Overview & Reviews

Anyone who doubts that a Korean automaker can produce a model that competes with the established European and Japanese luxury brands needs to spend some quality time with the Kia K900. This full-size sedan manages to deliver most of what luxury sedan shoppers would expect from a top-shelf model, from elegant styling to a plush ride quality. Then there's the first-class passenger cabin filled with a long list of desirable standard features, while options include ultra-high-end items usually reserved for the priciest flagship luxury cars. Essentially, the K900 offers full-size luxury car space and features at the price of a midsize luxury sedan.

Are there shortcomings? Of course. Kia quite simply can't match those established luxury brands in terms of prestige, or more importantly, the sort of interior and mechanical refinement honed over the course of decades. Nevertheless, even if it doesn't quite measure up to much pricier competitors, the Kia K900 is indeed a true luxury sedan that, given fair consideration, has what it takes to cause a good many doubters to reconsider.

Current Kia K900
Introduced for 2015, the Kia K900 is a full-size luxury sedan based on the same underpinnings as the Hyundai Equus. There are two available trim levels, largely differentiated by what's under the hood.

Shoppers have a choice between a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.0-liter V8 that puts out 420 hp and 376 lb-ft. Both engines send power to the rear wheels by way of an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Like any good high-end sedan, the K900's spacious passenger cabin offers comfortable accommodations and a hushed atmosphere. The quality of the materials in general is hard to fault, but when compared to the cabins of large European and Japanese sedans, the plastics are a little harder, the buttons don't move with quite the same solidity and the finish applied to the wood trim seems a bit chintzy. It's certainly nice, but you won't confuse the K900 for an Audi.

What it may lack in panache, however, the K900 counters with an extensive list of standard features that are frequently optional on luxury cars, including adaptive headlights, keyless entry and ignition and triple-zone automatic climate control. It can also be outfitted with the sort of limolike rear seat options usually reserved for flagship luxury sedans, like heated and ventilated power-reclining rear seats, side- and rear-window sunshades, center armrest-mounted rear climate controls and a button that scoots the front passenger seat forward to create additional legroom. If you want to be chauffeured about, but would like to be covert about it, the K900 just might be the car for you.

With all the available technology, it's no surprise the K900's dash and center console are awash in a sea of buttons. Ultimately though, these prove more user-friendly than the functions accessed via the unintuitive console-mounted control knob and 9.2-inch infotainment screen. The audio and navigation controls found in other luxury sedans are generally better.

With the V8 engine, the K900 manages to deliver strong acceleration without drama. On a winding stretch of road, the big sedan displays confident, if uninspiring, handling compared to some of its sportier competitors. Ride quality remains unruffled on all but the worst pavement, where it lacks the suppleness and resolute solidity of German luxury sedans.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 4 of 4.00

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  Poor reliability and price for the features - 2016 Kia K900
  By Daniel H - February 9 - 9:58 am

  We have two identical K900s that we bought in October 2016 we have taken both of the cars in since day 2 with small to large problems. Kia Motors was aware of some of the issues prior to us buying our two cars. As an example, the cruise control set speed indicator and speedometer do not match, ex. If the cruise is set at 70 mph it says you are going 75 mph on speedometer they still have no idea how to fix it from Kia Motors and its been over 4 months since I reported it. Backup camera wouldnt show picture had camera replaced. Auto Hold Brake feature on both have issues, on one it lets off the brake when it shouldnt which could make you get into an accident. Our other K900 is also having an issue with Auto Hold but it now doesnt work at all and has lights on indicating it knows there is an issue. For both, parts have been ordered to replace a different module on each respectively one a Trac module and other an ABS module, but it sounds like the Field Technician is guessing at least with the ABS module been waiting for ABS module since November 26. 2016. Trac module was ordered in late December. Fuel door doesnt open now without using manual release in trunk along with pushing the door open. Vibration, tire and alignment issues continue to be present even after multiple times of tires being replaced. Finally, overall customer service satisfaction from Kia Motors in handling my cases is Extremely Poor, I asked Kia on December 19 for a callback and even after multiple attempts to speak with upper management and for callbacks, the first time someone called me back was on January 12. I only received a callback because I had to file a BBB Autoline complaint since they never responded to my lemon law notice even after 30 days and even though I already had an open case. Also, be aware although Kia promises on their site that K900 customers should get a Cadenza or K900 loaner car dont bet on it. My dealer only has 2 loaner cars in its tiny fleet, an Optima or Sorrento dont expect to be blown away for the start of a luxury car experience. I think it is funny that the dealer employees have to be K900 certified but they dont follow Kias rules even though they know the rules. And if youre wondering my dealer is the largest in the world so why cant they follow the rules and meet customer expectations.

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  Great Luxury Car! - 2016 Kia K900
  By Liana Drube - January 29 - 8:46 pm

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  Trouble free after 43,500 miles - 2016 Kia K900
  By Gene - April 17 - 5:55 am

  Car has been trouble free, other than having the tires changed to continentals, every thing works fine. Would have given a better rating except for a couple of things. No apple car play, no rear entertainment. No hud. The problem was I purchased a 2015 CPO car so got great price. Live in Arizona so wanted a light or white interior, couldnt get it with the VIP package in white interior at that time. Fuel economy could be better , but Im getting combined better than the highway mileage listed for car. Would have been better with the VIP package After 54,000 miles, traded for a 2018 Genesis G90. Ive owned 6 KIAs, sorry to leave. Kia doesnt have the new K900 out that includes everything I want hope they follow Hyundais lead with new luxury brand. (just dont think they will) Car was great, no problems at all excellent car

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  Great car Bang for your Buck!! - 2016 Kia K900
  By Rich Arabian - July 11 - 3:06 am

  Great luxury without the high maintenance cost and typical breakdowns with most luxury high-end cars. It is a reliable, sharp looking and luxury ride without worry of high cost and high maintenance bill that you would have to pay $4000 plus for an extended warranty for some German made luxury cars and a less expensive Japanese luxury car. An engineer at KIA from R and D said KIA buys their engines currently from Toyota. Essentially, you are buying a Lexus for half the cost.