[KoreanTune]

Kia has just shown of the newly redesigned version of its luxury sedan at the 2018 New York Auto Show. Some would still argue that the new K900 may not fully deliver a luxurious exterior, but it seems that Kia has gone the extra mile with its new interior. The infotainment system includes a 12.3 inch touchscreen, and is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. There is a digital instrumental cluster as well as a 9.7' heads up display. The 900 watt, 17 speaker Harman Kardon system is the most powerful ever offered in a Kia. Under the hood its sporting a 3.3 liter twin turbocharged V6, putting out 365hp and 376lb-ft of torque.

 

[Yellowjacket]

While I'm glad that they have made significant improves to the powertrain and styling of the K900, I still think it falls a little short of a luxury vehicle. Have there been any speculations on a price point? Because I think that's going to be a deciding factor.

 

[KoreanTune]

Kia is going to have to careful not to hike up the price too far with this years model. Do you guys know how many K900s were sold last month in the United States? A grand total of 32. If they make it even more expensive, I don't see that number growing, even with improvements to performance and styling.

 

[Bumblebee]

The K900 power-train is the same as what you'd find in the Stinger GT, at least from what I can tell. A 12.3 inch touchscreen sounds great, but depending on how much of a price hike it is compared to the GT, those extra features may not be worth what you'd have to pay for one.

 

[Yellowjacket]

Well the outgoing model starts at $50k and early reports are suggesting that this is a good bit more expensive than what Kia has offered so far. Will be interesting to see if the powertrain yields the same results as what's been seen in the Stinger.

 

[KoreanTune]

These two cars are marketed towards much different audiences, and I don't see anyone looking for a performance car, going with the K900. It doesn't however look to be a worthy substitute for those in the market for a luxury vehicle. This is certainly the most premium model we've seen from a Korean automaker.

 

[Dschlomer]

AWD option? that is what kills the K900 in Wisconsin

 

[KoreanTune]

Yes the new 2019 model has AWD. I think the main area of concern is its price point, which has obviously been a big barrier to success for the Stinger. Its rumored to have a mid to high $50k base price.

 

[Yellowjacket]

It's a bold move for Kia to price the K900 so aggressively, regardless of the premium features it offers. For that kind of money it better match the performance of the Stinger as well.

 

[KoreanTune]

Well it was by no mistake that they've chosen to launch it now, following in all the media attention of the Stinger. I still think they have some marketing to do, because despite the high praise of the Stinger, I'm still not seeing many of them around.

 

[GTSeoul]

It's a bold move for Kia to price the K900 so aggressively, regardless of the premium features it offers. For that kind of money it better match the performance of the Stinger as well.

They have no choice, its the cost of setting up the brand for the future. If they don't then down the road they will be under pricing themselves.
Even the Stinger is too much money for some people but anyone who really appreciates it won't see price as a barrier.

 

[Yellowjacket]

I just don't see why if you're going to spend +$50k on a luxury vehicle, why you would go for the K900 over one of the German options. They have proven platforms of reliability and performance, which is why I think Kia should have positioned themselves as a cheaper alternative.

 

[KoreanTune]

Its now been estimated that the K900 will sell for more than $60k. I don't think Kia is too focused on selling a lot of this model, as the previous generation did not do so well here in the U.S. I think the car main purpose is to prove that a Kia can legitimately demand luxury prices. That will in turn elevate the brand's image.