2019 Kia K900

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Kia gunning after the the big (German) boys with their new flagship.

Kia K900

Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled the completely redesigned Kia K900 sedan at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, establishing a new standard for luxury. The all-new second-generation model combines a dignified and sophisticated exterior design, a beautifully crafted cabin of premium materials, and performance characteristics that befit a world-class flagship sedan. Reimagined in every way, the K900 brings with it an array of new systems and safety features, making it the most technologically advanced Kia ever.

"The all-new 2019 K900 is much more than a generational redesign, as it takes on a whole new look, feel and character over its predecessor. Only its name - K900 - is carried over," said Orth Hedrick, vice president, Product Planning, KMA. "Our designers and engineers have done an extraordinary job of reimagining the K900 to fully meet the needs and desires of consumers shopping in the luxury sedan segment with the promise of a tremendous value proposition that only Kia can deliver. The all-new K900 is a push into new territory and serves as further evidence this brand is moving in a forward direction."

Conceived and created in Kia's design studio in Korea with collaboration from the Irvine-based California studio, the new K900 is slated to go on sale in the U.S. during the fourth quarter of 2018.

Stately Styling

Sophisticated and stately, the entirely redesigned Kia K900 brings a new definition of premium luxury to the Kia portfolio. Although it's slightly longer and wider than the outgoing model, this K900 actually looks tighter thanks to its reimagined proportions, especially with respect to its profile. Combining a beautifully balanced design with flowing lines, tensioned surfaces and geometric details, the K900 introduces a modern air of elegance to the large sedan segment. Kia's designers were inspired by a design ethic they call 'The Gravity of Prestige,' and this all-encompassing philosophy translates to a feeling of solidity and volume in the upscale space.

Kia K900 (2019)
2019 Kia K900
Based conceptually on the ever changing shape of condensed energy, a new 'Quadric pattern' signature grille is the focal point of the K900. There are 176 jewel-like 'cells' within the grille, suggestive of released energy accelerating away from its center in the way ripples in water move away from the impact of a splash. Natural flowing lines emanate from this frontal area, rise over the hood, sweep through the flanks and culminate at the rear.

Influenced by the trajectory of light, the design of the duplex headlamps provides the K900 with a visually progressive image that establishes presence and character. Above the light housings, a floating hood design emphasizes the length, volume and balanced proportions of the car.

In profile, a satin chrome flash adds depth to the smooth bodywork, running along the base of the doors and around the lower rear section of the K900 to pull your eyes downward to the car's large and detailed 19-inch wheels. The brightwork along the window-line adds a degree of structure to the rich and exaggerated C-pillar design before it merges with the rear deck.

The rear of the Kia K900 shows off a wide stance decorated with eye-catching details. The duplex rear combi lights echo the design language of the headlights and the integrated exhaust housings are finished off with chrome.

Overall, the K900 is equal parts prestige, power and presence, embodying an appearance reminiscent of a finely tailored suit over an athlete's well-proportioned physique.

Luxury Retreat Within

Elegant by design but with a minimalist layout, the interior of the new K900 provides drivers and passengers with a peaceful retreat that is simple, modern and comfortable. The cabin wraps around the driver, enhancing the sense of being cocooned from the outside world. A tight and virtually uninterrupted line between the doors and the instrument panel creates a deliberate sense of continuity. Flowing from the center of the dash and outward to the doors, surfaces are trimmed in a sophisticated combination of materials, with metal veneers and a choice of four open pore matte wood selections - Walnut, Brown Olive Ash, Beige Olive Ash and Engineered Wood. Soft leather balances the cabin's harder natural surfaces in Black, Beige, Espresso Brown or two-tone Sienna Brown.

Kia's definition of luxury is not limited to the privileged, but there is a distinct feeling of exclusivity achieved by tasteful accents throughout this space. The handsome dash is uncluttered and ergonomic, featuring a tech-savvy instrument panel and integrated air vents. The driver helms the car with a heated leather steering wheel and a matching center console-mounted gear shift knob.

The leather-trimmed premium seat design achieves the ultimate in luxury, exuding a substantive look and feel as well as a high degree of durability thanks to extreme validation testing in the areas of UV, temperature and humidity. Premium Nappa leather also is available. The seats are well-contoured and shaped to deliver maximum support and comfort while minimizing fatigue for occupants, whether the Kia K900 is straight-line cruising over a long distance or moving ambitiously over curvy country roads. The quilting on the seat "shoulders" is to invoke the spirit of clothing worn by Korean kings throughout the country's rich history.

