KIA K8: specifications, equipment, reviews

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KIA K8: specifications, equipment, reviewsThere are more than enough reasons for the KIA K8's popularity. It has become a bestseller thanks to its combination of modern design, high levels of comfort, technology and performance.

The KIA K8 has a distinctive appearance: the futuristic grille, stylish body lines and premium accents make the car appealing to a wide audience. These are just first impressions, and the more you learn about this car, the more it will seem like the perfect choice. 

KIA K8: the basics

The KIA K8 is a business class car that is the successor to the KIA K7, also known as Cadenza in some markets. The launch of the KIA K8 marked a new phase for the brand, offering improved performance, more modern design and premium technology compared to the K7. The KIA K8 was the first model introduced with a refreshed KIA logo, emphasizing the company's commitment to a more premium positioning.

The KIA K8 has an elegant and more dynamic design with futuristic elements such as a new grille that flows seamlessly into the bodywork. In contrast to the more restrained appearance of the K7, the K8 emphasizes sportiness and luxury.

In addition, the KIA K8 offers improved powertrains, including more powerful and efficient gasoline engine options and hybrid systems, something not seen in the K7 in this volume.

The interior of the KIA K8 is made of quality materials and is spacious. Ergonomics and attention to detail emphasize the car's status as a premium sedan. High-definition displays are waiting for you in the cabin, and as a rule, they are 12.3-inch screens for the dashboard and multimedia. The car is equipped with a large suite of driver assistance systems (ADAS), which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and emergency braking assistants.

The KIA K8 is available with a variety of powertrains, including gasoline and hybrid versions. These engines offer a good balance between dynamics and fuel efficiency.

The car is equipped with features such as ventilated and heated seats, premium audio system, improved noise insulation and intelligent climate control systems. Thus, the KIA K8 offers premium features and technology at a more affordable price compared to its premium segment competitors.

KIA K8 characteristics

Body types, dimensions

  • Body type: sedan.
  • Dimensions: length: 5015 mm, width: 1875 mm, height: 1455 mm, wheelbase: 2895 mm.
  • Ground clearance: about 150 mm (depending on market).

Power units

  • Petrol: 2.5-liter GDI (atmospheric): power: 198 hp, 3.5-liter V6 GDI: power: 300 hp, LPG (LPG) version: 240 hp.
  • Hybrid variant (HEV): main engine: 1.6-liter T-GDI (turbocharged), total system output: about 230 hp.

Transmissions

  • 8-speed automatic: available for gasoline and hybrid versions, the hybrid version can be equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Suspension and brakes

  • Front suspension: independent, MacPherson type.
  • Rear suspension: multi-lever.
  • Brakes: four-wheel disc brakes, electronic parking brake with Auto Hold function.

Technology

Driver assistants and safety systems (ADAS):

  • Adaptive Cruise Control (Smart Cruise Control).
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist).
  • Lane Keeping Assist (Lane Keeping Assist).
  • Highway Driving Assist.
  • Surround-view cameras and parktronics.

Multimedia and comfort:

  • Digital dashboard: 12.3-inch display.
  • 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
  • Meridian premium audio system with 14 speakers.
  • Interior lighting with 64 color options.
  • Projection display on the windshield (HUD).

Extras:

  • Ventilation and heated seats.
  • Electric and massage driver's seats.
  • Intelligent climate control system with air purification function.

KIA K8 equipment

KIA K8 is offered in several configurations, the differences in which are determined by the sales market. 

Basic equipment (Standard)

Exterior: 

  • 17-inch alloy wheels.
  • LED headlights and daytime running lights.
  • Electrically heated and folding mirrors.

Interior: 

  • Fabric seat upholstery.
  • Multi-directional adjustment of the driver's seat.
  • Leather trim on the steering wheel.

Technology: 

  • Digital instrument panel (12.3 inches).
  • Touchscreen multimedia display (12.3 inches).
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
  • Rearview camera and parktronics.

Safety: 

  • Frontal Collision Avoidance System (FCA).
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA).

Luxury

Exterior: 

  • 18-inch alloy wheels.
  • Chrome accents on the bodywork.

Interior: 

  • Leather seat upholstery.
  • Heated front seats.
  • Electrically adjustable driver and passenger seats.

Technology: 

  • Dual-zone climate control.
  • Drive Mode Select (Drive Mode Select).
  • Front and rear parking sensors.

Safety: 

  • Blind spot monitoring system (BCA).
  • Highway Driving Assistant (HDA).

Prestige

Exterior: 

  • 19-inch alloy wheels.
  • Panoramic roof.
  • Matrix LED headlights.

Interior: 

  • Perforated seat leather.
  • Front seat ventilation and heated rear seats.
  • Ambient interior lighting (64 colors).

Technology: 

  • Meridian premium audio system (14 speakers).
  • Projection display on the windshield (HUD).
  • All-around (360°) cameras.

