2021 Kia K5 (Optima) Gets AWD And High-Performance GT Model With 286 HP

Kia introduced the 2021 K5 / Optima in South Korea last month and now the company has revealed specifications for the redesigned sedan.

Starting under the hood, the K5 will be offered with an assortment of Smartstream petrol engines. In North America and South Korea, there will be a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 178 hp (132 kW / 180 PS) and 195 lb-ft (265 Nm) of torque.

In certain markets, Kia offer two 2.0-liter engines including one with multi-point injection that develops 150 hp (112 kW / 152 PS) and 142 lb-ft (192 Nm) of torque. The other 2.0-liter engine has continuously-variable valve lift technology and it produces 158 hp (118 kW / 160 PS) and 145 lb-ft (196 Nm) of torque. A larger 2.5-liter GDi engine will also be available and it is rated at 191 hp (143 kW / 194 PS) and 181 lb-ft (246 Nm) of torque.

The big news for North America is the K5 GT which has a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 286 hp (213 kW / 290 PS) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque. The engine will be paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission which will enable the sedan to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in approximately 6.6 seconds.

Also Read: 2021 Kia Optima Unveiled In Korea As The K5 And It Looks Pretty Nice

The other engines will be paired to either a six- or eight-speed automatic gearbox. The company also confirmed plans for “hybrid powertrain options,” but they didn’t go into specifics.

If the K5 GT wasn’t exciting enough, Kia also confirmed there will be a new all-wheel drive system. The company didn’t say much about it, but the system will shift “power to the rear axle based on driver inputs and road conditions.”

A Bold New Look

On the styling front, the K5 has a sporty exterior that was developed by studios in North America, Europe and South Korea. The front end is notably more aggressive as it features a tiger nose grille that spans nearly the entire width of the vehicle. It is flanked by new LED headlights that have ‘heart beat’ daytime running lights.

The sporty styling continues further back as the K5 has a rakish windscreen, a sloping roof and a dynamic greenhouse that produces a “lean-forward stance when viewed from the side.” Out back, there’s a dual exhaust system, a sportier rear bumper and an integrated spoiler. The model also has a rear LED light bar and an assortment of wheels ranging in sizes from 16- to 18-inches.

The K5 GT has an even more aggressive design to match its powerful engine. Among the changes are sportier bumpers and larger 19-inch alloy wheels.

The 2021 K5 is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor as the model measures 193.1 inches (4,905 mm) long, 73.2 inches (1,860 mm) wide and 56.9 inches (1,445 mm) tall. The wheelbase also grows by 1.8 inches (45 mm) to 112.2 inches (2,850 mm).

Moving into the cabin, drivers will find an all-new cockpit with higher quality materials and modern technology. In higher end variants, drivers will sit behind a flat-bottomed steering wheel and find themselves looking at a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. To their right is a widescreen infotainment system which measures up to 10.25 inches.

Other highlights include an 8.0-inch head-up display, a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a Mood Lighting system that emits ambient light from the door panels and dashboard. The K5 also has a wood trim, metallic accents and voice recognition technology.

Speaking of tech, the K5 offers a host of driver assistance systems. They include forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and blind-spot view monitor with surround view. The model also has smart cruise control, driver attention warning and highway driving assist. Rounding out the highlights are rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist and a rear view monitor with reverse parking collision-avoidance assist.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, the K5 has a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system and remote smart parking assist. The latter allows users to autonomously move their vehicle forwards and backwards using the key fob. Kia says the system will help drivers get into or out of tight parking spots.

The redesigned K5 will go on sale in “many markets” during the first half of 2020 and we’ll likely learn more details in the coming months.