024 and 2025 Maybach models come off lease, dealers will need to clear inventory of 3–4 year old S580s, potentially pushing down prices for the 2021 model year even further.
The Bigger Picture
This story illustrates two broader trends in the automotive business: Ultra-Luxury Depreciation Resilience and The Electric Transition’s Spillover Effect. While mainstream luxury cars lose half their value in five years, the Maybach badge demonstrates that scarcity and brand hierarchy can slow the decline. Yet the Electric Transition looms: as automakers pour billions into EV platforms, internal combustion luxury cars face a residual-value headwind. Buyers are already factoring in the eventual obsolescence of gas engines, even in a segment where owners typically hold vehicles for only 3–4 years.
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