(March 30, 2018) NEW YORK — Kia Motors has 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.  Pricing will be announced closer to the K900’s on-sale date.

Sophisticated and stately, the entirely redesigned 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.

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 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.

The K900 has evolved into a truly sophisticated driving machine powered by a 3.3-liter twin turbo V6, the same engine found in the automaker’s highly acclaimed Stinger fastback sport sedan.  This world-class engine outputs 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque and was recently named to Ward’s 10 Best Engines list for its exceptional responsiveness and refinement. 

The twin fast-spooling single scroll turbos are integrated into the exhaust manifold for enhanced durability.  Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) works seamlessly in tandem, resulting in optimal and instant power delivery.

Since turbo engines typically generate more heat than non-turbo engines, a robust cooling system was required.  To meet the challenge of extreme environments, Kia’s development team exceeded internal targets and over-engineered a system that utilizes a wider radiator for more efficient cooling and airflow, and adopted a high-capacity 600-watt brushless electric fan motor.  Aiming to provide the highest level of quality and durability, Kia conducted testing and validation in extreme environments all over the world.

The engine pairs with a second-generation in-house built 8-speed automatic transmission to manage its power in a smooth and seamless manner.  The Shift-by-Wire gear selector is standard and with no required scheduled maintenance under normal conditions, the transmission is excellent for everyday driving.  At the same time, this gearbox allows quick and confident shifts during more spirited driving.

For an added dose of performance, improved handling, stability and agility, the K900 is equipped with a standard full-time Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control all-wheel drive system that is rear biased and electronically controlled based on road conditions.  Following the Stinger, the K900 becomes the second application of this in-house built system and elevates traction and handling to help the K900 compete against its premium European competitors. 

Designed to improve performance in a variety of environments, it freely distributes torque between the front and rear wheels and also can send power from side to side, depending on conditions. Should the system detect slippage, power is seamlessly directed towards the front or rear wheels, depending on the driving situation.  Up to 50 percent of torque can be distributed to the front wheels, and in Sport mode, up to 80 percent of the power can be routed to the rear wheels.