[Test Drive] 'The Standard of Mid-to-Large Sedans' K7 Premiere... "Comfortable Ride and Smart Features"

Test Drive of 2.5 Gasoline Noblesse... Stability at Low Speeds, Power at High-Speed Driving

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Last year was a significant year for Kia Motors' sedan lineup, the K series. Since the launch of the K7 as the first lineup in 2009, the K series celebrated its 10th anniversary, and with both the K5 and K7 replaced by new models, expectations were high for a synergistic effect. Living up to those expectations, the 'K7 Premier,' introduced three years after the release of the 2nd generation K7, successfully attracted market attention. Last year, domestic sales of the K7 reached 55,839 units, nearly a 40% increase compared to the previous year.

Although the K7 Premier is a product improvement model, it captivated consumers with 'new car-level' changes both inside and out. On the 6th, I test-drove the Kia K7 2.5 Gasoline Noblesse model.

The test-driven model was the first Kia vehicle to apply the next-generation Smartstream engine. Kia explains that it uses two types of fuel injection injectors, MPI (multi-point injection) injectors and GDi (gasoline direct injection) injectors, optimizing fuel injection according to driving conditions.

The strengths of the K7 Premier felt during actual driving seem to come from this engine. It feels stable in low to mid-speed ranges and delivers fairly strong power during high-speed driving. While it doesn't feel aggressively powerful, it was more than sufficient to reach the desired speed. It was also impressive that the vehicle's balance and stability did not falter even when driving over 100 km/h. Overall, it offers quiet and comfortable driving regardless of speed.

The 2.5 Gasoline model equipped with the G2.5 GDi engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It delivers a maximum output of 198 horsepower and a maximum torque of 25.3 kgf·m, with an official combined fuel efficiency of 11.9 km/l. However, after driving repeatedly through urban and highway sections, the actual recorded fuel efficiency was higher at 14.8 km/l.

Kia also made many changes to the exterior design of the K7 Premier. Most notably, the vehicle length increased by 25 mm from the previous model to 4,995 mm. The radiator grille at the front has grown larger, and inside the grille, thick vertical chrome bars have been added, enhancing its premium feel. The daytime running lights located below the headlamps have been redesigned from the previous 'Z' shape to a new form that wraps around the grille border.

The interior changes are even more striking. The cabin emphasizes luxury with wood-textured materials and incorporates advanced technology. A 12.3-inch large AVN (Audio-Video-Navigation) screen supporting automatic wireless navigation updates and a 12.3-inch full-color TFT LCD cluster have been applied for the first time in a domestic vehicle of this class. The spacious rear seats, fitting for a mid-to-large sedan, further enhance the appeal of the K7 Premier as a family sedan.

K7 Premiere interior (Photo by Kia Motors)

One of the most praised features is the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). The K7 Premier is equipped with numerous features such as Lane Keeping Assist, which recognizes lanes and the vehicle ahead to control the steering wheel autonomously; Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control; and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. The 'External Air Inflow Prevention Control' technology, which automatically closes windows and switches the air conditioning system to recirculation mode before entering tunnels through navigation linkage, is also quite useful.

When using ADAS, even if you slightly release the steering wheel, the vehicle automatically adjusts the distance from the car ahead and stays centered in the lane. The navigation-linked Smart Cruise Control automatically adjusts speed according to the speed limit.

Kia offers five engine lineups for the K7 Premier: 2.5 Gasoline, 3.0 Gasoline, 2.4 Hybrid, 2.2 Diesel, and 3.0 LPi, greatly expanding choices. Prices range from 30.94 million to 40.15 million KRW. The 2.5 Gasoline Noblesse model test-driven this time starts at 33.67 million KRW.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.