Kia's new luxury flagship has been spied in winter testing for the first time. The new rear-drive saloon, previewed as the Kia KH in a series of official sketches by Kia earlier this week, is tipped to make production in 2013 badged Kia K9.
The Kia K9 is similar in size and proportions to the BMW 7-series and Mercedes S-class. Engine details remain scarce, but the K9 is tipped to use a larger capacity V8 petrol unit. The test car features a large pair of exhaust pipes integrated into the rear bumper.
See sketches and spy pics of the Kia K9
Features of the new saloon that are partly masked in these spy pictures but previewed in the sketches include bold LED headlights and a large version of the firm's now familiar 'tiger nose grille', which has become a trademark of Kia chief designer Peter Schreyer.
Kia's marketing director Soon-Nam Lee said: "Our all-new flagship saloon integrates all of our key capabilities such as design, performance, high-tech features and infotainment into one striking model."
While availability of the new Kia K9 in other markets remains unclear, Kia has confirmed that it will not reach Europe.
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Re: New flagship Kia revealed
What's unsuitable about the Hyundai S-series 3.0 V6 diesel?
Both Hyundai and Kia are well aware that "premium" in America just isn't good enough to compete in Europe as premium which is why we don't see many of their models.
But things are changing so it'll happen.
Re: New flagship Kia revealed
In response to those who've suggested that Kia should market this under a new Lexus chasing brand, Hyundai being the parent company would surely be the ones to do this, and indeed nearly did with the Genesis.
Re: New flagship Kia revealed
Agreed. Lexus had enough of a problem in Europe and they started without the baggage of a range of 'value' cars. Still fancy a go in one.