2015 Kia K900 - TestDriveNow.com Video Review

2015 Kia K900 – Video Review:

When you’re shopping for a large, V-8 powered, rear-wheel drive sedan there are a number of iconic nameplates that come to mind, but K900? This is Kia’s foray into the big-boy luxury segment.

With the Cadenza premium sedan already under its belt, Kia has moved all the way to the penthouse this time with the over $60,000 2015 K900 V8. Its introduction to the US market isn’t terribly surprising when you consider that parent company Hyundai has been moving its own brand along these lines for the past number of years. They’ve got the Equus and Kia now has the K900 – by in large the same car. Having already tested the refreshed 2014 Equus and coming away increasingly impressed, I was most curious this week about the differences between the 2 and why, if it all, should one buy the Kia. In a nutshell, it comes down to the parts that connect the car to its wheels. Whereas the Equus uses a driver adjustable, electronically controlled air suspension the K900 sticks with coil springs thus its ride quality isn’t quite as sophisticated nor as dynamic – it’s pillow soft but manages road anomalies in a less gracious manner. There are Eco, Normal and Sport modes but those pertain to the shift characteristics of the 8-speed automatic transmission and the electric steering’s sensitivity – not the suspension tuning. The other key difference comes in the buying and ownership experience where those purchasing an Equus never need to step foot in a dealership. With the K900 that sort of “Your Time, Your Place” treatment isn’t offered however Kia does provide you with a Cadenza or K900 service loan vehicle, when available and scheduled maintenance is included for the first 3 years. And one last thing, the K900 isn’t offered with the rear seat dual screen entertainment system found in the Equus Ultimate. All of this, plus the fact that the K900 is also offered with V6 power, leads to a Kia price advantage. The K900 V8 starts at $60,400 including freight while the Equus at $62,170. Kia also makes the K900 available at all dealerships while Hyundai has limited Equus participants.

Getting in and taking the driver’s seat of the K900 provides a true luxury car experience but I’m not 100% sold on this car’s quality. The wood trim covering the cup holders has some bubbles in it and the UVO system sometimes moves very slowly or altogether freezes.

Perhaps just issues with an early test vehicle but I can’t ignore them. Kia does get the majority of the car right starting with a “go big or go home” 5.0-liter V8, which when fed by premium unleaded produces a poignant 420 horsepower and 376 foot-pounds of instantaneous go. The K900 hasn’t any issues with flaunting its muscle accompanied by a racier exhaust sound than you’d expect in this class. Regular gas is permitted, making slightly less energy. Mileage is rated at 15mpg city/23mpg highway. Steering feel is aligned with the super plush softness of the ride with a relaxed manner avoiding sloppiness. And though it never sells itself as having the agility of a sporty sedan, it handles with aplomb off the highway. Throttle input is sensitive however, so if you’re not careful you’ll experience an undesired surge from standstill. The cabin is nearly silent and with this kind of spaciousness, including a mammoth sized trunk, and comfort-tuned amenities the K900 is a long-trip winner.

The optional $6,000 VIP package ups the luxury advantage even further with a host of plush equipment including ventilated, power reclining rear seats and adjustable rear headrests.

A pantry of advanced safety features is on board, the digital gauge displays are animated and configurable and though Kia should have added touchscreen functionality to bypass this rather cumbersome control unit, the infotainment system is feature packed and runs without subscription fees. And all-in all, the materials used from the soft suede headliner to the thick carpeted floor mats to the tactile genuine wood steering wheel all resonate with the luxury senses. $66,400 is the sticker on this range-topping K900 V8 with the VIP Package. Will consumers embrace Kia as a burgeoning luxury brand as they have with Hyundai? Only time will tell.

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