Genesis is bringing a sportier aesthetic to its most luxurious models, with the Prestige Black line trim set to hit American shores in the near future. While hosting CarBuzz in Seoul, South Korea at the Seoul Mobility Show, a Genesis representative confirmed that four of the brand’s top models would soon be available to order in the stealthiest shade with bespoke features no other market will have access to.
At a tour of the Genesis Suji facility – the flagship dealer experience in Seoul, Korea – these blacked-out models were showcased for the global media event.
Genesis was initially launched as a Hyundai vehicle model – the Genesis sedan in 2004 – but in 2015, it became a standalone luxury brand in the same vein as Toyota’s Lexus or Honda’s Acura. Since then, the G90 has become a symbol of Korean luxury in a German-dominated premium market, and with new plans to take on the likes of AMG with a Magma performance sub-brand, Genesis is showing no signs of slowing.
- Founded
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2015
- Founder
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Hyundai
- Headquarters
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Seoul, South Korea
- Owned By
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Hyundai Motor Group
- Current CEO
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Jae-Hoon Chang
Back In Black
Simply called the Black line in other markets, the US models will go by the Prestige Black moniker, bringing a variety of blacked-out touches to the Genesis G80 and G90 sedans, as well as the GV80 SUV and GV80 Coupe.
Genesis will also be offering US-specific customization options for Prestige Black models which won’t be available in any other market. Although no details have been shared on what exactly those customization options are, some of what we saw in the Suji showroom included blacked-out exterior badging, dark-painted wheels, and ebony interiors. Charcoal open-pore natural wood inlays featured on the Black-spec G90 pictured here.
The exterior of Prestige Black variants shows off unique trim, dark logos, and model-specific wheels, with the brand’s flagship model, the G90 sedan, getting the highest quality leather and real wood inlays. The interior is a testament to Korean design and culture, with a focus on creating an inviting and unfussed cabin.
“[There is an] amazing level of detail in terms of elements that have been blacked out…”
– Jarred Pellat, Senior PR and Communications Leader, Genesis North America
The stitching pattern on the door card of the G90 is an homage to the fishing nets of yore, while other elements on display hark back to Korean architectural patterns. Design aside, the Prestige Black trims are laden with tech and comfort features that elevate each model line further.
The cars pictured here are Korean-spec models, with some features not intended for the US market. The rear-seat entertainment system seen here is designed for the local market where chauffeured transport is far more common than in the US. Although no firm timeline for the arrival of the first Prestige Black models has been shared, a staggered rollout is planned for the US, with the 2026 sedan models earmarked for black-out treatment first, arriving later this year.
Forbidden Fruit Could Rival Mercedes’ Best
Also shown at the Suji showroom was another model American fans of Genesis won’t be fortunate enough to experience. The 2025 Genesis G90 is made available in a long-wheelbase format in South Korea, offering additional room in the back seat for passengers who intend on being driven rather than doing any of the driving themselves.
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Driven: 2024 Genesis G90 Is Full-Sized Luxury In All Its Glory
Don’t be fooled by its reasonable price tag – it’s one of the best in the class.
Sadly, the LWB isn’t coming to the US. These limousine-like sedans include such features as foot heating and massage for rear-seat passengers, which is set against the backrest of the front passenger seat. There’s also a UV LED sanitizer in the armrest, automatic doors, and a high-end sound system, to mention just a few. Although LWB models aren’t in the cards for the American market at all, all of these features are available on the regular G90 sold here.
Among the models not coming to the US is the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake, pictured above, currently selling in South Korea, Europe, and Australia. Genesis as a brand might be expanding its reach in the US, targeting new vehicle segments, but it also knows better than to sell a model almost guaranteed to fail; Americans simply don’t care for wagons outside of an exclusive niche that has fallen for the RS6 Avant, M5 Touring, and new AMG E53 Wagon – confirmed for a US launch this week.
But buoyed by increasing sales in the last few years, the brand is seeking to expand its market share with a variety of customization options and new concepts that will rival ultra-luxury brands, should they go into production.