To compensate for both cold and warm climates, seats up front are heated and ventilated. The available 20-way adjustable driver seat is equipped with width-adjusting bolsters and lumbar support with power air cells and shoulder adjustments for exacting comfort. The front passenger can enjoy 12-way adjusters to find the ideal position.

Additionally, substantial improvements in rear seat comfort have been made over the outgoing K900. The driver side rear seat and the passenger side rear seat will offer available 12-way and 14-way adjusters, respectively, as well as reclining capability, height-adjustable headrests and forward/aft, tilt up/down cushions. Seat heat and ventilation are optional for the outboard rear seats. Enhancing back seat comfort are optional HVAC controls, which allow rear passengers to have separate fan controls from the front seat passengers.

For further comfort and relaxation, drivers can adapt the cabin of the new K900 to personal preferences with a new mood lighting system developed in conjunction with the world-renowned Pantone Color Institute. Of the 64 total colors available, Pantone created seven specific color settings, each with its own message and meaning inspired by oceans, forests, skies, the Aurora Borealis, and other aspects of nature. The lighting elements are located in key areas throughout the K900 including the overhead console, door panels and front/rear footwells. This system helps occupants immerse themselves in the cabin, making the K900 a rejuvenating space of inspiration rather than just an upscale mode of transportation. A similar approach to cabin lighting was first shown on the Telluride concept SUV.

To further elevate the mood, the Kia K900 features interaction lighting thanks to an Intelligent Lighting Control system that uses proximity sensors to brighten 20 percent when the driver's hand is sensed reaching for a switch on the dash.

Although the K900 prides itself as not being overtly luxurious, the one nod to the haute lifestyle is an analog clock specially designed and co-branded by Maurice Lacroix, a symbol of globally renowned sophistication and the pursuit of perfection in craftsmanship. This eye-catching timepiece is set in the center of the dash and tangibly elevates the prestige level of the cabin.

Tech-savvy Flagship

As expected, the all-new Kia K900 comes equipped with a wide array of advanced technology, connectivity and infotainment features. The center console features a tactile port dial that is both convenient and intuitive for driver operation of the 12.3-inch Human Machine Interface (HMI) touchscreen that displays maps, trip information, audio sources, climate controls and more. A newly designed, modem-based Premium Navigation system comes equipped with enhanced user-friendly features accessible via Kia's UVO luxe sub-brand, dedicated exclusively to K900 owners. UVO luxe offers a full suite of remote features through an embedded modem in the vehicle and accessible once the UVO account is created on the myUVO.com website and the vehicle is enrolled. UVO luxe telematics features can be used from the desktop, tablet, or dedicated UVO luxe app, and all three access points allow remote start, setting of preferred cabin temperature, or easy to use features, such as Find My Car. K900 owners are also provided with a dedicated service representative reachable through a VIP phone line. There's also full connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and additional convenience comes from a wireless cell phone charger.

When piloting the K900, the driver will benefit from either a high-resolution seven-inch color TFT instrument cluster or an available 12.3-inch color TFT instrument cluster with graphics differentiated by the selected drive mode - Comfort, Eco, Sport or Custom. Beyond the gauges, there's an available 9.7-inch Head Up Display (HUD), teeming with content related to speed, navigation, audio, and driver assistance systems that allows the driver to focus more of their attention on the road ahead.

https://www.netcarshow.com/kia/2019-k900/

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This is going to take the fight straight to the big boys; all that luxury at a fraction of the price - well, not a fraction but a lot less cheaper.
 
Very nice indeed. I wish they’d not copied the C class so closely though.
 
New Kia K900 US flagship demonstrates upcoming tech

Top model won’t come to Britain but its cabin tech and design will have influence

Kia has pulled the covers off the new K900 luxury saloon, which will be its flagship saloon model in the US market.

Although it won’t be sold in Britain, the car’s high-tech cabin and look are expected to influence future vehicles sold on this side of the Atlantic.

On show in New York, the K900 demonstrates a new design language with a wider, less pinched front grille and overall softer look.

Inside, it features a 12.3in TFT instrument cluster and 9.7in head-up display (HUD). The former can display a new 360deg surround monitor to aid parking and navigation through tight spaces.

Additionally, there’s a new blind spot monitoring system that can provide the driver with a live feed of the adjacent lane when the indicator is turned on. The K900 also gets more conventional driver assist features such as lane keep assist, forward avoidance assist and rear traffic alert.

Passengers are provided with a warning signal if it detects hazards such as a passing car when they start to get out.

