For decades, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has stood as the undisputed benchmark in the realm of luxury automobiles. Synonymous with prestige and opulence, it’s the vehicle against which all other luxury sedans are measured. However, the automotive landscape is ever-evolving, and a formidable contender has emerged from South Korea in recent years: the Genesis G90. This challenger is not just aiming for a slice of the luxury pie; it’s poised to redefine expectations, directly confronting established giants like BMW, Lexus, and, most notably, Mercedes-Benz. In this in-depth comparison, we delve into the key aspects of the 2023 Genesis G90 and the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class to determine which flagship sedan truly reigns supreme in today’s luxury market.
Performance and Powertrain
When it comes to flagship luxury sedans, power and performance are non-negotiable. Both the Genesis G90 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class deliver substantial performance, albeit through different engine configurations.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers a choice of two potent engines. The S500 variant is equipped with a 3.0L inline-6 engine, enhanced by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This configuration produces a robust 429 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking even greater power, the S580 boasts a 4.0L bi-turbo V8 engine, also with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivering a commanding 496 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The V8 engine propels the S-Class with impressive speed, achieving 0-100 km/h in a mere 4.4 seconds, a feat made more remarkable considering its substantial weight.
The 2023 Genesis G90 takes a different approach, offering a single, highly capable engine option. Under the hood lies a 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine, also supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This engine generates 409 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. While not offering the outright power of the S580’s V8, the G90’s V6 engine closely matches the S500’s inline-6 in terms of output and overall performance.
Both vehicles utilize sophisticated transmissions to manage their power. The G90’s V6 engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, distributing power to all four wheels. The S-Class, regardless of engine choice (inline-6 or V8), employs a 9-speed automatic transmission and also features all-wheel drive.
Furthermore, both luxury sedans prioritize ride comfort through advanced suspension technology. Both the G90 and S-Class are equipped with air suspension and adaptive dampers. These systems actively scan the road ahead, adjusting damping forces in real-time to ensure an exceptionally smooth and composed ride, even over uneven surfaces. Adding to their maneuverability, both models offer rear-wheel steering. This feature allows the rear wheels to turn slightly in the opposite direction to the front wheels at lower speeds, significantly improving agility in tight spaces and during parking maneuvers.
Opulent Luxury: Interior and Features
Luxury is more than just performance; it’s about the experience within the cabin, especially for passengers. Both the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Genesis G90 excel in creating opulent and comfortable environments, yet they cater to luxury in distinct ways.
Rear Passenger Experience
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, for the 2023 model year, is exclusively available in a long-wheelbase configuration, prioritizing rear passenger space. The emphasis on rear comfort is evident in the available features. Rear passengers can enjoy power-adjustable seats, and the passenger-side rear seat can be moved forward to maximize legroom for the occupant behind. These seats offer a recline function, along with heating, ventilation, and massage features for ultimate relaxation. Additional amenities include a power-operated footrest, power sunshades for privacy, and folding tables, reminiscent of first-class airplane seating. Controlling these rear seat functions is a dedicated tablet located in the center console, offering intuitive access to all comfort settings.
The Genesis G90 also comes in a single wheelbase, comparable in length to the long-wheelbase S-Class, ensuring generous rear legroom even for taller adults. Similar to the S-Class, the G90 features power-operated rear seats with heating and ventilation. While massage functionality is available in the US market, it is not currently offered in Canada. However, rear passengers in the G90 still benefit from power footrests and power sunshades. A notable feature of the G90 is its power doors, allowing for effortless closing with the touch of a button on the center console. Rear seat controls in the G90 are integrated into the touchscreen on the center console, although this touchscreen is not detachable like the S-Class’s tablet.
Front Cabin and Technology
Moving to the front, both the S-Class and G90 provide equally luxurious and comfortable experiences for the driver and front passenger. Both vehicles are equipped with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, along with extensive adjustability options including lumbar support, side bolsters, and thigh extensions, ensuring a perfect driving position. However, the design philosophies of their interiors diverge significantly.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class embraces a highly digitized and screen-centric approach. The centerpiece is a large 12.8-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen, complemented by a 12.3-inch diagonal driver display. Physical buttons are minimized in the S-Class, with most vehicle functions controlled via the touchscreen interface or through advanced voice commands. The S-Class offers a wide array of trim options, allowing for personalization with materials like black and silver blended stainless steel, walnut wood, piano black, and open-pore wood.
In contrast, the Genesis G90 balances digital integration with tactile controls. While incorporating many vehicle functions into its infotainment system, the G90 retains physical buttons for frequently used functions like climate control and heated/ventilated seat adjustments. The G90 features dual 12.3-inch screens for both the driver display and infotainment, similar in size to the S-Class. Additionally, a smaller touchscreen is positioned below the main screen, dedicated to climate control functions. While the G90’s trim options are less extensive than the S-Class, the available forged carbon, open-pore wood, and brushed aluminum trims exude a premium feel and aesthetic.
Head-Turning Looks: Exterior Design
The exterior designs of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Genesis G90 represent distinct interpretations of luxury aesthetics. While both vehicles command attention and project an aura of sophistication, their design languages differ significantly.
The S-Class embodies a curvaceous and flowing design, characterized by smooth lines that seamlessly transition from the front to the rear of the vehicle. The iconic three-pointed star emblem proudly sits atop the hood, a symbol of Mercedes-Benz heritage. Both the headlamps and taillights utilize full LED technology, contributing to a modern and refined lighting signature.
The Genesis G90 adopts a more distinctive and assertive design language. Two key design elements define its appearance. The first is the prominent shield shape, which is repeated in the grille, tailpipes, and subtly in the wheel designs, creating a cohesive visual identity. The second defining feature is the “Two Lines” design motif, characterized by dual lines that extend from the headlights, through the side turn signals, and wrap around the rear of the vehicle, creating a unique and instantly recognizable lighting signature.
Mouthwatering Prices: Cost and Value
As flagship models, both the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Genesis G90 command premium prices, reflecting their advanced engineering, luxurious features, and brand prestige. However, there’s a notable difference in their pricing strategies.
The 2023 Genesis G90 enters the market at a more accessible price point, starting at $115,000. Furthermore, the G90 is offered with a comprehensive standard equipment list, minimizing the need for additional options and keeping the price relatively contained. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts at $143,000 for the S500 model, with the more powerful S580 beginning at $155,800. Moreover, Mercedes-Benz offers an extensive range of packages and individual options, allowing for a high degree of customization but also potentially escalating the final price significantly.
Ultimately, the Genesis G90 presents a compelling value proposition in the luxury flagship segment. It delivers a comparable level of luxury, comfort, and performance to the S-Class, but at a lower starting price and with more features included as standard. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, while carrying a higher price tag, remains the established benchmark, particularly for those seeking the latest technology and the prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand.
In conclusion, if budget is a primary consideration without compromising on core luxury attributes, the Genesis G90 emerges as an exceptionally strong contender. It offers a quiet, smooth, and feature-rich experience that rivals the S-Class. However, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues to hold its position as the ultimate benchmark in the luxury vehicle segment, especially for those who prioritize cutting-edge technology and are willing to invest in the pinnacle of automotive engineering and luxury.
To explore either of these exceptional luxury sedans further, we invite you to contact our product specialists at OpenRoad Mercedes-Benz Surrey or Genesis Richmond.
