Compare the2023 Mercedes CLSVS 2023 Genesis G90

Both the CLS and the G90 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

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

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

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

Regenerative brakes improve the CLS’ fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The G90 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The CLS has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the G90 (21.1 vs. 19.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes CLS higher (6 out of 10) than the Genesis G90 (5). This means the CLS produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the G90 every 15,000 miles.

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

The CLS stops much shorter than the G90:

The CLS’ standard 245/40R19 front and 275/35R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the G90 3.5T’s standard 45 series front and 40 series rear tires. The CLS’ optional 245/35R20 front and 275/30R20 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile 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 standard on the CLS 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 CLS’ 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.

The CLS 450 4MATIC handles at .93 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 Mercedes CLS may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 600 to 900 pounds less than the Genesis G90.

The CLS is 11.3 inches shorter than the G90, making the CLS easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the CLS 450 4MATIC is quieter than the G90 3.5T e-SC (63 vs. 64 dB).

The CLS’ standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The G90 doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

An ASSYST PLUS is standard on the CLS to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for oil changes based on odometer mileage. 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 CLS 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 CLS 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 CLS offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The G90 doesn’t offer cornering lights. The CLS also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

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

The Mercedes E-Class/CLS outsold the Genesis G90 by over 16 to one during 2022.