Kia struck out in yet another new direction today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, when it introduced its first large rear-drive luxury sedan. The K900’s arrival coincides with Kia’s 20th anniversary in the U.S. market, and moves it into the realm of real luxury cars for the first time.
The K900 is a big car, with a 119-inch wheelbase providing plenty of rear-seat interior room. Kia’s familiar styling cues, including the “tiger-nose” grille, are rendered in a more stately fashion than usual; the K900 looks like it could be the Soul’s grandfather, and that’s as it should be. Adaptive LED headlamps and a power trunklid are standard equipment.
The interior departs even further from the Kias you’re used to, with high-grade Nappa leather on the options list. A choice of white sycamore or dark charcoal poplar wood trim decorates the dash and console, and there are heated seats front and rear. Power rear sunshades are standard. The dash features a massive 12.3-inch full-color LCD screen that provides access to the standard navigation system. An adjustable head-up display provides information to the driver, and there’s a 900-watt Lexicon audio system.
The K900 is undoubtedly high-tech, and includes a full array of sensors and cameras to inform the blind-spot warning system, park-assist system, and collision warning system. Audio alerts can be played from the speakers nearest the obstacle, giving the driver an immediate idea of where the potential trouble has arisen.
Kia’s offering the K900 with a choice of V6 or V8 power. The familiar 3.8 liter V6 has been upgraded to 311 horsepower with a three-step variable intake system. The V8 is Kia’s first, a 32-valve DOHC unit with direct fuel injection that produces 420 horsepower. Both engines come with eight-speed automatic transmissions.
The K900 goes on sale during the first quarter of 2014, and Kia will announce pricing closer to the on-sale date.
