For 2015, the Kia K900 explores how far upmarket Americans are willing to take the Kia brand. It's the textbook definition of a large premium sedan on paper. All it lacks is a prestigious premium brand. But that might not be such a big deal to customers who want a smooth and relatively rapid sedan that's also spacious and loaded with equipment.
The K900 is all-new for 2015, and available through selected Kia dealerships. The V8 models launched in spring 2014, while the V6 cars go on sale at the end of 2014.
The V6 comes with a 3.8-liter engine and 311 horsepower. The only transmission in a K900 is an eight-speed automatic, and all come only in rear-wheel drive. Also standard are 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive HID headlamps, LED fog lights, kelyess entry and start, power-folding and auto-dimming outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, a 12-way power driver's seat, heated front and rear seats that are also cooled in front, a power trunk lid, a power tilt-telescoping steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, front and rear parking sensors, and front and rear cameras. A 17-speaker Lexicon audio system is included, along with 9.2-inch navigation system, UVO eServices and a multimedia controller similar to Audi's MMI control.
Key options will include a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather trim, soft-close doors, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, lane departure watch and a blind-spot monitor.
The V8 car starts at $59,500. The 5-liter V8 offers 420 horsepower. Also standard are 19-inch chrome wheels, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, a blind spot monitor, rear cross-path detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, Nappa leather trim and genuine wood trim. The $6,000 VIP Package includes pretty much all of the options, with power reclining rear seats that are also cooled, a 16-way power driver's seat, soft-close doors, a 12.3-inch adaptive instrument cluster, head-up display, surround view monitor and the advanced vehicle safety management system.
For about $66,000, the K900 represents a bit of conundrum. It's more powerful than similarly priced luxury sedans like the BMW 535i and Lexus GS350, while offering features like power reclining rear seats that they don't. And it's more spacious, too. The bottom line is that it's ideal for buyers who like a good deal and don't need -- or, perhaps, want -- the image that comes with a premium German brand.
