In an impressive move to compete with car brands known for luxury, Kia Motors America expands their car lineup with the 2015 Kia K900. At first glance, the front details may remind you of the front of a Jaguar F-Type while side body styling is a bit reminiscent of a BMW 6 Series. This is all done purposefully as these brands are just some of the K900s competitors.
I was introduced to the K900 at a posh event where Kia and OpenTable partnered for the Kia K900 Experience (#K900EXP) to showcase the vehicle before enjoying a fine-dining experience at Fiola, the restaurant of James Beard award winning Chef Fabio Trabocchi. Last year Kia and OpenTable hosted a similar event to introduce the Cadenza.
Just as last year’s event with the Cadenza left me wanting to spend more time with the car, I felt the same way after our short loop driving the K900 around Downtown DC in rush hour. From my short time behind the wheel and also as a back seat passenger while my husband drove, I found that the K900 interior is not only gorgeous but it’s highly functional. Controls within finger reach from the front armrest allow the driver to operate the navigation system, radio, and make and take calls via Bluetooth. The car’s speed is projected on the front windshield in an unobtrusive way and if you want, you can also program the in-car system to let you know when local speed limits change so you can also be notified via the projection system. Intuitive seat controls for each passenger are located on the door panels to provide an ergonomic ride.
After settling in, it’s hard to not notice the sedan’s spaciousness. Both the front and back provide ample room for long legged passengers as well as shorter legs. The dual moon roofs overhead not only create a sense of space but provide beautiful vistas. Each passenger can set the temperature of their seat to be cooled or heated to their liking for a most comfortable ride.
Little details in cars make all the difference and the Kia K900 has plenty. USB ports are located in the front and back of the vehicle so everyone can charge devices while on the go. Brushed aluminum and wood grain finishes are throughout the vehicle to provide that added sense of luxury. A gorgeous chrome rimmed clock with Roman numerals sits front and center so driver and passengers alike can know what time it is with a quick glance.
Despite a V8 (V6 model of the K900 to come!) engine, the car is well insulated to be incredibly quiet even in traffic during the height of rush hour. This helps the driver and passengers filter out external noise to enjoy in person or phone conversations, or favorite music played on the Harmon Kardon speakers.
My first look at the Kia K900 definitely left me wanting more time with this car. It’s a beautiful luxury vehicle with a price tag that’s the highest of any Kia to date but comes with the same standard 10 year/100,000 warranty as their other vehicles.
The base price of the K900 is $59,000 and if you want extras, that’s a standard package available for an additional $6,000, making the vehicle MSRP $64,000. Standard in this case is good. I appreciate that Kia doesn’t have a wide array of options causing the sticker price to skyrocket when adding technology, trim packages, or things like wheel options.
While the price may be high, remember that this is a luxury car designed to compete with Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, and other brands well known for their vehicles and reputation in the luxury auto market.
Summary: If you’ve never thought of using Kia and luxury in the same sentence, the Kia K900 will change your mind.
I attended the Kia K900 Experience as a member of the media. No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.
kia has really stepped up their luxury lines over the years. I use to own a kia sephia