The Legacy 600 is based on the shortened ERJ 135 model, but includes added range with extra fuel tanks and added winglets, similar to those on the ERJ 145XR. Launched in 2000 at the Farnborough Airshow, the Legacy is capable of carrying 16 passengers in comfort for 3,050 Nautical Miles (NM) or 8 passengers for 3,450 NM. The Legacy family also includes the Legacy Shuttle, which is in effect an ERJ 135 with a 19-seat passenger cabin configuration as standard (it does not have the same range as the Legacy Executive / Legacy 600).

The Legacy 600 competes on the upper end of the small to mid sized range of business jets. It is unique in having nearly the exact opposite design progression as the rival Canadair Challenger. The Legacy 600 was derived from the established Embraer ERJ 145 family regional jet, while the Canadair Regional Jet was developed by Bombardier from the Challenger business jet. Both lines of aircraft are direct competitors. Embraer has since launched lines of aircraft such as the Phenom 300 and the Lineage 1000 to compete with Bombardier in all markets.

In seven years of service, the Legacy 600 has so far sold over 130 aircraft in more than 20 countries. It has seating for 16 passengers in three partitioned sections, or seating for 19-37 in airline-style seats on the Legacy Shuttle. In the cockpit, the Legacy also includes a Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics suite, with a full glass cockpit. Other Legacy variants include the smaller 450 and 500 Series which offer less range and passenger capacity.