Luxury Has a New Name
We live in a world where traditional industries are being disrupted all the time. For better or for worse, companies like Netflix, Airbnb, and Uber have found success by providing new and imaginative ways to meet the needs of consumers. With the 2016 K900, Kia is doing some disrupting of its own, providing tradtional levels of luxury (and more) but at prices that are much more agreeable for the modern car-shopper.
Indeed, the K900 is an impressive, five-passenger luxury sedan that personifies exclusivity while featuring a far more inclusive MSRP of $49,000.* For many years now, Kia’s consumer models have done extremely well in competing and even surpassing many of the traditional auto brands that litter the marketplace.
Power and Performance
The 2016 Kia K900 is powered by a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine that serves up 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque. A grizzlier 5.0-liter V8 engine that generates 420 hp and 378 lb-ft of torque is also available. It's worth pointing out that when it debuted last year, the K900's V8 was the first V8 offered in a Kia sedan, but you'd be hard-pressed to tell given its responsiveness.
As on every K900 model, an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard. Eight might sound like a lot, but the added gears help the K900 accelerate smoothly and efficiently when called into action.
The responsiveness of either engine can be adjusted by the driver between three different shift modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Not only do these modely allow you to tailor vehicle performance to meet your individual needs, but it also helps manage fuel economy, which rests at an EPA-rated 20 mpg combined (17 city/26 highway) for V6 models, ** and 18 mpg combined (15 city/23 highway) with the V8.**
Features and Trims
The 2016 Kia K900 is a full-size luxury sedan that seats five, and is available in Premium V6, Luxury V6, and Luxury V8 trim levels.
While traditional luxury brands tack on additional dollar amounts for every little feature, the 2016 Kia K900 disprupts the status quo with a robust list of standard equipment.
Premium V6 models pack in everything from 18-inch wheels, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, LED fog- and running lights, to a panoramic sunroof and front and rearview cameras. Front and rear parking sensors are also standard, as are a hands-free power trunk lid and keyless entry/ignition.
For additional comfort and experience, the K900 also includes three-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and eight-way power front seats. Are you tired of cold mornings? The K900's has heated front seats. Does your body heat tend to run warm? Ventilated front seats should do the trick.
Tech-lovers will also appreciate the K900's USB charging port, Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity, and its gorgeous 9.2-inch central infotainment display integrates UVO eServices and SiriusXM Traffic. The K900 also sports an impressive 17-speaker Lexicon surround-sound audio system.
Moving up to the Luxury V6 adds an upgraded gear shifting, leather upholstery, wood interior trim, and more, while the Luxury V8 benefits from a larger V8 engine and advanced safety features, such as blind-spot warning, rear-cross traffic alter, and a lane depature warning system.
Design
At the surface, the 2016 Kia K900 features a conservative design that manages to capture the imagination of onlookers with a flurry of drama thrown in for good measure. For 2016, Kia has tweaked the grille and rear styling, adding more chrome and slightly more attitude than before. The front grill is firm in step with Kia’s corporate design structure, while the hood adds further emotion with a number of accent lines raked across. The high beltline of the car lends it some strength, while the smooth character lines give the illusion of vehicle in motion even when still.
Step inside the K900 and everything comes together even more. With ample room for five, the cabin feels downright palatial, with acres of space for driver and passengers. Indeed, with the K900 as the backdrop, there is no denying the authenticity of Kia’s premium credentials. In fact, place the vehicle’s interior alongside its more “established” (read: expensive) rivals and most, if not all, will have trouble discerning the difference.
Safety
Standard safety features for the 2016 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 UVO eServices, which includes emergency assistance and monitoring features that allow you to set speed, curfew and geo-fencing limits for teen drivers. As mentioned earlier, the V8 K900 also comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane departure warning system.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Kia K900 is a new breed of luxury vehicle; one that doesn't rest on its reputation, but instead draws in consumers with its riveting performance and refreshing value.
For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 today.
* Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest model trim. See 'Trims' section for MSRP of model shown. MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
** Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition.
Images: Kia Motors America
