2021 Kia Optima Spotted Undisguised Ahead Of Its Debut Next Month

Kia kicked off the teaser campaign for the redesigned Optima (named K5 in Korea) last month, and now several undisguised pictures have surfaced online.

The first batch was posted on Bobaedream and were reportedly taken during a photo shoot for advertising purposes. They show the upcoming sedan will have will have a sleek exterior with a rakish windscreen that flows into a dynamic roof. The latter tapers down quickly and gives the car a four-door coupe appearance.

While the pictures aren’t highly quality, we can see streamlined bodywork with subtle curves. There are also prominent side skirts and an angular accent that cuts through the doors. Some trademark styling cues carryover, including chrome trim that flows into the C-pillar.

The sporty styling continues at the rear as we can see a ventilated bumper and a trunk with an integrated spoiler. Other highlights include a dual exhaust system and a small diffuser. The taillights have been redesigned as well and they’re now connected by a thin strip.

The pictures don’t show the front end, but it has been revealed in a posting from China. It’s far more aggressive than the current Optima and features a wide “tiger face” grille that spans the width the car. It gives us a Maserati vibe, but the grille is even wider as it partially encompasses the headlights.

Beneath the grille is a trapezoidal intake that is flanked by angular fog lights and sporty side openings. We can also see a distinctively shaped hood and a rounded front bumper.

As for the interior, it was previewed earlier this week and features a modern design. Details will be announced in December, but the image suggests the car will have a freestanding digital instrument cluster and infotainment system.

We can also expect a new steering, slender air vents and metallic trim. There will also be a new center console that eschews a traditional shifter. Material quality should also be improved and will hopefully echo the Telluride we sampled earlier this year.

Engine options remain unconfirmed, but choices should mirror those offered on the Hyundai Sonata. This means US customers can expect a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 180 hp (134 kW / 183 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque. There should also be a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 hp (142 kW / 194 PS) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque.