2016 Kia K900 introduces new 3.8-liter V6 base model
Wed, Nov 25 2015
Previously available Stateside only with the V8, the 2016 Kia K900 will now be offered with an all-new 3.8-liter V6 engine option, good for 311 horsepower. That base model still includes navigation, a leather interior, and a panoramic sunroof as standard equipment – just with a smaller engine to move it all. No changes were announced for the 5.0-liter V8, which is quoted at 420 hp.
Revised pricing and realigned trim levels place the base Premium V6 model at $49,950, the Luxury V6 at $54,950, and the top-of-the-line Luxury V8 model at $62,850. This compared to $56,350 base MSRP that Kia charged for last year's eight-cylinder model. A $950 destination charge is included in all of those prices.
Some stylistic changes have been made to the K900 as well, including new 18-inch wheels for the V6 model (19 for the V8), a new front grille, and updated rear-end styling that includes chrome trim, new exhaust pipes, taillights, and rear bumper. New equipment includes a hands-free trunk lid and optional autonomous braking system, along with a new 9.2-inch infotainment display and a system that can operate the ignition, door locks, and climate control from a remote smartphone app.
The arrival of the new K900 (known as the K9 back in Korea) coincides with the emergence of a more substantially updated Cadenza (known domestically as the K7). Along with the refreshed Kia premium sedans, Hyundai is separating its luxury lineup into the new Genesis sub-brand. Between them, the Korean automaker aims to take a larger slice of the pie from the usual upscale suspects from Japan, Europe, and these United States. Will this entry-level model move the needle much further? Probably not, but we'll see.
2016 K900 OVERVIEW
Kia's Luxury Flagship Sedan Adds more Features, Technology and Style
- 2016 K9001 receives all-new V6 powertrain
- First-class interior and exterior enhancements continue to set K900 apart from segment
IRVINE, Calif., November 23, 2015 – The K900 continues to challenge conventional notions of luxury as it did in 2015 when it earned the "International Car of the Year" award by Road and Travel Magazine and set a record-high score in its segment to earn AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA). For 2016, the world-class K900 features an assortment of enhancements and upgrades and is now available in three new trim levels: V6 Premium, V6 Luxury and V8 Luxury.
New for 2016, K900 now features an all-new 3.8-liter, 311-horsepower V6 engine standard. Also standard on the V6 is navigation, leather seating and panoramic sunroof. All K900s also receive exterior enhancements, which include an 18-inch wheel for the V6 and a new 19-inch chrome wheel for the V8, a revised front grille, and a revised rear-end design with updated chrome trim, exhaust pipes, taillight design and a new bumper. Other new features include a Smart Power Trunk that opens the trunk automatically when the key fob is sensed near the deck lid for more than three seconds, Smart Shift and Drive, and available Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). AEB utilizes the front camera and Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC)2 system, which adjusts vehicle speed to help maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front, and has the ability to bring the K900 to a full stop.
Inside, the 2016 K900 features an improved navigation system with a 9.2-inch high-definition touchscreen with premium audio and UVO3 Luxury Services. UVO Luxury Services are launching this year with an embedded modem that enables direct communication to the vehicle for features such as remote start/stop, remote climate control and remote lock/unlock via the UVO app. Included in the app is a full suite of My Car Zone features, which includes Curfew, Speed and Geofence settings. New steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters are available on all trim levels.
Kia's Luxury Flagship Sedan Adds more Features, Technology and Style
- 2016 K9001 receives all-new V6 powertrain
- First-class interior and exterior enhancements continue to set K900 apart from segment
IRVINE, Calif., November 23, 2015 – The K900 continues to challenge conventional notions of luxury as it did in 2015 when it earned the "International Car of the Year" award by Road and Travel Magazine and set a record-high score in its segment to earn AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA). For 2016, the world-class K900 features an assortment of enhancements and upgrades and is now available in three new trim levels: V6 Premium, V6 Luxury and V8 Luxury.
New for 2016, K900 now features an all-new 3.8-liter, 311-horsepower V6 engine standard. Also standard on the V6 is navigation, leather seating and panoramic sunroof. All K900s also receive exterior enhancements, which include an 18-inch wheel for the V6 and a new 19-inch chrome wheel for the V8, a revised front grille, and a revised rear-end design with updated chrome trim, exhaust pipes, taillight design and a new bumper. Other new features include a Smart Power Trunk that opens the trunk automatically when the key fob is sensed near the deck lid for more than three seconds, Smart Shift and Drive, and available Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). AEB utilizes the front camera and Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC)2 system, which adjusts vehicle speed to help maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front, and has the ability to bring the K900 to a full stop.
Inside, the 2016 K900 features an improved navigation system with a 9.2-inch high-definition touchscreen with premium audio and UVO3 Luxury Services. UVO Luxury Services are launching this year with an embedded modem that enables direct communication to the vehicle for features such as remote start/stop, remote climate control and remote lock/unlock via the UVO app. Included in the app is a full suite of My Car Zone features, which includes Curfew, Speed and Geofence settings. New steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters are available on all trim levels.
By Noah Joseph
See also: Kia reveals facelifted 2017 Cadenza, Kia Optima Sportwagon spied before Geneva, 2017 Kia Sportage gets bigger and gains bulbous new duds.