Looks / sounds like a Kia version of the Genesis sedan to me.
10 years ago, if you were shopping a Kia against a Lexus or BMW, you would probably be regarded as an extremely uninformed individual. Not so much anymore.
Kia is on a roll.
First they sprung the unexpectedly good Optima upon us. This mid-size sedan contained all the goodness of it’s Hyundai sibling, the Sonata, but it carried far more attractive bodywork, and somehow a more aggressive feel.
Now Kia is aiming high, with their K900 flagship. This super-luxurious machine was first seen by many in commercials featuring NBA star Blake Griffin. The NBA tie-in is appropriate, as the back seat of this luxo-liner is roomy enough to host a 1/2 court game of b-ball.
Like Lexus, Acura and Infinity before them, Kia is attacking this segment by offering more for less. More in this case includes heated and cooled leather seats, lane change warnings, radar cruise control, a power rear sunshade, heads up display, a sunroof with a panoramic glass roof, and on, and on…
Realizing that the Kia name offers basically no cachet, this feisty Korean has extremely aggressive pricing—at only $60,000 for this loaded V6 model. Compare this to the Lexus LS which starts at $72,000, and the 7 series BMW which starts at $81,000, or the Mercedes S class, which starts at $95,000, and you are saving considerable coin.
Are the standard-bearers of the ultra-luxury market worth the extra money? I suppose it depends on how involved you are with your driving. Yes, the Lexus offers smoother, and more accurate steering, the BMW offers a more compliant ride, and the Mercedes feels more substantial, but the K900 is hardly a loser.
While the K900 may not be perfectly refined, it’s an extremely nice place to spend time. The seats are multi-adjustable thrones, the V6 pulls strongly, and makes refined noises, and the K900 generally conducts itself with class and poise. The chassis does get upset over bad pavement, and the steering is a bit number than we’d like, but overall this is a strong contender in this market—especially when you consider you can buy a K900 AND an ND MX-5 for the price of a Mercedes S class.
If Kia keeps this up, ten to fifteen years from now it will be on equal footing with the class leaders, just as Lexus is today. Not bad for a car company who was known for entry-level economy cars just a few years ago!
Ten years ago, if you had told me that Kia was going to offer a serious, full-size luxo-cruiser, I would have laughed. Well, I guess I'm laughing.
It's comfy, if feels solid, and even the V6 offers plenty of power. It's like 95% of the status quo at a seriously discounted price.
Some questions:
Can the public accept a Kia luxury car?
Where will Kia be 10 years from now?
Is Lexus looking over their shoulder?
Our test car was while which, to be honest, isn't the best color for a car in this class. Make mine dark anthracite.
Looks / sounds like a Kia version of the Genesis sedan to me.
I just wish they would have used a better name. K900 sounds like the title of a cyborg police dog movie.
In reply to Appleseed:
Yeah K900 sounds like something out of the 80's.
He brought you a TAB and a new coke, but now he wants to eat your BRAIN... K900 robot zombie butler.
Great looking car though.
rslifkin wrote: Looks / sounds like a Kia version of the Genesis sedan to me.
I think (at that weight and interior space) that it is actually a Kia Equus (also a dumb name).
They are cool and fly low on the radar, which means I don't have German snob attached to me when driving it. I foresee one of these in my future. If it is standard Kia reliable, it might be like a 90's LS400.
The Kia version of the Genesis is the Cadenza--and it is also a nice, attractive car. But I can't imagine paying the $35K MSRP for one, and I say this as a customer who has purchased three Kia's in the past three years.
Holy cow, how is it so heavy?!
nderwater wrote: The Kia version of the Genesis is the Cadenza--and it is also a nice, attractive car. But I can't imagine paying the $35K MSRP for one, and I say this as a customer who has purchased three Kia's in the past three years.
There is no Kia version of the Genesis. The Cadenza is an Azera.
The Kia version of the Genesis is the Cadenza--and it is also a nice, attractive car.
The Cadenza is front drive. It's analogous to an Avalon/ES350 whereas a GS350 would be a closer analogue to a Genesis sedan.
BTW, the Cadenza is very nice!!
I've only sat in and poked around a stationary K900, but i like them. I've driven an Equus and it was great.
mtn wrote:nderwater wrote: The Kia version of the Genesis is the Cadenza--and it is also a nice, attractive car. But I can't imagine paying the $35K MSRP for one, and I say this as a customer who has purchased three Kia's in the past three years.There is no Kia version of the Genesis. The Cadenza is an Azera.
Closest is this, the Equus based off a stretched Genesis. all 3 are fantastic
The_Jed wrote: Holy cow, how is it so heavy?!
Because it's a BMW 7-series, A8L, Merc S-class. It's 2-500lbs less than a 740/750, 5-600lbs less than an S-class and about 200lbs lighter than the A8L.
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