After experiencing the 2019 Kia K900, I had to ponder why the sedan is so very seldom seen on the road? Why are folks falling asleep on the Korean luxury sedan? Sales figures in the U.S. last year for the stunner were surprisingly abysmal, 354, but in places like South Korea, China, and the Middle East the car is a hit. So are car buyers on these shores still stuck on, and can’t seem to move from, the bargain aisle image Kia had once-upon-a-time?
I dunno….
Kia has built vehicles for every budget and family size, and it is very evident that the company’s offerings have leveled up in styling and performance. The K900 is Kia’s full-size flagship sedan with premium styling that attracts. The K900’s tiger-nose grille is larger and more squared off which Kia refers to as a quadric pattern. Narrow LED headlamps with a duplex design that resembles multiple rings flank the grille. The sedan’s profile is hefty. The K900’s overall design influence is very conservative and certainly not as blingy as its predecessor. In the rear, there’s an integrated dual exhaust with a single LED light in-between. The vehicle’s overall length and wheelbase are longer as well.
The K900’s interior has a “WOW” factor, and its competitors can kick rocks! The materials are upscale, elegant with cushy features everywhere, and even the suede-like headliner is soft and worth a mention. The heated and ventilated seating with a myriad of adjustments in both the front and rear are soothing and supportive. Space in the K900 is accommodating all around. Spot on touches like metal accents and matte wood trimming adds sophistication to the five-seater. The dash has the cinch–to-operate and read, 12.3-inch widescreen trapezoidal-shaped, Kia UVO infotainment system in the center that is controlled by a dial. There is a wireless charging pad in the center console. An analog clock from the luxe watchmaker Maurice Lacroix sits prominently in the center of the dash.
The passengers in the K900’s VIP rear section will feel pampered because the space is so commodious and deluxe. Besides the multi-adjustable lounge-like seating, there is a large armrest with yet another wireless charging pad and controls a-plenty that takes care of the rear climate and the infotainment. The passenger on the right can also fully recline; all that is missing are footrests! The passenger front seat can be made to slide forward by the rear passenger to give them more legroom. There is a power rear window sunshade and manual ones for the side windows. Customizable ambient lighting is an interesting touch that is new this year where you can choose between seven hues and 64 light level display settings throughout the cabin.
Under the hood of the K900 the power flows from a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6, and even though the Kia is no lightweight at around 4,600 pounds, you won’t pine for a V8. The 365 horsepower, 376 lb-ft of torque is more than sufficient. The standard AWD sedan offers impressive acceleration and hands-down effortless handling. There are multiple drive modes from which to choose that include Comfort, Eco, Sport, Custom, and Smart. If you want to maximize responsiveness in the K900, then the Sports mode is the ticket, but the best choice is Comfort because the vehicle softens up for a smoother, and more supple ride. The steering is also light and relaxed without feeling mushy. At the pumps, the K900 is rather thirsty; the EPA rates it at 18mpg city/25mpg highway and 21mpg combined, and premium gas is what Kia recommends.
The K900 gives you all of the active and passive safety features you’ll ever need and most are standard–blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, driver-attention warning, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, a top-down surround-view monitor, and more.
The 2019 Kia K900 offers truly engaging driving dynamics, an overall comfortable ride, and all in a hushed interior. It also comes well-equipped with the best cabin tech that the automaker has to offer, an excellent level of comfort and amenities, and a great loadout of standard driver-aid tech. If you’re in the market for a luxury car, then the Kia K900 is a must-experience ride!
Prices start at $59,900; need more info? www.Kia.com