Safety: 

  • Parking Collision Avoidance (PCA).
  • Automatic Parking System (RSPA).

Signature

Exterior: 

  • Unique grille design and accents.

Interior: 

  • Seats with massage function.
  • Interior trim in natural wood or aluminum.

Technology: 

  • Four-zone climate control.
  • Smart key with remote control function.

Safety: 

  • Advanced Driving Assistant Level 2 (HDA2).

Depending on the market, some equipment may be supplemented:

  • Cold climate package (heated steering wheel, seats, windshield wipers).
  • Package for hybrid models (improved efficiency and additional functionality).

Design Features

This car is a striking representative of the brand's new design philosophy, which combines boldness, dynamism and sophistication. The signature "Tiger Nose" grille is integrated into the bodywork, creating a seamless look. The grille graphics have intricate details resembling a diamond pattern, making the car's appearance premium.

Narrow and sharp-angled LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights emphasize the modern character of the model. The car has an elegant silhouette with a long wheelbase, low roofline and gently sloping rear end. Chrome accents along the windows and lower body line add a sense of luxury.

Rear lights in the form of a continuous light line connecting the side elements create a stylish and technological look.

Differences between KIA K8 and Toyota Camry

KIA K8 and Toyota Camry are popular models in the business sedan segment that compete due to similar price segment and features. However, there are significant differences between them. The KIA K8 is predominantly focused on the premium segment and looks accordingly. The car has more attention to details and individuality of appearance.

The Toyota Camry has a more restrained and versatile design, suitable for a wide audience. Sporty accents are noticeable in the sporty variants, such as XSE or GR Sport.

KIA K8 uses premium materials: natural wood, aluminum, high-quality leather. Camry interior is practical, but less premium. Materials are of high quality, but more often artificial variants are used.

The engine lineup in the KIA K8 includes a 2.5-liter gasoline motor (194-198 hp) and a 3.5-liter V6 (294 hp), as well as a hybrid version. The Camry is more focused on fuel economy and reliability, while the K8 is more focused on smoothness and power. Toyota's engine lineup: 2.0-liter (150-167 hp), 2.5-liter (181 hp) and a hybrid version (218 hp).

The KIA K8 has an advanced set of technologies: projection display, surround-view system, remote parking. It has a more modern multimedia system with support for wireless updates. The Camry has a simpler multimedia system, supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The KIA K8 has a more spacious interior thanks to its longer wheelbase (2,895 mm). The Camry is inferior to the K8 in terms of space, especially in the rear row, but is well adapted for the driver and front row passengers.

Where to buy KIA K8 at a good price 

The best option for buying a KIA K8 is car auctions in South Korea. Many of them offer not only a rich selection of cars, but also delivery services. One of them is the auction aggregator plc.auction - KIA K8 from Korea, where you can buy with delivery.

Among the main advantages of online auto auction are:

  • easy access to more than 2 million lots, quick search for the right option thanks to a range of filters.
  • Opportunity to buy a car on an auction or fixed price basis.
  • Interaction with buyers is carried out on the basis of a contract, which defines all rights of buyers and obligations of the platform.
  • Ability to check the history of the car by VIN-code and "live" inspection of the car by the company's specialists.
  • Multilingual support.
  • A variety of payment options.
  • A handy calculator to estimate the cost of a car, including shipping costs.

PLC Auction is an automobile auction site that offers the richest functionality on the site, including a personal account with the ability to track the next vehicle coming to you. 

KIA K8 Reviews

Emily Jackson, USA:

I have owned a KIA K8 for six months now, and my impressions are only positive. The car looks expensive and modern, especially thanks to the solid light line at the back and the radiator grille. Inside everything is at the premium level: leather, wood, high-quality assembly. Very much liked the display with multimedia - quickly responds, convenient interface. The engine 3.5 V6 pleases with power, paired with automatic works smoothly. Fuel consumption for such class is acceptable - about 10 liters per 100 km. The only disadvantage is the clearance: for country roads could be a little higher, but in general the car is worth its money. I recommend it!

Arthur, Lithuania:

I bought KIA K8 after a lot of thought and choice between it and Toyota Camry. I have not regretted it even once! KIA looks much more modern and richer inside. The interior is spacious, especially on the back row. Multimedia is the best I have seen in cars of this class. Noise insulation is excellent, on the highway you can talk quietly without raising your voice. Controllability is on top, and all-wheel drive adds confidence in winter. A little lack of suspension adaptation for our roads, but it is not critical. The car is really premium!

Hans, Germany:

I took a KIA K8 with a hybrid engine. The car is ideal for the city: quiet, comfortable, consumption is only 6-7 liters in the mixed cycle. The design is gorgeous - I often get compliments from friends and even strangers. The interior is comfortable, materials are of high quality, and backlighting creates coziness. The lane keeping assistant is very convenient, especially on the highway. From minuses - a high price threshold for additional options, but for such a level of comfort it is forgivable. In general, the car met all expectations.