Susan Frissell, womenwithwheels.com
All new for 2015, the Kia K900 is the first V8 for Kia, is available in two versions: Premium ($54,500) and Luxury($59,900), and is sure to create a following, if Kia can get customers in the door looking for a full-size luxury sedan.
Reasonably priced for all its standard equipment, the K900 is a dream to drive. Some comparisons have been made with the Ford Fusion (?), and more likely, Mercedes Benz C-class and Hyundai Genesis sedans. However, the K900’s central competition of course, includes the Lexus LS460, Audi A8, Hyundai Equus and BMW 7-Series. Belonging to the ‘exclusive’ luxury sedan group requires enough income to indulge in such special wheels. The introduction of the new Kia K900, an additional offering in this elite group, will be tested: not only for brand recognition but for a lower price tag than most.
The K900 is a beautiful automobile, complete with all you’d expect in a vehicle surpassing the $60,000 price range. Kia’s largest sedan thus far, the K900 offers a roomy, plush interior to match its elongated exterior. It is a handsome car, with up-to-date styling cues. The jury is out whether/not the Kia Cadenza-style front grille is a keeper. Drivers better be technologically savvy as the K900’s electronics take a little expertise. We became, at times, a tad frustrated trying to navigate the audio. You certainly cannot-and should not-attempt this while driving.
As expected, the new K900 is fully loaded, yet at a price that falls under the European luxury sedans, by quite a few dollars. Savings on what is standard equipment on the K900 gives the Kia K900 an advantage, of sorts. Kia’s warranty is also a plus, which includes three years of free scheduled maintenance. In spite of all its ‘pros,’ the K900 has a few ‘cons;’ namely, the switchgear. At first drive, this writer wasn’t at all sure how to shift into reverse, much less drive. Although a simple fix (depressing the button), moved the car into gear. Still, it was frustrating. The K900 is not available in all-wheel-drive, either; possibly another limitation.
Kia K900 interior
Those accustomed to European and Japanese quality interiors may be a little disappointed in the K900’s less-than quality inside the cabin. Likewise, the purists would probably vote a ‘no,’ on driving experience. But then, who can compete with the likes of BMW or Mercedes-Benz; both manufacturers with years in the business. We also experienced a fair amount of frustration attempting to make sense of the infotainment interface, and at one sitting, could not get back to the audio screen; rather, the display continued to prompt this writer for a language choice. Complicated and somewhat unintuitive (say, compared to Lexus), the K900s system is finicky.
19-inch chrome alloy wheels
For those tall drivers, limited front seat headroom might be a problem. However, the Kia K900 is simply too good to pass up; this writer feeling quite comfortable in the big sedan. For regular customers of Audi, BMW and/or Lexus, it might be a stretch to ask them to cross over, but we’d suggest at least a test drive. Get over the fact that it is a “Kia,†You might be surprised-and pleased.
Standard features for the K900 include 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, a power trunk lid, automatic wipers, front and rear parking sensors and keyless ignition and entry. Interior features include the usual: tri-zone automatic climate control, cruise, heated rear seating, driver memory settings, heated/ventilated front seats, leather, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, 9.2-inch display screen, nav, front/rearview cameras, 17-speaker Lexicon surround-sound audio system with AM/FM/XMSirius/CD, iPod/USB interface, HD radio. Kia’s Uvo eServices include emergency assistance and teen-oriented monitoring features such as curfew, speed and geo-fencing.
Our test K900 came equipped with one option: the VIP package which includes Advanced Smart Cruise, Advanced Vehicle Safety Management, Power door latches, 12.3-inch full LCD TFT IP, Heads-up display, Surround view monitor, driver’s seat cushion extension, front seat power headrests, power reclining rear seats, ventilated rear outboard seats, Lateral adjusting rear headrests and rear seat lumbar support ($6000). An expensive option and really, the most of what you’d need might be the vehicle safety management system.
The VIP package also adds a 360-degree top-down camera system and a frontal collision warning system that tightens the seatbelts and primes the brakes for maximum stopping power if a collision is imminent. Standard safety features for the 2015 Kia K900 include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front and rearview cameras, and. The V8-powered K900 models also have a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert and a lane departure warning system.
Heated steering wheel, credit-card size smart key, and upgraded leather are standard on the V8 version of the K900.
The K900’s wood interior trim is real, which in some ways seems dated, however, a staple of luxury full-size sedans. The K900 seems to have many buttons scattered so the learning curve may be a little higher than some. Kia doesn’t offer a rear entertainment system, or audio controls for rear passengers. Perhaps one of the ways to keep costs down. Although other journalists may disagree, we found Kia’s V8 with enough power to pull this good size sedan. Some would argue the ‘rush’ is missing, and the power output not competitive with other full-size sedans.
This writer doesn’t feel cheated when pushing the V8; it just feels pleasant to have that power most cars don’t’ have today, with a V6 or 4-cylinder. Road noise is little, if any and the ride is smooth and comfortable. We didn’t detect any wind noise. The K900 does not offer different suspensions so the ride remains the same. The car feels heavy, particularly around turns; but then it is a large vehicle. We enjoyed our week in the new K900 and find it especially attractive. Partial to the Kia vehicles, this writer would recommend giving the K900 a once over.
SPECS MSRP: $59,500; total vehicle price $65,500; destination $900
Engine: 5.0-liter Gas Direct Injection V8, 420 hp., 376 lb. ft. torque, RWD
Transmission: 8-speed automatic w/ Shift-by-Wire, Overdrive Category: Full-size luxury sedan
Wheelbase: 119.9 in.
Height: 58.7 in.
Length: 200.6 in.
Width: 74.8 in.
Weight: 4,664 lbs.
Tires: 245/45VR19 Front; 275/40VR19 rear
Wheels: 19-inch chrome alloy
EPA fuel Economy: 15/23 mpg.
Seating: 5
Warranty: 60 mth./60,000-mile Basic; 120 mth./100,000-mile Powertrain; 60 mth./100,000-mile Corrosion Perforation; 60 mth./60,000-mile Roadside Assistance
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