[Bumblebee]

Kia released the prices for the Korea spec Stinger and even the GT seems pretty affordable to me.

35 million won ($31,000) for the 2.0L gas turbo model
37.8 million ($33,500) for the 2.0L Platinum trim version
44.6 million won ($39,600) for the basic 3.3L twin-turbo V-6
48.8 million ($43,300) for the GT

2.2L turbodiesel starts at 37.2 million won ($33,000) and caps at 40.3 million won ($35,800) in Platinum trim.

 

[Thumper]

That is ridiculously affordable and in-line where we thought the pricing would be. For what you're getting, there is no way someone would think that this is a $40k car as it looks like way more than that.

An aggressive design with some good power, Someone on the street with no knowledge can easily think this is a $55-60k car without a doubt.

 

[GTSeoul]

$43K is an easy price to absorb for what we're getting and compared to what Subaru, Honda, and Nissan sells for a similar price and performance, potential buyers should be more focused on features rather than price.

Can't wait to see what people will choose among all the great options these days.

 

[Bumblebee]

It's going to be competing against cars like the Audi A5/S5 Sportback and the BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe. I think the Stinger is the more affordable model of the three and it could draw in customers who are looking at other cars like the BMW 3-Series, the Mercedes C-Class, the Audi A4, etc. The pricing is just so on point for what you're getting.

 

[Thumper]

A5 starts at $43k , 4-series Gran Coupe starts at $42,200, C300 4Matic starts at $41,500

Out of all of those, I actually think the Stinger has the most character, then would bring in the Gan Coupe.

 

[GTSeoul]

It's going to be competing against cars like the Audi A5/S5 Sportback and the BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe. I think the Stinger is the more affordable model of the three and it could draw in customers who are looking at other cars like the BMW 3-Series, the Mercedes C-Class, the Audi A4, etc. The pricing is just so on point for what you're getting.

I didn't batch it with those for the fact its the first time Kia is doing something like this and there's no telling how well it will perform against them. Those models have generations behind them and are hard to dethrone.

The only upcoming car maker to do it is Alfa Romeo.

 

[Bumblebee]

The Stinger will definitely be hard pressed to handle like a BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe because BMW is known for their platforms, but the low pricing and probably cheaper maintenece costs could change some buyers' minds.

 

[Thumper]

Alfa Romeo with the Giulia which was their "return" essentially, that came out and proved it was worthy to be stacked against the 3-series and M3. The Giulia is definitely a beast in every aspect and extremely practical so it's fitting.

You are right though, Kia hasn't proved that it can make it in that segment, but after the first couple track reviews, we'll be able to see where it stands and how well it does.

BMW in general is most definitely known for being driver oriented vehicles underneath Porsche of course (but that's a different ball game), but to say they'll be going against the 4-series... they better be capable.

Even if it performs under the 4-series, for that kind of price, it may just be worth it. Just depends on how behind it is.

 

[GTSeoul]

Not just price but there are many other good things going for it that will get buyers. Reliability and dependability, it's not always easy to stomach the idea of owning a German vehicle like BMW's. Then coming back to pricing, Kia might have better financing options.

 

[Thumper]

Even though they're really not all that bad, German vehicles get a ridiculously bad name for maintenance and reliability. Yes their parts are considerably higher priced but they're really not terrible once you take care of them.