Compare the2023 Mercedes S-ClassVS 2023 Genesis G90

The rear seatbelts optional on the S-Class inflate when a collision is detected, helping to spread crash forces over a much larger area of the body and limiting head and neck movement. This can help prevent spinal and internal injuries. The G90 doesn’t offer inflatable seatbelts.

The S-Class has standard Post-Collision Brake, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The G90 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The S-Class has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seemlesly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The G90 doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure or other vehicles.

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

There are over 25 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Genesis dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the S-Class’ warranty.

The S-Class has more powerful engines than the G90:

As tested in Car and Driver the Mercedes S-Class is faster than the G90 3.5T e-SC 3.5 turbo/supercharged V6 hybrid:

On the EPA test cycle the S-Class running on electricity gets better mileage than the G90:

On the EPA test cycle the S-Class running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the G90:

The S 580e 4MATIC can travel with zero emissions for 46 miles. The G90 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the S-Class (except S 680)’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The G90 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The S-Class’ standard fuel tank has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the G90 (22.2 vs. 19.3 gallons).

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes S-Class, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the G90.

For better stopping power the S-Class’ brake rotors are larger than those on the G90:

The S-Class stops much shorter than the G90:

For better traction, the S-Class has larger standard tires than the G90 (255/45R19 vs. 245/45R20). The S-Class’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the G90 (F:255/40R20 & R:285/35R20 vs. F:245/45R20 & R:275/40R20).

The S-Class’ optional 255/35R21 front and 285/30R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the G90 3.5T e-SC’s 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the S-Class can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The G90 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The front and rear suspension of the S-Class uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the G90 3.5T, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The S-Class offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Genesis doesn’t offer an active suspension on the G90.

The S-Class’ drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The G90 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the S-Class Sedan’s wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer than on the G90 (126.6 inches vs. 125.2 inches). The Maybach S-Class Sedan’s wheelbase is 8.5 inches longer than on the G90 (133.7 inches vs. 125.2 inches).

The S 500 4MATIC handles at .92 G’s, while the G90 3.5T e-SC pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The S 580 4MATIC executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the G90 3.5T e-SC (25.8 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 26.2 seconds @ .68 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the S-Class Sedan’s turning circle is 1.2 feet tighter than the G90 3.5T’s (35.9 feet vs. 37.1 feet).

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the S 500 4MATIC is quieter than the G90 3.5T e-SC (61 vs. 64 dB).

The S-Class has 2.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the G90 (112 vs. 109.2).

The S-Class Sedan has 2.7 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front shoulder room, 1.4 inches more rear headroom, 6 inches more rear legroom and 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the G90.

The S-Class Sedan has a larger trunk than the G90 (12.9 vs. 12 cubic feet).

An ASSYST PLUS is standard on the S-Class to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Genesis doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the G90.

If the windows are left open on the S-Class the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the G90 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Heated windshield washer fluid is standard on the S-Class to defrost the washer nozzles and quickly clear ice and frost from the windshield without scraping. The G90 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the S-Class has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The G90 doesn’t offer cornering lights. The S-Class also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the S-Class has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The G90 doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

Car and Driver performed a comparison test in its November 2022 issue and the Mercedes S 500 4MATIC won out over the Genesis G90 3.5T e-SC.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the S-Class second among large premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The G90 isn’t in the top three.

The Mercedes S-Class outsold the Genesis G90 by almost 14 to one during 2022.