Power for the K900 comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.3-litre V6, which is shared with the Stinger. It produces 365bhp and 376lb ft of torque and sends drive to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Kia has also enhanced the K900’s insulation with more sound proofing, while the use of more structural adhesives is said to boost refinement.

Kia will build its K900 in South Korea at its Sohari manufacturing facility, where the Stinger is also produced.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...a-k900-us-flagship-demonstrates-upcoming-tech
 
From the outside it kind of reminds me of those rip off cars on Grand Theft Auto :crylaugh:
 
Wow. This is a real beauty. Definitely a Merc copy though.
 
The Kia K900 Is an Unknown $60,000 Luxury Sedan - Doug DeMuro

[video=youtube;Mz87tLToSVY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mz87tLToSVY[/video]
 
Kia gunning after the the big (German) boys with their new flagship.

Kia K900

Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled the completely redesigned Kia K900 sedan at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, establishing a new standard for luxury. The all-new second-generation model combines a dignified and sophisticated exterior design, a beautifully crafted cabin of premium materials, and performance characteristics that befit a world-class flagship sedan. Reimagined in every way, the K900 brings with it an array of new systems and safety features, making it the most technologically advanced Kia ever.

"The all-new 2019 K900 is much more than a generational redesign, as it takes on a whole new look, feel and character over its predecessor. Only its name - K900 - is carried over," said Orth Hedrick, vice president, Product Planning, KMA. "Our designers and engineers have done an extraordinary job of reimagining the K900 to fully meet the needs and desires of consumers shopping in the luxury sedan segment with the promise of a tremendous value proposition that only Kia can deliver. The all-new K900 is a push into new territory and serves as further evidence this brand is moving in a forward direction."

Conceived and created in Kia's design studio in Korea with collaboration from the Irvine-based California studio, the new K900 is slated to go on sale in the U.S. during the fourth quarter of 2018.

Stately Styling

Sophisticated and stately, the entirely redesigned Kia K900 brings a new definition of premium luxury to the Kia portfolio. Although it's slightly longer and wider than the outgoing model, this K900 actually looks tighter thanks to its reimagined proportions, especially with respect to its profile. Combining a beautifully balanced design with flowing lines, tensioned surfaces and geometric details, the K900 introduces a modern air of elegance to the large sedan segment. Kia's designers were inspired by a design ethic they call 'The Gravity of Prestige,' and this all-encompassing philosophy translates to a feeling of solidity and volume in the upscale space.

Kia K900 (2019)
2019 Kia K900
Based conceptually on the ever changing shape of condensed energy, a new 'Quadric pattern' signature grille is the focal point of the K900. There are 176 jewel-like 'cells' within the grille, suggestive of released energy accelerating away from its center in the way ripples in water move away from the impact of a splash. Natural flowing lines emanate from this frontal area, rise over the hood, sweep through the flanks and culminate at the rear.

Influenced by the trajectory of light, the design of the duplex headlamps provides the K900 with a visually progressive image that establishes presence and character. Above the light housings, a floating hood design emphasizes the length, volume and balanced proportions of the car.

In profile, a satin chrome flash adds depth to the smooth bodywork, running along the base of the doors and around the lower rear section of the K900 to pull your eyes downward to the car's large and detailed 19-inch wheels. The brightwork along the window-line adds a degree of structure to the rich and exaggerated C-pillar design before it merges with the rear deck.

The rear of the Kia K900 shows off a wide stance decorated with eye-catching details. The duplex rear combi lights echo the design language of the headlights and the integrated exhaust housings are finished off with chrome.

Overall, the K900 is equal parts prestige, power and presence, embodying an appearance reminiscent of a finely tailored suit over an athlete's well-proportioned physique.

Luxury Retreat Within

Elegant by design but with a minimalist layout, the interior of the new K900 provides drivers and passengers with a peaceful retreat that is simple, modern and comfortable. The cabin wraps around the driver, enhancing the sense of being cocooned from the outside world. A tight and virtually uninterrupted line between the doors and the instrument panel creates a deliberate sense of continuity. Flowing from the center of the dash and outward to the doors, surfaces are trimmed in a sophisticated combination of materials, with metal veneers and a choice of four open pore matte wood selections - Walnut, Brown Olive Ash, Beige Olive Ash and Engineered Wood. Soft leather balances the cabin's harder natural surfaces in Black, Beige, Espresso Brown or two-tone Sienna Brown.

