Kelley Blue Book: We compare the 2021 Genesis G90 with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-class

Above average: Competitive price; lots of standard features; choice of engines, including a V8; class-leading powertrain warranty; optional all-wheel drive.

Below average: Lacks prestige of other brands; stresses ride over handling compared to some German competitors.

Consensus: The flagship of Hyundai’s HYMTF, -1.37% luxury brand, the 2021 Genesis G90 offers luxury and a full complement of standard features at a price thousands below its German competitors.

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class starting price: $109,800

Above average: Standard all-wheel drive; choice of powerful engines; top-notch technology.

Below average: Expensive; conservative exterior styling; no electric or full hybrid variant.

Consensus: King of the Mercedes line, the 2021 S-Class offers two powerful engines, a gorgeous interior, and standard all-wheel drive. Luxury and safety features abound, although prices start above $100,000.

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G90 vs. S-Class: power and comfort

Genesis G90

A full-size luxury sedan with loads of standard features and either a twin-turbo V6 or an optional V8 engine, the 2021 Genesis G90 is a very attractive option in its segment that is priced significantly lower than many of its competitors. While there is a Sport setting that quickens throttle response and tightens up the suspension, the goal of the G90 is to provide its driver and passengers with a calm and comfortable ride on long journeys. Rear-wheel drive is standard, although all G90s can also be optioned with all-wheel drive.

• More: How does the 2021 Genesis G90 stand up to the Lexus LS?
• And: How does the Genesis G90 stand up to the Lincoln Continental?

Handsome and sophisticated, the G90 is well made and full of Nappa leather, smooth wood, and stainless steel speaker grilles. If there’s one complaint, the interior still has a bit of an old-school analog approach to its luxury interior.

A strong point is that even the base model G90 is extremely well equipped. It includes features such as heated/ventilated power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, satellite radio, a 17-speaker/900-watt Lexicon surround-sound system, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system.

Also standard is a suite of safety and driver-assist features that includes lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision mitigation, a 360-degree camera system, and blind-spot monitoring. Resale values are average. The 2021 G90 includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty to go along with free scheduled maintenance and concierge services.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

A powerhouse among luxury sedans, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues to hone its reputation as the benchmark by which all others are judged. A choice of powerful engines combines with all-wheel drive to make this large sedan both powerful and stable.

Performance is strong yet steady, with rear-axle steering helping the big sedan perform like a smaller car. There are also a couple of sporting variants of the S-Class from Mercedes’ AMG performance division, but those are in a completely different world in terms of not only performance but pricing.

Build quality and interior comfort are exceptional, with plenty of head- and legroom for five passengers and fine craftsmanship. Standard features include leather upholstery, heated and cooled massaging seats, a panoramic sunroof, and an exceptional Burmester 15-speaker audio system.

A massive center touchscreen controls such things as temperature, navigation, and infotainment, and while there are fewer buttons than we’d like, the Mercedes user interface system makes it easy to use voice commands for things such as temperature change and navigation. Other standard features on this six-figure luxury sedan include wireless Apple AAPL, -1.22% CarPlay/Android Auto, a 360-degree camera, six USB ports, and 19-inch wheels.

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Other trims include the AMG line, with different optional wheels and a special body package, and the Executive line, with Nappa leather upholstery, electrically adjustable rear seats, and rear-seat touchscreens. Safety features include rear passenger airbags, Pre-Safe Plus that tightens the seatbelts and closes the sunroof if it senses a collision, and a system that raises the car if it detects a side-impact crash.

Similarities

Cargo space; optional V8 upgrade engines; refined ride.

2021 Genesis G90 advantages

Much lower price; long warranty; more standard equipment.

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class advantages

Power; reputation for quality; brand cachet; rear-seat space.

Which one is right for me?

The 2021 Genesis G90 is one of the lowest-priced members of the full-size luxury sedan class. It offers some great engines and an impressive amount of standard equipment and luxury, although it still needs to grow its cachet in the segment.

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The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exudes a high level of sophistication and luxury, without cutting any corners. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? Unquestionably.

Compare the numbers:

his story originally ran on KBB.com.