The 2023 Genesis G90 and the 2023 Audi A8 are two of the industry’s most desirable flagship sedans. Both deliver ample levels of refinement to please even the choosiest buyers and go the extra mile (no pun intended) to ensure the ultimate driving experience. While it’s true that these similarly priced, full-sized luxury vessels are undeniably at the highest level of refinement, the redesigned G90 boasts a stunning array of updates that place it clearly ahead of the A8, which hasn’t been redesigned since 2019. Read on to see what we found when we compared them.
A Makeover for the Ages
While the cosmetic appeal of the A8 is indisputable, the G90’s redesigned appearance is something else entirely. Sure, looks are subjective, but the groundbreaking 2023 Genesis G90 is clearly one of the most upscale models on the market. It’s sleek, powerful, and elegant all at the same time. The A8, meanwhile, has a more classic aesthetic and hasn’t changed much over the years. It doesn’t look stale by any means, but it’s conventional and not nearly as innovative as the G90. Even the G90’s interior is outstanding with its long list of executive amenities (which we’ll go over in the next section).
Remarkable Equipment
Even the entry-level G90 is jam-packed with exceptional features. The highlights are power-closing doors, Nappa leather upholstery, massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a special Mood Curator (which sets the vehicle’s ambiance with unique lighting, sound, and scents), antibacterial UV lighting, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, a head-up display, Digital Key 2 (which allows you to unlock, lock, and start the vehicle directly from your smartphone), and a high-tech fingerprint authentication system. Some of those features are available on the A8 (like massaging front seats, a head-up display, and heated rear seats), but not on the base trim – and at a considerably higher cost.
What’s more, the G90 can be ordered with a 28-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with Virtual Venues Live. This sensational setup recreates the sound environments of places that are designed for playing music – like Boston Symphony Hall – to ensure an unmatched auditory experience. Audi offers nothing akin to Virtual Venues Live. The G90 is also eligible for a second-row wireless phone charger, something that’s entirely unavailable with the A8.
Power and Performance
There’s no question that the G90 is more powerful than the A8. Its standard turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine makes 375 hp and 391 lb.-ft. of torque, a good degree more than the A8’s turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, which puts out 335 hp and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. For even more brawn, the G90 qualifies for a 48V mild-hybrid supercharged 3.5-liter V6 that cranks out 409 hp and 405 lb.-ft. of torque. The A8 is only sold with the turbo V6. Both cars have an eight-speed automatic transmissions and standard all-wheel drive and carry an option for rear-wheel steering, which reduces the vehicle’s turning radius to simplify the parking experience.
Driver-Assist Technologies
While both cars have a few of the same advanced driving aids (forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and a surround-view monitor), the G90 gets more standard safety technologies than the A8. These Genesis bonuses are lane keeping assist, lane following assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a live-feed blind-spot view monitor, semi-automated driving assist (Highway Driving Assist II), adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, driver attention warning, multiple parking sensors, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and safe exit assist. To enjoy some of those deluxe driving aids in the A8 (like adaptive cruise control with lane guidance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic parking assist, and traffic sign recognition), you’ll need to order a costly upgrade package.