Kia's definition of luxury is not limited to the privileged, but there is a distinct feeling of exclusivity achieved by tasteful accents throughout this space. The handsome dash is uncluttered and ergonomic, featuring a tech-savvy instrument panel and integrated air vents. The driver helms the car with a heated leather steering wheel and a matching center console-mounted gear shift knob.

The leather-trimmed premium seat design achieves the ultimate in luxury, exuding a substantive look and feel as well as a high degree of durability thanks to extreme validation testing in the areas of UV, temperature and humidity. Premium Nappa leather also is available. The seats are well-contoured and shaped to deliver maximum support and comfort while minimizing fatigue for occupants, whether the Kia K900 is straight-line cruising over a long distance or moving ambitiously over curvy country roads. The quilting on the seat "shoulders" is to invoke the spirit of clothing worn by Korean kings throughout the country's rich history.

To compensate for both cold and warm climates, seats up front are heated and ventilated. The available 20-way adjustable driver seat is equipped with width-adjusting bolsters and lumbar support with power air cells and shoulder adjustments for exacting comfort. The front passenger can enjoy 12-way adjusters to find the ideal position.

Additionally, substantial improvements in rear seat comfort have been made over the outgoing K900. The driver side rear seat and the passenger side rear seat will offer available 12-way and 14-way adjusters, respectively, as well as reclining capability, height-adjustable headrests and forward/aft, tilt up/down cushions. Seat heat and ventilation are optional for the outboard rear seats. Enhancing back seat comfort are optional HVAC controls, which allow rear passengers to have separate fan controls from the front seat passengers.

For further comfort and relaxation, drivers can adapt the cabin of the new K900 to personal preferences with a new mood lighting system developed in conjunction with the world-renowned Pantone Color Institute. Of the 64 total colors available, Pantone created seven specific color settings, each with its own message and meaning inspired by oceans, forests, skies, the Aurora Borealis, and other aspects of nature. The lighting elements are located in key areas throughout the K900 including the overhead console, door panels and front/rear footwells. This system helps occupants immerse themselves in the cabin, making the K900 a rejuvenating space of inspiration rather than just an upscale mode of transportation. A similar approach to cabin lighting was first shown on the Telluride concept SUV.

To further elevate the mood, the Kia K900 features interaction lighting thanks to an Intelligent Lighting Control system that uses proximity sensors to brighten 20 percent when the driver's hand is sensed reaching for a switch on the dash.

Although the K900 prides itself as not being overtly luxurious, the one nod to the haute lifestyle is an analog clock specially designed and co-branded by Maurice Lacroix, a symbol of globally renowned sophistication and the pursuit of perfection in craftsmanship. This eye-catching timepiece is set in the center of the dash and tangibly elevates the prestige level of the cabin.

Tech-savvy Flagship

As expected, the all-new Kia K900 comes equipped with a wide array of advanced technology, connectivity and infotainment features. The center console features a tactile port dial that is both convenient and intuitive for driver operation of the 12.3-inch Human Machine Interface (HMI) touchscreen that displays maps, trip information, audio sources, climate controls and more. A newly designed, modem-based Premium Navigation system comes equipped with enhanced user-friendly features accessible via Kia's UVO luxe sub-brand, dedicated exclusively to K900 owners. UVO luxe offers a full suite of remote features through an embedded modem in the vehicle and accessible once the UVO account is created on the myUVO.com website and the vehicle is enrolled. UVO luxe telematics features can be used from the desktop, tablet, or dedicated UVO luxe app, and all three access points allow remote start, setting of preferred cabin temperature, or easy to use features, such as Find My Car. K900 owners are also provided with a dedicated service representative reachable through a VIP phone line. There's also full connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and additional convenience comes from a wireless cell phone charger.

When piloting the K900, the driver will benefit from either a high-resolution seven-inch color TFT instrument cluster or an available 12.3-inch color TFT instrument cluster with graphics differentiated by the selected drive mode - Comfort, Eco, Sport or Custom. Beyond the gauges, there's an available 9.7-inch Head Up Display (HUD), teeming with content related to speed, navigation, audio, and driver assistance systems that allows the driver to focus more of their attention on the road ahead.

https://www.netcarshow.com/kia/2019-k900/

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Side= bmw
Rear= bentley
Front = Mercedes
Interior = bmw

Looks good though.
 
A drive in the Kia K900 - Korea's answer to the S-Class

A twin-turbocharged V6-powered Kia sports saloon developed by BMW M’s former chief engineer seemed like a fairly outrageous idea a few years ago, but the Stinger turned out to be so credible that you wouldn’t believe it was a first attempt from its maker.

