After a series of teasers, the all-new KIA K8 has been finally launched in its home market South Korea. As a new flagship sedan in Kia’s lineup, the K8 will be made available in selected global markets later this year.
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As seen in previously shared images, the exterior of the premium sedan as KIA says, takes inspiration from high-end luxury yachts. A progressive but graceful front-end featuring the signature Tiger Nose Grille which comes frameless boasting a new diamond-lattice pattern and is integrated within the bumper to get a clean yet expansive look.
The profile is complemented by a muscular ‘fastback’ rear with strong, dropping shoulders. There are distinctive fins on the rear quarter window dressed in a metallic finish with the same diamond lattice work. The rear end is harmonized with the new breed of Kia sedans such as the new K5 with slim LED tail lights running across the width of the sharply styled boot lid, ending in a boomerang shape at either ends.
The K8 is quite a large sedan as far as dimensions are concerned. It measures 5,015mm in length, which is even more than Honda Accord (4,882mm) & Toyota Camry (4,880mm) and is 19mm longer than its predecessor the K7/ Cadenza. Not only this, the new K8 is the lightest sedan of its class.
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The interior showcases a first-class lounge that blends premium luxury with effortless style, state-of-the-art tech and unrivalled comfort. The inside of the K8 debuts a curved display that brings together the car’s advanced connectivity and infotainment technologies in one slim, open facia design.
There are two 12-inch screens one for the digital meter cluster and the other for touchscreen infotainment system. The K8 will come with the UVO connectivity. The K8 is also the first-ever Kia to feature industry-leading audio technology from Meridian – a state-of-the-art 14-speaker premium surround sound system – and an all-new steering wheel design.
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According to Kia, every element inside K8 sedan’s cabin, especially the wood, is aimed at enhancing the premium appeal. The wooden panels are complemented by high-quality metal inserts. The air-conditioning system is operated via touchpad, adding a hint of minimalism to the dashboard while the diamond pattern on napa leather makes the cabin seem luxurious.
The K8 features an ergonomically-advanced driver’s seat that uses no fewer than seven air pockets – including in the backrest, sides and hip areas – to achieve the perfect seating position and feeling when driving. Called as Ergo Motion Seat, the leading-edge driver’s seat has a ‘comfort stretching’ mode that individually controls the air pockets of the hip and backrest areas of the seat, creating the effect of stretching while sitting down. There is also a ‘smart support’ function that tenses the seat against the body of the driver, creating a unison and helping to inspire total driving confidence. The ‘smart support’ function of the seat is activated when the K8 engages sports driving mode or when the car exceeds 130 km/h. It lowers the height of the hip area of the seat and strengthens the support to the side bolsters. A third innovative mode – ‘posture assistance’ – adjusts the air pouches located around the hip and back areas of the seat when driving for more than one hour to provide a sumptuous seating position.
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The same care and attention to detail has also been given to the wellbeing of the passengers in the K8. Just like the driver’s seat, for the front passenger there is a high-tech eight-way adjustable comfort electric seat that offers the optimal seating position and resting space. For passengers in the second row of the K8, there is a multi-functional fully-connected center armrest featuring a USB charging port, sliding cup holders and a media control device.
There are 4 powertrains available with the all-new K8, all have been developed to offer refined, smooth power delivery while improving fuel economy and reducing emissions, according to KIA. The 3.5L Smartstream powertrain is offered in two guises: a GDI (gasoline direct injection) derivative with 296hp and 359Nm torque, and a LPI (liquid propane injection) with 237hp and 314Nm torque.
Then there is a 2.5L GDI engine that delivers 195hp and 248Nm torque. Lastly the entry level powertrain in the new K8 will be a refreshed version of KIA’s award-winning 1.6L T-GDI engine that will be available from the first half of this year. All engines are paired to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission.
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The all-new K8 comes rich in safety systems with Kia’s renowned Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) which includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), Surround View Monitor (SVM), Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) as well as Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) helps the driver to remotely park the vehicle.
The K8 also boasts Dynamic Voice Recognition technology that utilizes simple voice commands to conveniently perform specific controls, such as temperature adjustment, radio functionality, heating the steering wheel and heating and cooling the seats. The system can also assist with various points of interest for the navigation, report on weather status and provide up to date stock market developments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfZkIzkSVAE
The K8 is constructed from high-strength but lightweight steels that boost occupant safety, and features 9 different safety restraint and structure system applications, including driver airbag, driver knee airbag, passenger airbag, two front-side airbags, two rear-side airbags and two side-curtain airbags.
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The 2021 KIA K8 is priced equivalent to $29,000 to $40,000 which converts into PKR 44.07 lac to up to PKR 60.79 lac.
2021 KIA K8
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
