Compare the2022 Genesis G90VS 2021 Audi S8

The G90 has standard Anti-Whiplash Front Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Anti-Whiplash Front Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The S8 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The G90 has standard Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The S8 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The G90 has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the S8’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the G90 has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the S8.

The G90’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The S8 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the G90 and the S8 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, around view monitors and available all wheel drive.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the G90 its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2021, a rating granted to only 73 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The S8 has not been tested, yet.

The G90 comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The S8’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 10,000 miles sooner.

Genesis’ powertrain warranty covers the G90 6 years and 50,000 miles longer than Audi covers the S8. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the S8 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

Genesis pays for scheduled maintenance on the G90 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Genesis will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the S8.

There are over 11 percent more Genesis dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the G90’s warranty.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the G90 has a standard 950-amp battery. The S8’s 380-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Genesis vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Genesis 7th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 92 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Genesis vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Genesis 8th in reliability, above the industry average. With 25 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 20th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Genesis vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Genesis 9 places higher in reliability than Audi.

On the EPA test cycle the G90 gets better mileage than the S8:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Genesis G90 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The S8 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

For better traction and acceleration, the G90 has larger rear tires than the S8 (275/40R19 vs. 265/35R21).

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the G90’s wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer than on the S8 (124.4 inches vs. 123.2 inches).

For better maneuverability, the G90’s turning circle is 3.1 feet tighter than the S8’s (39.2 feet vs. 42.3 feet).

The Genesis G90 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 650 pounds less than the Audi S8.

The G90 is 4.1 inches shorter than the S8, making the G90 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Genesis G90 amounts to more than styling. The G90 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .27 Cd. That is lower than the S8 (.29) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the G90 get better fuel mileage.

The G90 has 2.8 inches more front headroom, 4.8 inches more front legroom and .3 inches more rear shoulder room than the S8.

The G90 has a much larger trunk than the S8 (15.7 vs. 12.5 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Genesis service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks Genesis 9th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 2% lower rating, Audi is ranked 12th.

The G90 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The S8 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The G90’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The S8’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The G90 is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The S8 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Insurance will cost less for the G90 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the G90 will cost $4595 to $5180 less than the S8 over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Genesis G90 will be $49592 to $55878 less than for the Audi S8.