In that context, a 5.1-metre-long, V8-powered, four-wheel-drive Kia luxury saloon to rival the Mercedes-Benz S-Class might not seem quite such absurd an idea as it once might have done. Perhaps more far-fetched, yes, but not completely a cause for spitting out your cornflakes.

And yet such a car is not an idea, but a reality – and one that has been a part of Kia’s range further afield for a few years now. The K900 (known as the K9 in Korea, but renamed for export for fairly obvious reasons) is indeed the manufacturer’s answer to the S-Class.

The car has now entered its second generation, having been launched in its home market this summer as a range-crowning technological tour de force. It has wider significance across the Hyundai Motor Groupas the first car to use a new rear-wheel-drive platform that will also underpin Hyundai’s new Genesis premium brand and its G80 saloon, a car that will have greater export appeal than the Kia and is destined for mainland Europe and the UK.

The K900, meanwhile, will be sold in the Middle East and US but not Europe, because the idea of a Kia rival to the S-Class is unlikely to be one to find much credibility no matter how good it might be or how much post-Stinger glory there is to bask in. We’re in Seoul to drive it but before we do, a chauffeur drives us.

K900s are mostly experienced from the back seat by their buyers. What do they experience? Plenty of space, that’s for sure. A big comfy chair with lots of adjustability, and a decent enough ride. The feel is less luxury, more premium, perhaps like an Audi A8 from a decade ago: it ticks all the right boxes on paper but you don’t really feel all that special. The chauffeur gets the really interesting job. From the driver’s seat you get to experience the V8. Powering the K900 is a 5.0-litre unit with 419bhp and 383lb ft, driving all four wheels through a very smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

It’s good for 0-62mph in 5.5sec. Yet this is no performance car. Instead, the V8 has been tuned the other way, to deliver effortless performance of the kind that quickly and effortlessly glides you through traffic, in a quiet, unassuming manner. There’s no bark or growl from the engine, rather a calming, reassuring presence.

We need to talk about the ride quality, though. From the driver’s seat, luxurious it is not. Although primary body control is fine, the way the car crashes over even the most innocuous-looking bump in the road is not. What’s strange is the contrast to how it feels in the back seat. Perhaps that’s where the chassis engineers spent most of their time. This car’s spec is that of a Korean domestic market car, with robust all- weather tyres and suspension tuned for negotiating Korea’s scarcely believable number of speed bumps. A different tune for the US and other markets is promised.

The uncomfortable ride up front is a shame, because the front cabin is a more interesting place than the back, with quilted Nappa leather and real wood (beech and ash trims are offered, among others). The wood feels like wood, the metal feels like metal, and everything is executed with a premium mindset. It even extends to the inside of the door bins, which are as nice to the touch as the rest of the cabin.

There’s some clever technology too. Indicate, and in the digital instrument binnacle appears a camera image of your blind spot. It’s a welcome and useful piece of safety kit. The infotainment screen is a nice one too. It’s quick to operate, even if the lack of perceived quality surfaces when you recognise the graphics from other Kias.
The K900 is really at its best at isolating you from the outside world. Seoul’s traffic isn’t for the faint-hearted, with lanes frequently swapped and aggressive stopping and starting that seems only to make the traffic run less smoothly. Yet in the K900 you’re rarely bothered or wound up by it, which is a key part of any luxury model’s brief.

The K9 isn’t really an illustration of Kia moving upmarket and becoming a full-blown luxury car maker; it’s more a reflection of it needing to offer a complete range of cars in a home market where dominance with group sibling Hyundai is almost absolute.

The world is no worse a place for this car, though. Ride quality aside, I rather like it. And it makes you ponder: might Kia ever get to the point where it could offer such a car as a genuine and credible alternative to the likes of the S-Class? Perhaps. Then again, perhaps not, badge snobbery being what it is, even when you consider the astonishing progress the brand has made in little over a decade. But then we said the same about the Stinger.

Seoul power:

Located in a trendy part of Seoul among almost a dozen other flagship luxury car showrooms is the Salon de K9, where the K900 is on display.

Prospective buyers can drop in and learn about the car, feel the leather, touch the wood trim and listen to the sound system. But they can’t buy one: they must go to the more conventional-looking Kia dealer next door to do that.

This is a fashionable ‘brand space’, then, although it doesn’t feel overly premium. Crammed in are more than half a dozen K9s in different conservative body colours, Koreans apparently keen to see every option.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/features/drive-kia-k900-koreas-answer-s-class

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