The K900 should have a better driving experience with the new underpinnings.
Kia unveiled a new K900 sedan at the New York Auto Show. Why would Kia upgrade a large sedan when there are so many other sedans on the market, and that automakers are considering dumping them? The answer lies in more than just sales. Kia hopes that the new K900 will capture the same love as the Genesis G90, now that they share the same chassis. Orth Hedrick, Kia’s product planner for the U.S. market, was open with about why the K900 did not sell well in the U.S.
Hedrick stated that the car was quickly moved over to CarBuzz. “It wasn’t meant for the U.S. market, and I don’t think it was our best effort,” Hedrick said. The K900 was initially introduced in South Korea by Kia before being brought over to the U.S. approximately a year later.
Kia only delivered 455 K900 sedans last year to new homes. This is a significant drop from the 2,524 units sold in 2015, when Kia had a peak year of sales. The redesigned K900 from Kia, which Hedrick told CarBuzz, is “basically” the same car as the Genesis G90 and performs better for drivers. It is also being reviewed better.
Hedrick stated that the magazine would be receiving much higher reviews for the car if it was driven. This is based on its handling and performance. It has the most recent technology.
“The designer had more time to work with it. He added that the car’s dynamic capability is significantly higher than the one before it.”
The 2019 K900 packs a lot of luxury and technology. It features a 20-way adjustable driver seat, heated front and back seats, and a 12.3 inch infotainment display. Although the K900 is now a sibling, the G90 and K900 are still distinct enough to be easily distinguished.
The only available powertrain is the 3.3-liter biturbo-V6 from the Kia Stinger. It produces the same 365 horsepower (272 Kilowatts), and 376 poundfeet (509 Newton-meters), of torque in this application. An eight-speed automatic is the only available gearbox, which transmits power to a torque vectoring all-wheel drive system.
The improved driving dynamics, new technology and Genesis G90 underpinnings will hopefully help the K900 attract new customers. Last year, the G909 sold 4,398 vehicles. Perhaps Kia can profit from those looking for luxury, technology and those who don’t want to spend too much.