Kia joins luxury segment with K900
What is it? Kia’s second generation of its groundbreaking K900 luxury sedan.
Why does it matter? Well, firstly, it’s a luxury car from a brand known mostly for being cheap and cheerful. Secondly, the first-generation K900 was an underappreciated addition to the luxury segment. With something called “Gravity of Prestige” design, the K900 is now even more classically styled says Kia.
“The all-new 2019 K900 is much more than a generational redesign, as it takes on a whole new look, feel and character over its predecessor,” says Orth Hedrick, vice-president of product planning for Kia Motors America. “The allnew K900 is a push into new territory and serves as further evidence this brand is moving in a forward direction.”
The K900’s cabin is clothed in a combination of materials, with metal veneers and a choice of four open-pore, matte wood selections, while glove-soft leather is offered in several hues. A 20-way adjustable driver seat is standard, while the front passenger enjoys 12-way adjustments.
The centre console features a 12.3-inch Human Machine Interface touch screen that displays a newly designed Premium Navigation system with Kia’s UVO luxe sub-brand, dedicated exclusively to K900 owners. Another (optional) 12.3inch colour TFT touchscreen gauge set combines with an available 9.7-inch heads-up display, allowing the driver to remain informed while focusing on the road ahead. A 900watt, 17-speaker Harman Kardon/Lexicon system — Kia’s most powerful audio system ever — completes the interior.
Powered by the same twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6 as the new Stinger GT, the K900 boasts 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, mated to Kia’s own eight-speed automatic transmission. All Canadian-spec K900s will be equipped with a full-time all-wheel-drive system with Kia’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control.
When is it coming ? A Canadian launch date has yet to be determined.
Should you buy it? If you appreciate luxury without paying large for a hood ornament, a trip to your local Kia dealer might be worth your while.