Here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, as the holidays draw closer and closer, we had wondered if everyone was permanently switching to crossovers and SUVs as their #1 choice for a gift this year. We fully recognize just how awesome and feature-rich they are, but there is one particularly head-turning sedan in our lineup that Forbes magazine just drove and classified heartily as “Stunningly Beautiful”. The 2021 Kia K5 EX is the high end trim level up for grabs before the GT becomes available later this month, it is even available at an amazing price!
The exterior boasts athletic lines that clearly provide a sightline to what we think is the most eye-pleasing design Kia has ever created. Sporting a low and wide build, the appearance of a track-conquering contender is evident, while the grille set in contemporary fashion evokes the sense of upper-end refinement! Under the hood resides a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine delivering 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. A few different test drivers reported back that the acceleration is beyond impressive, and finds its way off the line in a hurry.
For those on the understandable hunt for a larger amount of raw engine power and performance, the upcoming GT model will harness the force of the 2.5-Liter 290 horsepower engine with 311 lb-ft of torque, which will substantially kick things up an exhilarating notch. This cutting-edge sedan rides on the new N3 platform, which is longer, wider, and lower than previous models. AWD is an available add-on for better traction, and you'll notice the lower center of gravity providing adequately nimble handling during cornering.
Once inside there are a wide variety of features for the price point. The EX trim builds extensively on the sporty GT-line's features, adding premium touches such as high-quality leather finishes on the wheel and wood grain accents that provide a settling and less modern aesthetic. You'll love hitting the road with the added comfort of EX power-adjustable seats, that provide 10 different settings for the driver and 8 for the passenger. Presiding over the central control stack is an impressive 10.25” touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and the latest version of Kia's navigation.
Any family with their day-to-day safety in mind has their eyes intently on the ADAS offerings of any model. The Kia K5 EX offers forward collision warning, driver attention warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, high beam assist, blind-spot warning, reverse parking distance warning, and smart cruise control. This is a modern sedan that fully celebrates the exhilarating connection between the driver and the road, and pays a large dose of homage to the raw sense of aggression that lies on the sportscar's side of the tracks!
