Mercedes-Benz has been around for over a century, and its flagship S-Class leads the way in the luxury sedan segment. With innovative safety features, artful design, and robust powertrains, it’s tough to find a worthy luxury car competitor. Yet, newcomer Genesis has pulled no punches in bulldozing its way to the top of the opulent pack. But for the entry-level configurations, is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S500 a more desirable car given that the 2023 Genesis G90 is $28,000 cheaper?

2023 Mercedes-Benz S500 vs. 2023 Genesis G90 performance specs

Mercedes-Benz offers its S500 with a 429-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. Only the S580 has the V8. Regardless, both powertrains are supplemented by a 48-volt hybrid system and paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The S500 isn’t a backroad barnstormer but a sedan that can comfortably mount high-speed sprints down the Autobahn with governed top speed of 129 mph.

While South Korea doesn’t have unrestricted highways, the 2023 Genesis G90 can beat the S500 with its limited top speed of 132 mph. This is despite Genesis dropping the 5.0-liter V8 in favor of a 375-horsepower twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. A higher-priced version with an E-supercharger is available to punch up the ponies to 409, but we’re talking about entry-level specs.

The 2023 Genesis G90 shows its girth in a standing start. Whereas the 4,800-pound Merc can snap a speedo in 4.5 seconds, it takes the 5,200-pound G90 5.1 seconds. Nevertheless, both have roughly the same combined fuel economy of 17 mpg, Car and Driver says. Neither luxury barge can be considered a true sports sedan but will hold their own in the bends, providing occupants with swift yet smooth transportation.

2023 Mercedes-Benz S500 vs. 2023 Genesis G90 interior amenities  

The real reason one may select the 2023 Mercedes Benz-S500 over the E-Class and the 2023 Genesis G90 over the G80 is the limousine-like interior accommodations. The new S500’s rear seating row area offers slightly increased headroom and legroom, but the quilted seats will are an optional extra. But it’s filled with a plethora of exotic wood and metal trimmings.

Genesis outdid itself with the interior of the G90—thanks to former Bentley executives. Standard power-operated doors will serve as a built-in valet—which aren’t standard on the S-Class. But like its German competitor, the 2023 Genesis G90 comes decked out in Nappa leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and massaging front seats. Moreover, it has an onboard fragrance diffuser with an in-cabin air purifier to ensure occupants are relaxed.

For trips to the shops, though, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S500 has the Genesis beat. It provides 13 cubic feet of trunk space compared to the G90’s 11 cubes. Yet, both are relatively small for such large sedans.

2023 Mercedes-Benz S500 vs. 2023 Genesis G90 infotainment features

The Benz puts a high priority on in-your-face entertainment with screens. Five are available, but that’s through thousands of dollars of options. Otherwise, “base” S500s have a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a 12.8-inch OLED infotainment system commanding the center stack.

Genesis’ G90 has a duo of huge screens; one 12.3-inch display for the gauges and one for the infotainment. All models have a Bang and Olufsen stereo system, but it can’t hold a candle to the Merc. The S500 has a standard Burmester 3D sound system—probably the best-sounding unit on the market today. Unfortunately, for Genesis lovers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay require a USB cable connection, Edmunds says.

How much is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S500?

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S500 begins at $115,650. Options can take the Stuttgart highway stomper past the $150,000 mark. Regrettably, Mercedes offers mediocre warranty and maintenance coverage. Its limited warranty only spans four years and 50,000 miles, as does the powertrain guarantee. There is no complimentary scheduled maintenance.

How much is the 2023 Genesis G90?

For just $88,400, potential buyers can step into a luxury sedan with the best warranty in the business. Genesis provides a five-year, 60,000-mile limited warranty, but the powertrain coverage spans 10 years and 100,000 miles. Additionally, complimentary maintenance can be enjoyed for up to three years or 36,000 miles.

Is that extra $28,000 worth it?

If you’re one of the Stuttgart-faithful, the answer is pretty clear. Yes, it’s worth it. It’ll be pretty tough to pull an S-Class owner out of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S500 and into a Korean sedan.

However, the tables are turned on those who don’t have more than six figures laying around. Even with the 2023 Genesis G90’s substantial $12,000 year-over-year price increase, it’s the easiest way to obtain such a sophisticated car. The only worry is that Genesis will increase the price just because they can.