The Crown Jewel: A Comprehensive History and Evolution of the Genesis EQ900

In the annals of automotive history, few corporate decisions have been as bold or transformative as Hyundai Motor Group’s launch of the Genesis brand in 2015. For decades, Hyundai had been synonymous with value, reliability, and steady improvement, but rarely with luxury prestige. The Genesis EQ900—known globally as the Genesis G90—served as the flagship vehicle for this audacious gamble. It was the vehicle designed to prove that a Korean automaker could not only compete with the established titans of Germany and Japan but could set new benchmarks for comfort, technology, and design.

Produced from late 2015 through 2023, the EQ900 was more than just a car; it was a statement. It was the vehicle that carried executives, chauffeurs, and dignitaries, embodying the “Athletic Elegance” design philosophy. This article chronicles the evolution of the Genesis EQ900, tracing its journey from a brave new beginning to its status as a segment-defining classic.

The Genesis of a Flagship: A Brief History

The story of the EQ900 begins with the restructuring of Hyundai Motor Group. By the early 2010s, the group’s internal research indicated that while their existing vehicles were mechanically sound, they lacked the emotional resonance and brand equity of luxury competitors. The solution was a top-down overhaul: the creation of a standalone luxury marque.

Development began under the codename “HI” (Hyundai Impact). The goal was to create a vehicle that prioritized rear-seat comfort—the primary concern of the South Korean luxury market—while maintaining global appeal. The EQ900 was unveiled in Seoul in December 2015, with sales beginning shortly thereafter. While the global market received the Genesis G90 in 2016, the EQ900 remained the designation for South Korea and select export markets (notably the Middle East and China) for several years before the unified G90 branding took over globally.

The vehicle was an immediate success in South Korea, outselling its German rivals and becoming the de facto vehicle of choice for high-ranking executives and government officials.

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First Generation (2015–2023): The Established Standard

The first and only generation of the EQ900 (codenamed VH) was built on the Hyundai Motor Group’s rear-wheel-drive platform. It shared its underpinnings with the Kia K9 (K900) and Genesis G80, but the EQ900 was elevated by superior materials, advanced suspension tuning, and exclusive powertrains.

Throughout its eight-year lifecycle, the EQ900 was defined by its imposing “Cascade Grille,” quad-headlamp signature lighting, and a roofline that prioritized headroom over sportiness.

The Launch Lineup (2016 Model Year)

Upon its launch, the EQ900 was offered with three distinct powertrains, catering to different definitions of performance and luxury.

1. 3.8 V6 (The Standard Bearer)

• Engine: Lambda II 3.8L GDI V6
• Output: 315 hp / 293 lb-ft torque
• Drivetrain: RWD (AWD optional)
• Target Audience: The entry point for EQ900 ownership, offering ample power for highway cruising and urban driving.

2. 3.3 Twin-Turbo V6 (The Performance Choice)

• Engine: Lambda II 3.3L Twin-Turbo GDI V6
• Output: 370 hp / 376 lb-ft torque
• Drivetrain: RWD (AWD optional)
• Target Audience: Drivers seeking more dynamic acceleration and responsiveness without the weight of a V8.

3. 5.0 V8 (The Ultimate Flagship)

• Engine: Tau 5.0L GDI V8
• Output: 420 hp / 383 lb-ft torque
• Drivetrain: Standard AWD (RWD limited availability in some markets)
• Target Audience: Those demanding V8 smoothness and the highest level of standard equipment.

Trim Levels: The Prestige Hierarchy

In the early years, the EQ900’s trim structure was designed to offer a comprehensive list of features at lower price points than German competitors.

• Platinum: The base trim for the 3.8L and 3.3T models. It included 19-inch alloy wheels, Nappa leather seats (front and rear heated and ventilated), a 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation system, a Lexicon 17-speaker audio system, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including Smart Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist.
• Elite: A mid-tier option that added premium amenities such as a panoramic sunroof, power trunk, and sometimes rear-seat entertainment packages or upgraded interior trim (wood/leather combinations).
• Prestige: The top-tier luxury trim for the 3.8L and 3.3T. This level added premium leather upholstery, a head-up display, a 360-degree around-view monitor, power-closing doors, and sometimes massaging front seats.
• VIP: An ultra-exclusive trim offered primarily in South Korea. It focused entirely on the rear passenger experience, featuring swiveling reclining seats, a center console with tablet controls, and extended legroom modifications (in some configurations).
• Signature: The base trim for the 5.0L V8 model. It typically bundled the features of the Platinum and Elite trims, with the V8 engine as the core differentiator.
• Ultimate: The pinnacle of the first-generation lineup (introduced circa 2017). This trim combined the 5.0L V8 engine with every available feature, including Nappa leather throughout, suede headliners, premium wood trim, and rear-seat luxury suites.

The 2017–2018 Facelift (Minor Updates)

In 2017, the EQ900 received minor software and feature updates. The most notable addition was the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which had been conspicuously absent at launch. By late 2017, Genesis announced a mid-cycle refresh for the 2018 model year.

2018 Model Year Updates:

• Exterior: A slightly revised front bumper and grille design for a more aggressive look. New 19-inch and 20-inch wheel designs were introduced.
• Interior: The dashboard layout was refined. The steering wheel received a new design, and the center stack buttons were simplified.
• Tech: Enhanced Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go capability (for highways). A Blind-Spot View Monitor (using cameras to project views into the digital cluster) was introduced on high trims.
• New Trim (Awd Platinum): While AWD was previously an option, Genesis began marketing specific AWD-focused trims in regions with harsh winters.

