"My" dealer is still waiting, but a couple of others popped up when searching local inventory. I went over and drove one yesterday - GT1, black on black fwiw.
I'm very happy to report that it's everything I had hoped it would be.
I only used Sport mode for my 30 minute experience, but did not find the setup to be harsh, it felt very similar to my ('15 SX) Sorento but obviously much more stable, "planted" is the word I would use.
Throttle response was great, very smooth but only a little stab at the pedal was needed to wake it up, and there is no perceptible delay from the turbo.
Took it onto some very tight and twisty roads, that I know quite well. We had significant snowfall a few days ago, so there is a lot of gravel and packed snow in places. I had the tail wagging a few times and it was very predictable, and easy to control. Tried out launch mode, we were off to the side of the road in gravel, and I didn't want to abuse a brand new engine, but it was still very quick and no bad behavior even when we transitioned from the "dirty" lane to clear pavement.
I didn't spend any time playing with interior features, other than adjusting the seat and mirrors before we set off. A couple of reasons I bring that up is that I did find the steering to be "detached" from the wheels. It was super responsive and made controlling the rear easy, but I didn't get much feedback from the front that would help me anticipate things about to happen at the rear. You could feel things in the seat that you didn't notice at the wheel. I'd like to spend some time playing with setup options to see if there's a mode that would correct that a little.
The other features I'd like to play with are the wheel location and seat bolsters - no criticism with either, as I didn't mess with them.
I was heading down a path to purchase a BMW (M3/M4) or Mercedes (C43 AMG) earlier this year when I found out that the Stinger was coming. I've been a happy Kia owner since 2010, and am excited at the prospect of owning this one. The Stinger is fantastic value, and a beautiful vehicle inside and out.
Now to wait and see if I can get one equipped how I want - blue with red interior. I think I'd love the sunset yellow, but those aren't here yet and they are limiting production in that color. Sigh..
I'm very happy to report that it's everything I had hoped it would be.
I only used Sport mode for my 30 minute experience, but did not find the setup to be harsh, it felt very similar to my ('15 SX) Sorento but obviously much more stable, "planted" is the word I would use.
Throttle response was great, very smooth but only a little stab at the pedal was needed to wake it up, and there is no perceptible delay from the turbo.
Took it onto some very tight and twisty roads, that I know quite well. We had significant snowfall a few days ago, so there is a lot of gravel and packed snow in places. I had the tail wagging a few times and it was very predictable, and easy to control. Tried out launch mode, we were off to the side of the road in gravel, and I didn't want to abuse a brand new engine, but it was still very quick and no bad behavior even when we transitioned from the "dirty" lane to clear pavement.
I didn't spend any time playing with interior features, other than adjusting the seat and mirrors before we set off. A couple of reasons I bring that up is that I did find the steering to be "detached" from the wheels. It was super responsive and made controlling the rear easy, but I didn't get much feedback from the front that would help me anticipate things about to happen at the rear. You could feel things in the seat that you didn't notice at the wheel. I'd like to spend some time playing with setup options to see if there's a mode that would correct that a little.
The other features I'd like to play with are the wheel location and seat bolsters - no criticism with either, as I didn't mess with them.
I was heading down a path to purchase a BMW (M3/M4) or Mercedes (C43 AMG) earlier this year when I found out that the Stinger was coming. I've been a happy Kia owner since 2010, and am excited at the prospect of owning this one. The Stinger is fantastic value, and a beautiful vehicle inside and out.
Now to wait and see if I can get one equipped how I want - blue with red interior. I think I'd love the sunset yellow, but those aren't here yet and they are limiting production in that color. Sigh..