Order books for Kia’s new saloon – the Kia K9 – have opened in Korea. The all-new car will also be launched in some export markets by the end of the year but will not be offered in the UK. The K9 is Kia’s first rear-wheel-drive saloon and from launch, is powered by a 286bhp 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine; later in the year, a hotter 330bhp version will be made available. Power is driven to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
At 5090mm in length, 1900mm in width and 1490mm in height, the Kia K9 is similar in size to the Mercedes S-class.
Standard equipment included in the K9 comprises LED headlamps, a lane departure warning system, radar-based blind-spot detection, and an around-view monitor system (AVM) with four cameras. Peter Schreyer, Kia’s chief design officer said: “K9 is all about elegant simplicity, balanced proportions and simple surfaces.
“K9 is a clear signal of our intention and determination to compete head-to-head with the European luxury brands. And for Kia, our customers, and for me – this car is like a dream come true,”
