For a week in September, I got the opportunity to drive a brand new (literally 600 miles when I got it) Kia K900 with its only option, the VIP Package. The $4400 option gives you rear passenger niceties like 12-14 way adjustable rear seats, and an additional 3rd zone for climate control. My car was painted in this beautiful Aurora Black Pearl paint that looks deep and expensive. Though the design it is painted on is a bit generic as it gives me E-Class Mercedes vibes with its overall shape, and lighting design.
If you are going to BUY a full sized luxury car, new or used, I believe this is should be at the top of the list.
However, talking about expensive, this is what this car is not, but can definitely be if it wanted. Everything about this car feels more expensive than it should be for the price. I am definitely not alone either. My dad, who is very, very particular about cars, liked this car and guessed its MSRP to be $90k…let that sink in. For starters the interior is beautiful. I love the open pore wood design, the flat wood deck on the dash and the wrap around wood as it goes into the door panels. The carpeting is plush and soft, and interior materials are all soft touch and superb. Though, I do wish the switchgear was metal or metal finished to give some differentiation from the identical switchgear it shares with lesser Kia’s. I guess some cost cutting has to happen to achieve its MSRP. But honestly, this interior could fit in any BMW/Audi/Lexus and easily competes with the best in class.
The engine is the Hyundai/KIA 365 horsepower and 376 ft-lbs of twisting force 3.3 liter twin turbo V6. I first experienced this motor in the Stinger and was mightily impressed, and even with more weight in tow, this car is quick (5.0 to 5.5 seconds to 60mph) with a plethora of midrange grunt providing effortless cruising and passing ability. I definitely think this powertrain has underrated horsepower and torque figures. The made in house 8 speed is quick and buttery smooth, and somewhat responsive to paddle commands. It’s not as responsive to the paddles as the Stinger, but for this kind of car, its perfectly fine. The overall NVH from car is good for the class, with a muted engine, very little vibration, and no harshness. You could almost forget this car was on when you’re sitting inside (this actually happened).
For starters the interior is beautiful. I love the open pore wood design, the flat wood deck on the dash and the wrap around wood as it goes into the door panels.
Comfortable traveling was ideal for this trip as I was piling on mostly freeway miles following the RV my family rented doing 65mph for the almost three hour journey as we headed from Los Angeles to Jalama Beach–A gorgeous little strip of beach a bit north of Santa Barbara. Slow cruising meant I was able to fully maximize the K900’s comfy seats that are heated and ventilated, and the smooth and supple ride quality in its comfort setting…it has a sport setting but it is pointless, trust me. Dual pane glass, a 12 inch center display that beautifully displays Carplay and but somehow not Android Auto, and its 900 watt Lexicon surround sound system make the trip as relaxing as a first class flight. Fuel economy is below average for this segment, and while cruising at 65 I beat its 17city 25 highway EPA estimate by 5mpg, in competitors cars, I would have easily been in the mid 30’s. The Advanced Driver Assistance features work well and this K900 is equipped with the full suite including blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, and forward collision avoidance. The best feature however, is the camera that activates when you signal. The digital dash displays a live view of the sides of the car, and it works for both left and right sides. I didn’t know I needed this feature until now. Every car needs this feature, seriously!
To get to Jalama Beach from the highway, you spend about 30 minutes on a beautiful ribbon of canyon road. Long sweepers varied with tight corners and wide lanes that tighten as you close in on the beach would make this a paradise for sports cars. The K900 on the other hand, was way out of its element. The Stinger DNA means this car has a very competent chassis, and strong fixed calipers bite hard and give great feel through the pedal, but the Michelin Primacy tires struggle with the weight, Sport mode is too stiff and makes the gas pedal way to sensitive, the steering is hopelessly numb, and why is RWD not available on this car? This is definitely no BMW M760i for sure. And the headlights have a strange cutoff to them with a weird triangle like divot for each projector. No doubt the LED’s throw light well with a great spread, but the cutoff is wacky.
Michelin Primacy tires struggle with the weight, Sport mode is too stiff and makes the gas pedal way to sensitive, the steering is hopelessly numb, and why is RWD not available on this car?
So remember how we rented the RV? One thing about renting an RV is returning it. Everything you packed has to fit in the car. Thankfully, the K900 15.3 cubic foot trunk swallowed up our luggage with a bit of Tetris. 15.3 cubic feet is a bit small for the class, but keep in mind that the K900 is also on the smaller end of the segment. It’s size is more like a long wheel base BMW 5 series, as the K900 is a bit of a segment straddler. Despite its smaller size, rear seat comfort is top notch with excellent legroom, headroom, and shoulder room. The VIP package recliners and heating and cooling meant my family didn’t want me to return this car, but they did have fun annoying the front passenger by moving the seat forward or backward, and the peasant shades (I mean the window sunshades) worked a treat on sunny days doing a really effective job of blocking the sun.
Onto the MSRP. This car could easily be a 80 thousand dollar car if it wore a BMW or Audi badge. But it’s a Kia…that is not to say that is a bad thing. Hyundai and Kia are making HUGE strides with every generation of car, it is unbelievable. What I mean is that Kia is not a luxury brand and thus this car is not sold at standalone dealerships as is typical in the US which provide a more bespoke, luxury car experience. With that said, this car is a screaming value at $60,000 base, $65,000 with the VIP package. $65,000 for a car that can go toe to toe with the best in its class.
Circling back to my title, is the K900 the best full sized luxury car you can buy? I would say it is definitely is a contender. Wait cars like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S Class are way better cars? And that is undeniably true. But I believe those cars are best leased. Leasing helps reduce the often astronomical cost of maintenance and depreciation which is rampant among German full size luxury cars. And while sure, this K900 will depreciate like a lead balloon, the warranty you get when you buy new or used (10year/100k New/CPO, 5year/60k Used), the fact that this car is almost as luxurious as competitors yet far rarer(Sales figures here), and the 3.3tt is more reliable than anything German fuels my argument for why this car is a great buy.
Competition: BMW 740I, Mercedes Benz S450, Volvo S90, Lexus LS500, Genesis G90, Acura RLX
