The Optima-badged version of the vehicle will likely receive almost identical cosmetic enhancements.
While the Optima is still a fresh choice in this segment of midsize sedans, life expectancies are getting shorter every year. Kia has prepared a midlife refresh to the version that will be sold in its home market. Today’s unveiling of the K5 in South Korea was a sign that there are good reasons to believe that the international model, whether it is the North American or European version, will undergo the same changes.
Although it might seem like Kia isn’t making many changes at first glance, you’ll find quite a few modifications on the outside. The tiger nose grille has been updated with vertical slats in place of the trapezoidal fins. It is flanked by slightly modified headlights that have extended daytime running lamps that meet the grille’s border. The pre-facelift K5’s round lighting clusters have been replaced with a more angular arrangement.
To make way for a generic horizontal light bar, the three-point lower LED lights were dropped. The surrounding area has also been updated. Kia also created a few new alloy wheels and gave the K5 a pseudo diffuser in the back, where the taillights are discreetly redesigned graphics.
The interior is essentially unchanged, but the steering wheel and new options for upholstery are both slightly different. The Optima is a little more expensive thanks to the fancy LEDs that project the logo “K5” from the doors. There’s also ambient lighting and a metallic ring around start/stop buttons. On the tech side, the company has installed its most advanced infotainment system.
Four engines will be available for the KDM-spec Kia K5: A turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 180 horsepower and 265 pound-feet (265 Nm) of torque; a 1.7 liter turbodiesel with 163 hp (196 Nm); a naturally aspirated 2.0 liter mill with 163 hp (196 Nm); and an LPG-running 2.0 liter with 151 hp (194 Nm).
Expect the U.S.- and Euro-models to be unveiled in 2018