Compare the2023 Audi S8VS 2023 Genesis G90

The Audi S8 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The G90 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The S8 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies 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.

A passive infrared night vision system optional on the S8 helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard and even aims one of the vehicle’s headlights in the direction of the person or object. The G90 doesn’t offer a night vision system.

Both the S8 and the G90 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, front seat center airbag, side-impact head airbags, front 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, around view monitors, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The S8’s corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the G90’s (12 vs. 7 years).

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Genesis vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Audi 6 places higher in reliability than Genesis.

The S8’s 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 188 more horsepower (563 vs. 375) and 199 lbs.-ft. more torque (590 vs. 391) than the G90 3.5T’s standard 3.5 turbo V6. The S8’s 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 154 more horsepower (563 vs. 409) and 185 lbs.-ft. more torque (590 vs. 405) than the G90 3.5T e-SC’s standard 3.5 turbo/supercharged V6 hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the Audi S8 is faster than the G90 3.5T e-SC 3.5 turbo/supercharged V6 hybrid:

Regenerative brakes improve the S8’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The G90 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The S8 has 2.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the G90 (21.7 vs. 19.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the S8’s brake rotors are larger than those on the G90:

The S8 offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The G90 doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The S8 stops much shorter than the G90:

For better traction, the S8 has larger tires than the G90 (265/35R21 vs. 245/45R20).

The S8’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the G90 3.5T’s standard 45 series front tires. The S8’s optional tires have a lower 35 series profile than the G90 3.5T e-SC’s 40 series front tires.

The front and rear suspension of the S8 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 S8 handles at .94 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 S8 has .5 inches more rear headroom and 6.5 inches more rear legroom than the G90.

The S8 has a larger trunk than the G90 (12.5 vs. 12 cubic feet).

A Service Interval Display is standard on the S8 to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals 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.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Audi service is better than Genesis. J.D. Power ranks Audi 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 29% lower rating, Genesis is ranked 23rd.

If the windows are left open on the S8 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.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The S8 offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The G90 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the S8 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The G90 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Audi A8/S8 outsold the Genesis G90 by 36% during 2022.