The K900 is powerful! The 420 hp, 5 L gasoline direct injection (GDI) V8 engine with aluminum block and heads delivers power through an 8-speed automatic transmission. It produces 376 lb-ft of torque while attaining a mileage of 15 and 23 mpg for city and highway respectively.
Quite frankly, my driving experience netted me much less mpg than those estimated figures. However, the multi-link front and rear suspensions helped to encourage an exceptional and comfortable drive.
There is also an impressive 311 hp, 293 lb-ft, 3.8 L GDI V6 power plant with estimated fuel economy of 18 and 23 mpg city/hwy. However, the V8 will be my focus for this review.
The Kia K900 Luxury model is equipped with a stunning array of technologically and creature-of-comfort advances: tri-zone automatic climate control with air filtration, Lexicon 17-speaker premium audio system, navigation system with a 9.2-inch display, SiriusXM satellite radio, Nappa leather seats with genuine wood accent interior trim, and other examples of eye-pleasing, mind-soothing, and butt-comforting features. However, the seats were a little tight (narrow) for a luxury sedan.
Lane departure warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear camera display, traction control, and electronic stability control are all standard safety features on the K900 Luxury. But there is also a VIP Plus Package for $8,000. Items like Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Advanced Vehicle Management System, 12.3” TFT Supervision instrument cluster, Surround View Monitor, HUD, and ventilated and power reclining rear seats are part of this package. In my estimation this is way too much money for what you get. However, the base price for the K900 Luxury is $59,500. This seems like a reasonable price.
The superior craftsmanship and exceptional interior spaciousness of the inside complement the handsome exterior. Everything but those seats.
Adaptive Front Lighting System with advanced LED headlights, and LED positioning and fog lights will help you avoid hitting a deer or running over the neighbor kid’s bike by safely illuminating the way. While power folding auto-dimming outside mirrors and hydrophobic front door windows keep a clear view and protect you from the “bad stuff” outside.
Panoramic sunroof with power shade and auto rain-sensing windshield wipers are really not essential, but do add to the safety, comfort, and convenience in the cabin. Both are standard features.
Kia K900 is equipped with a passive safety system that consists of eight advanced airbags, side-impact door beams, front and rear crumple zones, and rear child-safety door locks.
When Kia first started manufacturing vehicles for the U.S. market, I wasn’t measurably impressed, but over the years Kia products have improved greatly as they invested more than $1.1 billion into a manufacturing plant in Georgia. Their precision, engineering, safety, technology, outstanding performance, innovative features, and advanced safety systems along with price have made Kia a very competitive brand.
In fact, Kia has been honored as a top 100 brand in Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2013 Report.
The K900 delivers crisp handling for driving enjoyment. It corners well and delivers torque quickly when called on to perform. Control is easy to maintain even when road conditions are harsh or emergency situations are presented.
The K900 sits a little low, but the seat positioning allows the driver to command all features quickly and confidently. With all that said, I still feel Kia is a generation or two away from having a great quality luxury vehicle.
Industry Leading Warranty
5-year/60,000-mile Limited Basic Warranty
10-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty
5-year/100,000-mile Limited Anti-Perforation Warranty
5-year/60,000-mile 24-hour Roadside Assistance
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected]