The 2019–2020 Era: Consolidation

By 2019, the global branding shifted entirely to “Genesis,” though in South Korea, the EQ900 nameplate remained in use for a while longer. The lineup saw a simplification of trims to streamline production.

• Model of the Year (MOY): Genesis introduced annual updates labeled “Model of the Year.” These versions typically included the panoramic sunroof, premium audio, and advanced safety tech as standard, reducing the number of standalone options.
• Engine Consolidation: The 3.3T Twin-Turbo became the volume seller, as fuel efficiency concerns began to outweigh raw displacement for some buyers. The 5.0L V8 remained available but saw dwindling sales numbers due to tightening emissions standards in Europe and Asia.

2020–2021: The Final Years of the VH Platform

As the decade progressed, the competition heated up. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series received major overhauls. To keep the EQ900 competitive, Genesis focused on value and service.

• Valet Service: Genesis heavily marketed its concierge service—pickup and delivery for maintenance—as a key selling point against the established luxury brands.
• Limited Editions: In 2021, Genesis released limited-run versions of the EQ900 (often called the “Celebration Edition” or similar monikers depending on the market). These featured two-tone paint options (typically black roof with a white or silver body), unique 20-inch wheels, and exclusive interior badging.
• Safety Tech Refinement: The final iterations of the first generation included Highway Driving Assist (HDA) as standard across most trims, and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), allowing the driver to park the car using the key fob while standing outside the vehicle.

Technical Specifications Overview

Throughout its life, the EQ900 remained mechanically consistent, which provided a reputation for reliability.

• Transmissions: All models utilized an 8-speed automatic transmission developed in-house by Hyundai. It was tuned for smoothness rather than rapid shifts.
• Suspension:
  • Standard: MacPherson struts (front) and Multi-link (rear).
  • 5.0L Models: Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) was standard, offering adaptive damping that could adjust ride height and firmness based on driving mode (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart).
• Audio: The Lexicon premium audio system (licensed from Harman) was a standout feature, utilizing QuantumLogic® surround sound and Clari-Fi® music restoration technology. It was widely praised as one of the best factory audio systems in its class.
• Interior Materials: Genesis sourced supple Nappa leather and real open-pore wood. The fit and finish of the interior were noted to be on par, or better, than German rivals, particularly regarding panel gaps and switchgear feel.

Market Reception and Cultural Impact

The EQ900’s success was not limited to sales figures. In South Korea, it reshaped the automotive landscape. Prior to the EQ900, luxury cars were almost exclusively imports (Mercedes, BMW, Audi). The EQ900 broke this monopoly. Its domestic market share was staggering, at times exceeding 70% of the large luxury sedan segment in Korea.

Criticisms did exist. Some automotive journalists in the US and Europe felt the styling was “safe” and lacked the aggressive flair of the BMW 7 Series or the technological avant-garde of the Tesla Model S. The ride, while comfortable, was sometimes described as “floaty” compared to the planted feel of an Audi A8.

However, the consensus was that the EQ900 nailed the core requirement of a flagship sedan: isolation. The cabin was whisper-quiet, the seats were sublime, and the technology was intuitive rather than gimmicky.

The End of an Era: Discontinuation

The first-generation EQ900/G90 remained in production until mid-2023. By 2023, the VH platform was nearly a decade old. While age had not diminished its luxury appeal, it could no longer meet the rigorous safety standards (such as pedestrian protection) and emissions regulations being implemented globally.

Furthermore, the automotive industry was shifting rapidly toward electrification. The EQ900 name, which contained “EQ,” ironically became a source of confusion as Mercedes-Benz launched its own “EQ” line of electric vehicles.

Production of the EQ900 ceased in the second half of 2023. In its place, Genesis launched the all-new G90 (based on the RN8 platform) globally, moving away from the EQ900 designation entirely.

Future Outlook

The legacy of the Genesis EQ900 is secure. It served as the foundational pillar upon which the Genesis brand was built. Without the commercial success and critical acclaim of the EQ900, the subsequent G80 and GV80 would likely not have achieved their current status as segment leaders.

The Future of the Flagship: Genesis has confirmed that a flagship sedan will remain part of its lineup, though the future is electric. While the EQ900 nameplate is retired, the technology developed for it is being repurposed. The next-generation flagship is expected to be an electric vehicle, likely utilizing the group’s E-GMP platform (shared with the Ioniq 5 and 6 but scaled up for luxury).

However, the V8 and V6 internal combustion engines of the EQ900 have a future of their own. The 5.0L Tau V8 is being phased out of passenger cars due to emissions, but the 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 (an evolution of the 3.3T) is set to power the next generation of hybrids. The lessons learned in NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) reduction and rear-seat luxury from the EQ900 will undoubtedly influence these future electric and hybrid flagships.

Conclusion

The Genesis EQ900 was a vehicle that defied expectations. It was a gamble by a company previously known for the Accent and Elantra, stepping into the shark tank of the ultra-luxury segment. Yet, it didn’t just survive; it thrived.

From its launch in 2015 to its discontinuation in 2023, the EQ900 offered a unique blend of old-school comfort, modern technology, and unmatched value. It proved that luxury was not exclusive to Germany, and that a car could be prestigious without being ostentatious. For the thousands of owners who experienced its Nappa leather seats and Lexicon sound system, the EQ900 wasn’t just a car—it was a sanctuary on wheels. It remains a landmark vehicle in the history of the automotive industry, a testament to the rapid evolution of Korean manufacturing and design.