Introduced four years ago, the Kia K900 is the South Korean manufacturer’s flagship luxury sedan. The vehicle had an unheralded debut and newly designed 2019 edition remains under-appreciated. But perhaps not for long.
Hyundai owns about one-third of Kia and the two manufacturers, despite independent vehicles, share much. The new K900 is based on the Genesis G90, the luxury sedan now on its own as a brand from its original mothership, Hyundai.
Key Takeaways
- $59,900 MSRP for the 2019 K900.
- 365 horsepower from a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 with an eight-speed automatic; all-wheel drive is available for the first time.
- 18 mpg city and 25 highway.
- Audio: a 900-watt, 17-speaker Harman Kardon/Lexicon system.
- Cabin: The cabin is spacious, plush and well-designed.
- Driving: The K900 accelerates briskly and drives as expected from a large sedan.
Platform and Powertrain
Like the Genesis G90, which has steadily built an audience, the Kia K900 has a well-heeled list of respected rivals. The BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class all have long-time, true-blue buyers.
But also like the Genesis lineup, the second-generation K900 provides further fodder for the manufacturer’s favorite question: “That’s a Kia?”
The 2019 Kia K900 is equipped with a 3.3-liter, 365 horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s oddly available with all-wheel drive, the insignia of which is uniquely placed on the front panel above the driver’s side wheel. Previous K900s were only available with rear-wheel drive.
With the new generation, Kia lengthened the K900’s wheelbase 2.3 inches and its overall length by one inch. The manufacturer describes the car as having a more rigid body with more generous use of “structural adhesives.”
The result is also a quieter ride than the previous K900 generation, thanks to improved and more generously used insulation materials.
Interior and Comfort
There’s no set definition for “luxury” in cars. But there’s no doubt the K900 qualifies. The cabin is spacious, plush and well-designed. It has the feel of a stately sedan of yesteryear, which makes sense. The original K900, called the Quoris and K9 in other countries, was initially built to transport South Korean dignitaries.
The cabin has a clean, uncluttered look. Metal veneer abounds, and there’s a healthy supply of matte-finished wood. A 12.3-inch, touchscreen infotainment center is positioned high on the dashboard. It looks like it should retract, but it’s permanently secured.
A control knob is positioned on the center console and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. The Kia’s upscale interior also features an analog clock from the Swiss manufacturer Maurice Lacroix. It’s embedded in the middle of the center stack.
Comfort continues with the K900’s 20-way power adjustable driver’s seat and 16-way front passenger’s adjustable seat. Rear-seat passengers also ride in comfort with heated and a ventilated seatback and 14-way adjustments.
Luxury travel is further experienced with the K900’s 900-watt, 17-speaker Harman Kardon/Lexicon audio system. It’s the highest quality and most powerful system Kia installed in its cars.
Safety Features
Safety equipment is another strong point. Automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic and forward collision warnings are efficient and worthwhile. Safe Exit Assist prevents doors from being opened, enough if unlocked, if a hazard like a motorcyclist or a bicyclist approached the car from the rear.
Blind spot view monitoring is a unique feature. When the signal indicator is engaged for right or left turns, a live video of the adjacent lane appears in the corresponding ovals in the dash cluster.
2019 Kia K900 Verdict
The K900 accelerates briskly and drives as expected from a large sedan. It weighs about 4,500 pounds, but its size never becomes cumbersome. It handles the open road smoothly and its city maneuvering is surprisingly agile. The MSRP is $59,900. Gas mileage averages are 18 miles per gallon in city driving, 25 miles per gallon on the freeway.
Luxury vehicle buyers’ habits are often impenetrable. And the 2019 Kia K900 is an ultimate underdog in the luxury sedan segment. But it’s value priced against its German and Japanese rivals and its new model improvements make it worthy of serious consideration.
Facts & Figures: 2019 Kia K900
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $59,900 |
| Engine | 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 |
| Horsepower | 365 hp |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy | 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| Curb Weight | About 4,500 pounds |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
