The South Korean brand has just revealed the details of its new Kia K5 mid-size saloon, which will replace the Optima in the US market. A model that, a priori, will not reach Europe, but that will do the same in North America this summer and that already advanced some of its ingredients when it began to be sold in South Korea at the end of last year.
Conceived on the new N3 platform, it grows slightly in size compared to the Kia Optima and integrates the brand’s new technologies in terms of connectivity and driving assistance, in addition to being sculpted in the new design language of the firm following in the wake of the Kia Stinger, so it boasts a sportier look than the Optima.
In addition, this Kia K5 will gradually expand its range: it will have a sports variant with the last name GT, which will be launched later in the US, and although it is a front-wheel drive, the firm confirms that it will also have traction options Overall, being the firm’s first sedan to do so, according to Kia.
Taking the baton from the Optima
The Kia K5 is 4.9 meters long, 1.8 meters wide, 1.4 meters high and offers a generous 2.8-meter battle. The front is dominated by an elongated grille in a new reinterpretation of the characteristic tiger nose design and “sharkskin” mesh, which extends to its sharp LED headlights and features a rounded, sloping hood.
With a marked roof drop, which is panoramic, the sideshows a high waist and fluid shapes, while the rear is starred by optics that join in the center and diffuser-style fenders that integrate either four round exhaust outlets or two large trapezoids in the case of the GT. The set is completed with wheels with measures of 16, 18 or 19 inches.
In the cabin, it uses synthetic leather to upholster the seats and some details on the door panels, while it has metallic or imitation wood accents depending on the finish. The GT sports variant and GT Line trim also have a sports steering wheel.
Two gasoline mechanics up to 294 hp
On a mechanical level, the Kia K5 limits its range to two turbocharged gasoline engines, although the most powerful will be exclusive to its GT version. Thus, the 1.6 T-GDI with 184 HP and 264 Nm of torque will be the only one available in the family of this newcomer saloon, which is managed by the brand’s new automatic transmission.
For its part, the Kia K5 GT will equip the most generous 2.5 T-GDI of 294 HP and 421 Nm of torque, which will be associated with an automatic double-clutch transmission also with eight relationships.
In the menu we also find a selector of driving modes, with up to four options (Normal, Smart, Sport and Custom), adding a fifth for snow in the case of all-wheel drive options. These will arrive at the end of 2020 and can only be selected with the 1.6 T-GDI mechanics. For its part, the Kia K5 GT will also add a more sporty driving mode called Sport +.
At the top of technology
This Kia K5 comes from the hand of the new Kia technology both in terms of assistance and connectivity. The sedan equips the manufacturer’s latest infotainment system, which is embodied in a touch screen that is offered in two sizes: 8 inches and 10.25 inches.
It has a navigation system, Bluetooth connection for up to two mobile devices simultaneously, an intelligent voice assistant, capable of understanding natural language commands, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allow the connection of smartphones without the need for cable in the case of the smallest display.
In addition, the sedan features wireless charging, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, rear-seat occupancy alert (which alerts the driver that someone is sitting on the rear bench when the engine is turned off), power-opening tailgate, and sound system Bose with 12 speakers. Similarly, some vehicle functions can be activated through the Smart Key app, such as pre-air conditioning.
When it comes to ADAS assist systems, the Kia K5 comes standard with a collision warning, emergency braking with a pedestrian and bicycle detector, a fatigue detector or a lane-keeping system.
Optionally, a blind spot assistant, rear cross-traffic assistant, rear parking assistant with a camera, cruise control, speed limiter or emergency exit alert can also be added.