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First Look

The Kia K900 is not for us

South Korean S-Class rival isn't coming to Britain. Boo?

Published: 25 Apr 2018

This is the new Kia K900, and unless you live in South Korea, the Middle East or United States, you can’t have one. Sorry.

Not that many people will be disappointed by Kia’s decision not to being the K900 to Europe, especially when they’ve already the choice of the Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ and so-on. But still, it’s nice to have the option. Especially when said option is available with a 5.0-litre V8 that’s “the most powerful ever produced by Kia”. Other engines are available – including the V6 from the Stinger – all with eight-speed autos and torque-vectoring AWD that can send 80 per cent of drive to the rear axle.

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The new car shares virtually nothing with the car it replaces, and features the best in tech South Korea has to offer. Screens dominate the dashboard, which we’re promised is trimmed in fine leathers, woods and metals. The main one and instrument cluster are both 12.3in wide, and there’s a 9.7in HUD available if you need even more information than Kia can cram onto more than two foot of TFT.

Safety features include all the semi-autonomous features you could possibly want or ask for – plus the ‘BVM’ blind-spot monitoring system that flashes up a live rearward-facing video feed on the dash when you need to change lanes. We’ve tried this system in the hydrogen-powered NEXO, and can report it’s quite useful. A more rigid chassis aids handling, while various underbody aero devices reduce drag and help with NVH.

Should Kia reconsider bringing the K900 to Europe? Comment below.

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