Kia K900 new kid on luxury car block
Posh sedan fast, feature-filled but needs AWD
Launched as Kia’s first rearwheel-drive sedan in South Korea in 2012, the five-passenger, four-door 2015 K900 has Kia’s typically aggressive exterior styling. Yet the fullsized sedan shares most of its nuts and bolts with its Hyundai Equus platform-mate. But does the K900 have the chops to be considered alongside other so-called “flagship” sedans?
The base K900 V-6 starts at $51,480 (all prices include freight and pre-delivery inspection fees). My tester was the top-line, allinclusive $71,480 K900 V-8 Elite — tens of thousands of dollars less than comparably equipped German and Japanese rivals. Unlike, say, a BMW 7-Series, the K900’s price doesn’t explode when you start adding what most luxury buyers would consider basic features.
For example, the V-6 K900 comes standard with a power trunk lid, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a power rear sunshade, a 17-speaker Lexicon surround-sound audio system, and more. Opt for the V-8 K900, and you’ll find added niceties, such as a panoramic sunroof, blindspot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert system, lane-departure warning system, heated steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery — well, you get the idea.
The K900 is very close to the $86,645 Lexus LS 460 in size. Not surprisingly, this allows for suite-like accommodations.
Overall, the use of black-piano finishes, real wood and quality leather is tasteful and extremely well fitted together in the Kia’s cabin. The front seats — though a bit lacking in support — are easy to get comfortable in and offer an array of adjustability.
Perhaps the best seats in the K900 are the thrones in the back. Not only is there plenty of legroom for fullsized adults, the seats recline and adjust.
With only 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque to pull around 2,000 kilograms of Kia luxo-barge, the base 3.8-litre V-6 gas engine seems inappropriate. Making 420 hp and 376 lb-ft. of torque, and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the 5.0L K900 V-8 smoothly swooshes from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in a quick 5.7 seconds. Not only is the K900 V-8 the quickest Kia ever, it’s also more than a half-second quicker than the $86,645 Lexis LS 460.
The downside to all the K900 V-8’s forward thrust is felt at the pumps. Rated at 15.7 litres per 100 kilometres city and 10.3 highway, the Kia V-8 sedan is relatively thirsty compared to the Lexus V-8 sedan, estimated at a more economical 12.9 and 8.1, respectively.
Comparing the Kia to the comfort-first Lexus is also the correct context when it comes to the K900 V-8 Elite’s driving dynamics. As much as Kia’s marketing department would like buyers to think they’re getting a bargain Audi A8, in truth, the Korean flagship simply doesn’t have the handling chops to be considered a luxury AND sports sedan.
Keen drivers will notice that the K900’s steering offers little off-centre feel. And the lack of all-wheel drive may also scare away some Canadian buyers accustomed to traction at all four wheels in their big and powerful luxury vehicles.
However, if you approach the Kia as a pure luxury car, then you will be pleasantly surprised by the K900’s roomy and quiet cabin. Not only is the K900’s V-8 nearly silent at idle, it’s also muted when you enjoy all of its power and comfort over bad pavement.
In the end, as a first attempt in a very competitive class, the 2015 Kia K900 V-8 Elite can’t help but impress. With its powerful engine, roomy and luxurious cabin, loads of standard gear, comfortable ride and excellent build quality — all for tens of thousands of dollars less than the competition — smart buyers should ignore the Kia badge on the big sedan’s hood and save a few bucks. Overview: Kia takes on the world’s best with the Korean automaker’s first flagship sedan Pros: Roomy, feature-laden and well-built cabin; comfortable and quiet ride; powerful V-8 engine Cons: Rivals offer better steering and handling; mainstream Kia badge Value for money: Excellent What I would change: Canadian buyers in this class expect traction at all four wheels