When the
first-generation K900
hit showrooms 5 years ago, it was powered by a 32-valve V8, but despite its
stature and purpose, at times lacked the promise that is needed for a true
automotive home run. Arthur St. Antoine of Automobile mag now
revisits the K900 in full effect, and claims out of the gate that it “offers
enough goodness that budget-conscious luxe-sedan shoppers would be doing
themselves a disservice if they didn't check it out”.
Based on very
similar mechanics as Hyundai's slightly larger, ritzier Genesis G90, the second
version of the K900 is a step up in space. It has grown 2.3 inches in
wheelbase, boasts much greater legroom, and has a very extravagant vibe. When
you are here at Jim Butler Kia of St
Louis for a test drive, don't forget to check out the benefits of the VIP
Package: here you see the flip-down center rear armrest that includes controls
for the power seats, audio system, and climate control, wireless phone charger
and rear-seat ventilation, offering a limousine-style sense of luxury for
everyone on board.
The new engine is
the twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 that can be found in the sporty Stinger GT.
Sporting 365 horsepower, it is not quite as powerful and potent as the old
420-horsepower V8, but the 376 lb-ft max torque number remains the same, and
the engine pairs perfectly with the Stinger's 8-speed automatic and paddle
shifters. When Arthur put it to the test he deemed it very quiet and smooth,
with acceleration being impressive for a frame that is nearly 5,000 pounds. The
turbo-six can power the K900 to 60 mph in just over five seconds, and EPA fuel
economy is now up from 15/23 mpg city/highway to 18/25.
As far as the
selectable driving modes, Sport mode firms up the steering and the ride, and
also allows a bit more of the glorious engine noise to flow on inside. Smart
mode uses technology to predict the desired responses based on what the driver
is doing at the wheel, and Comfort is where the sedan usually provides its best
all-around ride. Compared to the track-ready and salacious Stinger, this is a
car that provides a refined and gentle ride, and a stylish outing to the
symphony or holiday ball would seem like a perfect jaunt.
The Automobile
mag gang ranked overall visibility as “superb”, and appreciated the simplicity
and practicality of the infotainment interface. The display in the K900 is much
larger than what you encounter in the Telluride, and the rigid structure speaks
for itself at every turn. Elegance has many faces in today's car landscape, and
picking the K900 as your upper-level crowd (and family) pleaser makes entirely
a heaping amount of shrewd sense!
