Venturing into a new section of the market where prior experience is limited and the competition very stiff is exactly what Kia is doing with the K900 in the US, where it goes up against the likes of the new Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8 or Jaguar’s XJ among others.
Having only been sold in its native Korean market until now, it arrived on North American soil with very few modifications, and Consumer Reports had a go to see what it’s like.
They found it to be a soft barge that leans in corners and lacks steering feel, with an interior that is austere and lacking in originality, yet well-built and comfy. It is conceded that the optional V8 engine with 420 hp does move it in a straight line fairly quickly, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox; no all-wheel drive is offered, though.
Overall, the review doesn’t end on a negative tone, but it doesn’t make a compelling case for choosing the K900 over any of its rivals either.
Scroll down and check it out in full.
By Andrei Nedelea
VIDEO