Kia 'K8' Pre-Orders Begin "A New Standard for Mid-to-Large Sedans"

Kia K7 Successor K8 Pre-Orders Start on 23rd
First Domestic Mid-Size Sedan with Front-Wheel-Based AWD
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Applied Extensively to Reduce Fatigue and Enhance Safety

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] Kia announced the main specifications and prices of the K8, scheduled for release in early next month, and stated that pre-orders will begin on the 23rd.

The K8, launched as the successor to the K7, will start pre-orders with a total of three models: 2.5 and 3.5 gasoline, and 3.5 LPI. A 1.6 gasoline turbo hybrid model will be added in the first half of the year.

Comfortable and Stable Driving Performance Suitable for a Premium Mid-to-Large Sedan

Kia emphasized that the K8 will redefine the standards of mid-to-large sedans by offering not only stable driving performance based on powerful powertrain performance but also a quieter and more comfortable ride.

The K8 3.5 gasoline model is equipped with a front-wheel-based AWD (All Wheel Drive) system for the first time in a domestic mid-to-large sedan, securing a differentiated driving feel. The AWD system actively distributes driving force between the front and rear wheels in real time by assessing road conditions and driving status, providing passengers with a more stable driving experience.

The 3.5 gasoline and 3.5 LPI models are equipped with a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission featuring the country's first dual-chamber torque converter. The torque converter, which connects the engine and transmission, smoothly transmits the torque generated by the engine to the transmission and directly couples the engine and transmission through a damper clutch inside the torque converter.

Kia 'K8'

The K8 is equipped with Kia's most advanced driver assistance system, 'Drive Wise,' which reduces driver fatigue and helps ensure safe driving to the destination. The advanced technologies applied to the K8 include Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA).

Highway Driving Assist 2 supports convenient driving in various situations, such as highway and expressway driving, assisting lane changes through turn signal switch operation, and lane-keeping driving to avoid danger when a nearby vehicle approaches during driving.

Comfortable and Pleasant Cabin Space for All Passengers

The interior of the K8 is equipped with various premium features to ensure all passengers can travel comfortably and pleasantly. The driver's seat is the first in Kia to feature an Ergo Motion seat that provides optimal seating comfort tailored to the driving environment using seven air cushions and reduces driver fatigue.

The Ergo Motion seat individually controls the air cushions to provide effects such as 'Comfort Stretching Mode,' which feels like stretching while seated, and 'Smart Support,' which adjusts seat support to firmly hold the driver's body when switching to sport mode or driving at speeds over 130 km/h.

Convenient and comfortable spaces are also prepared for the front passenger and second-row occupants. The front passenger seat is equipped with an electric height adjustment device and a relaxation comfort seat, similar to the driver's seat, providing optimal seating posture and resting space for the passenger.

Kia 'K8'

The K8 also features a simple and intuitive infotainment system that simultaneously satisfies emotional satisfaction and convenient connectivity for passengers. The K8 is the first Kia model to be equipped with Meridian's premium sound system, a leading high-end audio brand from the UK.

The panoramic curved display located at the front of the interior consists of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster that offers differentiated designs according to driving modes and a 12.3-inch infotainment system that supports calendar-linked schedule checks, departure time notifications, and in-vehicle easy payment 'KIA PAY,' providing optimal information to the driver.

Additionally, the K8 is the first Kia model to feature a 12-inch head-up display with a 50% larger projection area and graphics compared to previous models, improving visibility.

The 2.5 gasoline model delivers a maximum output of 198 PS, maximum torque of 25.3 kgf·m, and a combined fuel efficiency of 12.0 km/L. The 3.5 gasoline model offers a maximum output of 300 PS, maximum torque of 36.6 kgf·m, and a combined fuel efficiency of 10.6 km/L. The 3.5 LPI model provides a maximum output of 240 PS, maximum torque of 32.0 kgf·m, and a combined fuel efficiency of 8.0 km/L.

The K8 will accept pre-orders for three models: 2.5 gasoline, 3.5 gasoline, and 3.5 LPI, with plans to add a 1.6 gasoline turbo hybrid model in the first half of the year. Prices by model are 32.79 million to 38.68 million KRW for the 2.5 gasoline, 36.18 million to 45.26 million KRW for the 3.5 gasoline, and 32.20 million to 36.59 million KRW for the 3.5 LPI. (※ Based on a 3.5% individual consumption tax)

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