Luxury isn’t something you typically associate with Kia. For a while, the Korean brand remained synonymous with value and inexpensive transportation. That changed in the late 2010s when the Kia brand transformed into the dominant force it is today. Alongside the Stinger and Telluride, the K900 showed what the Kia brand is capable of. Instead of showing off its performance and family-friendliness, this sedan showed off the brand’s ability to build a flagship luxury car. Boy, did they nail it, especially the second-generation car that we’re about to revisit.
Kia K900: Flagship Presence
Since the 2010s, Kia has turned into a design powerhouse. The first-generation K900 showcased some of that with its curvaceous shape, but its successor took it to the next level. Featuring soft lines and a more traditional three-box sedan shape, the second-generation K900 had a modern yet elegant appearance. It looked expensive, and its stately appearance gave off Bentley vibes minus the snootiness and exclusivity. Five years after it left the U.S. market, the K900 looks modern, highlighting its timeless beauty. In 2024, it received a refresh with revised front and rear fascias that added a bit more aggression.
Step inside, and the K900 showed just how far Kia has come. Exceptional build quality and sound insulation gave this car a truly luxurious cabin. Everything felt expensive, making the car feel like the standard-wheelbase Genesis G90 we never got. Five people fit in first class comfort up front or in the rear. Heated and ventilated front seats also came standard, as did a heated steering wheel. Additionally, the amount of adjustability for the front seats had so many ways to get comfortable. This car pampered everyone, making it the perfect companion for long drivers. The VIP package added to that by giving the rear outboard seats power adjustability and ventilation, a rear wireless charger, extra headrest adjustments, a suede headliner, and three-zone climate control.
Quiet Luxury Meets Intuitive Tech
The K900 continued to impress with its intuitive tech. A 12.3-inch touchscreen, a head-up display, and an optional 12.3-inch digital cluster further heightened its modern feel. Most importantly, user-friendly controls made it approachable and easy to learn. Plus, it came with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for added convenience. The 17-speaker Lexicon premium audio system rocked, too. Clear, crisp, and immersive, just as you’d expect in a high-end full-size sedan.
Its driver assistance features punched above, too. Bundled under the DriveWise suite, the systems all worked well and never got distracting. The lane centering did a wonderful job of reading the dividing lines and helping you stay centered. With steering assist on, the K900 effortlessly helped you take turns. On the other hand, Highway Driving Assist made long road trips a breeze, seamlessly helping you steer, brake, accelerate, and maintain a set distance with the vehicle ahead.
Stinger Moves
Although Kia designed the K900 as a luxury sedan first, it gave the North American-spec car a bit more athleticism than its Korean home market equivalent. Don’t fret, though. This large cruiser still knew what it was at its core. A superbly tuned suspension with adaptive dampers kept things supremely comfortable and isolated, even on the worst pavement. Press and hold the drive mode button to activate Comfort+ mode, which softens things down even more for that cloud-like feel.
Most importantly, the K900 remained composed no matter the drive mode. Well-controlled body motions gave it a reassuring drive. Hit Sport mode and point it toward a twisty road, and it gladly obliged. At least the North American-spec cars, with their tighter, sportier calibration. In its most aggressive setting, the K900 exhibited minimal body roll, and its steering tightened up, resulting in a more direct yet playful driving experience. The rear-biased AWD system allowed it to rotate, resulting in controlled slides and a neutral, confident feel. However, the K900 drove big and never shrank around you, highlighting its main mission as a cruiser.
Complementing the excellent ride and handling balance was a potent powertrain. The K900 used the same 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 as the Stinger GT and Genesis G70. This application made 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque for effortless power that quickly got you to license-endangering speeds. Since the engine made peak torque from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm, power was always there when you needed it. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission shifted quickly and smoothly, too, adding to the car’s refined personality.
The Ultimate Stealth Wealth
Kia only sold a few hundred examples of the K900 in North America. In fact, some supercars outsold this large Korean luxury sedan! Those who bought one during its final two years here have one of the best-kept secrets. A well-rounded vehicle that showcased how far the Kia brand has come and why they’re now a force to be reckoned with. Great to drive, great to be driven in, and exceptionally designed, the K900 was a true flagship. A sedan that rivals the best of the best without the luxury car tag.
