A8 vs G90
Both the A8 and the G90 sit in the midsize luxury car class, and Audi and Genesis are clearly watching each other. You won’t find a dramatic mismatch here: the A8 and the G90 are close on nearly every line that counts.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance G90 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range A8 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Fuel Economy & Range1.3
- Engine & Performance4.1
- Fuel Economy & Range0.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The G90 has 40 hp more power
It’s a small lead (375 hp versus 335 hp), but it’s real, and it goes to the G90. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The G90 has 22 lb-ft more torque
The A8 isn’t far behind at 369 lb-ft, but the G90’s 391 lb-ft still comes out ahead. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The A8 has better city fuel economy
A narrow win for the A8. With 20 mpg to 18 mpg, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | A8 | G90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 207.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 76.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 58.7 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 125.2 in |
Engine & Performance
G90 leads
No contest in engine & performance: the G90 is the stronger of the two. On its side, the G90 has 40 hp more power. The G90’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. If engine & performance is your priority, the G90 is the car to pick.
Total system output
A8: 335 hp G90: 375 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
A8: 369 lb-ft G90: 391 lb-ft The G90’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
A8 leads
The A8 takes fuel economy & range by a nose. The A8 delivers better city fuel economy. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the A8 has the better rating here. If this section decides it for you, choose the A8.
Fuel economy (city)
A8: 20 mpg G90: 18 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the A8 starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality specs are close enough that neither gets the point. Bottom line for space & practicality: it’s a wash.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On off-road & towing, both deliver about the same. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A8 | G90 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 335 hp | 375 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A8 | G90 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg (winner) | 18 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A8 | G90 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A8 | G90 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A8 | G90 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | A8 | G90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 207.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 76.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 58.7 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 125.2 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the A8 if…
- you want better city fuel economy (20 mpg vs 18 mpg)
- you already use other Audi products
Choose the G90 if…
- you want more power (375 hp vs 335 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (391 lb-ft vs 369 lb-ft of torque)
- you prefer staying with Genesis
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A8 or the G90?
The A8 and the G90 split the comparison (fuel economy & range for the A8, engine & performance for the G90), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
Comparing the A8 and the G90 feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. The A8 has better city fuel economy, and for most people that’s not a small thing. I don’t want to sell the G90 short, though: it has 40 hp more power.
The A8 is built for people who weigh fuel economy & range heavily, and the G90 for people who weigh engine & performance.
My pick: both are fair choices, with the A8 leaning toward fuel economy & range and the G90 toward engine & performance.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.