- Highs: Poised handling, costs less than rival models, outstanding warranty coverage.
- Lows: Lacks the brand cachet of rival luxury sedans, competing cars offer ritzier cabin design, less fuel efficient than competing models.
- Verdict: While it lacks the snob appeal of rival luxury sedans, the K900 is an impressive choice for premium-car shoppers who appreciate strong value.
Overview
The 2020 K900 is Kia's flagship sedan, and it shares its underpinning design with the Genesis G90. Although Kia
isn't a traditional luxury brand, the Korean manufacturer is marketing
this large sedan to buyers on the hunt for premium transportation. In
many ways, the K900 is a credible and appealing choice within its
segment. It provides driving dynamics that are smooth and composed, and
its cabin is an oasis of comfort. Additionally, its price undercuts that
of its key rivals by thousands of dollars. On the downside, the K900's
interior is notably less upmarket than the cabins seen in rivals from
brands such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Overall, however, it's hard to argue with the K900's value proposition.
What's New for 2020?
In the wake of its 2019 redesign, the Kia K900 carries over for the 2020 model year with no notable changes.
Pricing
- Luxury: $60,895 (est.)
The
2020 K900 comes in a single, lavishly equipped trim that should meet
the needs of most buyers. This base model rides on 19-inch wheels, and
it comes with standard exterior features such as rain-sensing windshield
wipers, automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, fog lamps,
and heated power-folding sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals
and an auto-dimming capability. Once within the cabin, passengers are
treated to standard features such as power-adjustable heated and
ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel,
keyless entry and push-button ignition, a head-up display, dual-zone
automatic climate control, and nappa leather upholstery. A standard
sunroof lets natural light into the cabin. All models come with a pretty
complete selection of driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The
2020 Kia K900 gets its motivation from a turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6
powerplant. This engine generates 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of
torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission governs the proceedings.
All models come with all-wheel drive for improved traction on roadways
that are slippery from rain or snow. In our testing, the K900 made the
dash from a zero to 60 mph in a respectable 5.0 seconds. In every-day driving, this full-size sedan
exhibits the poised composure valued by buyers of luxury cars. The K900
comes standard with a drive-mode feature that allows you to tailor the
car's performance to suit your preferences. The list of available
settings includes Comfort, Smart, Sport, Eco, and Custom. Within the
Custom menu, you can adjust parameters such as steering weight, engine
responsiveness, and the amount of engine sound piped through the car's
cabin speakers.
2020 Kia K900 – Large Luxury Sedan
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
According
to the EPA, the 2020 Kia K900 achieves fuel economy of 18/25 mpg
city/highway. Those numbers make the K900 less fuel-efficient than many
other choices in this segment, and you'll get better gas mileage from
rivals such as the Audi A7 (22/29 mpg) and Mercedes-Benz CLS-class (up to 24/31 mpg). Over the course of 200 miles in 75-mph highway driving, we observed mileage of 27 mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
When
it comes to overall design, the K900's interior can best be described
as adequate. While the car's cabin is luxurious enough to meet the
requirements of the class, it falls short when compared with the stylish
opulence seen in cabins from rival brands such as Audi and
Mercedes-Benz. The K900's cabin offers impressive comfort. Both rows of
seats provide great legroom for passengers; the driver's seat delivers
20-way adjustability and the soothing support of a lounge chair.
Available options raise the bar even further, with amenities such as
power-adjustable rear seats and three-zone automatic climate control.
This Kia provides 15.3 cubic feet of room in its trunk. That's more than
you'll get with the Mercedes-Benz CLS-class (11.9 cubic feet), but less
than the amount of room offered by rivals such as the Lincoln Continental (16.7 cubic feet).
Infotainment and Connectivity
Those
who choose the 2020 K900 enjoy access to a modern range of tech
features. The standard infotainment system features a large 12.3-inch
touchscreen, and all models are equipped with Bluetooth phone and
streaming audio. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are on board for easy
device integration, and a standard navigation system helps you plan a
path to your destination. All models come with a 17-speaker Lexicon
sound system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows
you and your passengers to stay connected to the internet. The K900
provides wireless device chargers for both its front- and rear-seat
passengers.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The
2020 K900 hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety (IIHS). However, this car comes standard with a wealth of driver-assistance features that can help prevent accidents when you're on the road. Key safety features include:
- Standard front and rear parking sensors
- Standard blind-spot monitoring
- Standard forward-collision warning
- Standard lane-keeping assistance and lane-departure warning
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Kia's warranty coverage bests that of luxury brands such as BMW
and Mercedes-Benz. Additionally, the K900's generous complimentary
scheduled maintenance coverage is a standout in its segment.
- Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 37,500 miles