2018 Kia K900 – first images out, brochure leaked

Kia has released the first official images of the all-new K900 (known as the K9 in Korea) ahead of the model’s world debut at the New York International Auto Show. Around the same time, a leaked Korean brochure of the K9 has also found its way online, giving us a good look at what to expect from Kia’s flagship sedan.

Design-wise, the K900 remains pretty faithful to previous preview sketches released by the carmaker. At the front, we see a wide grille that features a quadric pattern with 176 cells framed within it. According to Kia, these are arranged in a way to suggest “energy accelerating away from its centre.”

Flanking said grille are a pair of ‘Duplex’ LED headlamps, which adopt a dual-tier look that is also replicated in the taillights. A more prominent lower apron and bonnet bulge accompany the new headlamps, which are smaller in size compared to those on the outgoing model.

Down the sides, the decorative fender vents are no longer present, and the lower section of the bodywork now sports a dash of chrome. Additional chrome details can be found on the windowline to highlight the free-flowing C-pillar, as well as the taillight and exhaust housings. The taillights themselves are smaller in size than before, and the rear deck extends less outwards.

Kia says the new model is longer and wider than its predecessor, and has a wheelbase of 3,105 mm (+60 mm). The new K900 also has shorter overhangs, resulting in the wheels being pushed further out to the corners.

No official interior photos were provided, but thanks to a leaked brochure, we know the cabin will look nearly identical to an earlier sketch. The four-spoke steering wheel is still present, accompanied by a generous use of wood and metal veneers, as well as genuine leather.

Notable items include the massive 12.3-inch touchscreen, which can be also be interfaced with using the dial on the centre console. The unit features intelligent lighting control with proximity sensors, only illuminating the dashboard when it detects the driver’s hand reaching for a switch.

To ensure the luxury feel is reinforced, there’s also an ambient lighting system developed in partnership with the Pantone Color Institute, the global authority on colour. There are seven colours to choose from, with 64 setting to adapt light levels throughout the car.

If that isn’t fancy enough for you, the analogue clock between the middle air-con vents was developed specifically for the K900 through an exclusive collaboration with Swiss luxury watch brand, Maurice Lacroix.

For the Korean market, the same engine line-up appears to be retained, which includes a 3.3 litre T-GDI V6, 3.8 litre GDi and 5.0 litre Tau GDi V8. An eight-speed automatic transmission is paired with the engines, with all-wheel drive available as an option should you not want rear-wheel drive.

The new K900 will be manufactured in Korea, and will go on sale in selected markets from the second quarter of 2018.

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