Review and Test Drive: 2016 Kia K900 Luxury V8
A year can make all the difference. When we last looked at the Kia K900, we found it wanting in some areas. Elegant styling and advanced technology can only get you so far if all of the pieces in the puzzle don’t quite fit together.
With the 2016 Kia K900, however, Kia has nailed the rear-wheel drive luxury sedan market. It’s not what Kia has added for 2016 – although a V6 engine is now standard, relegating the V8 to the options list– nor is it the updated front and rear fascia or the hands-free trunk opener – rather, everything seemed to click.
Kia promises buyers “everything you’ve ever wanted from a rear-wheel drive luxury sedan” with the K900. On the face of it, they may be right as little is missing: blind spot assist, head-up display, LED headlights that seem to break the laws of physics (Dynamic Bending Light), heated and cooled front seats, the list goes on…
Most of the high-tech features are standard on the base model, which carries an MSRP of $49,000, including a great looking panoramic sunroof, water-repelling front door windows, air filtration, an excellent front and rear parking system, and rear door and windshield sunshades. For only $13,000 more, the top-of-the-line V8 luxury model has an excellent Logic 7 sound system, rear cross traffic alert, and Napa leather upholstery, among other touches.
DRIVING THE 2016 KIA K900
The K900, as I noted in my 2014 review, is strongly influenced by the Lincoln Town Car and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class on the outside and the BMW 5 Series on the inside.
Open the door and the soft Napa leather welcomes you along with soft LED lighting. It’s a very plush experience. The sheer amount of room each passenger gets adds to the feeling. This is as much a passenger’s car as a driver’s car and options include ventilated rear seats, rear seat lumbar support, a separate control panel in the rear center armrest, and a reclining feature.