Kia K9 launches in Korea

Kia’s new range-topping saloon car – the Kia K9 – has launched in Korea and will launch overseas – with a new name – later in 2012.

Kia’s most impressive – and certainly most ambitious – new car has launched in Korea and goes on sale today. But it’s extremely unlikely, even with a change of name from Dr Who’s robotic dog, that we’ll see it in the UK.

Looking more like a 7 Series BMW than a 7 Series BMW does – and filling as much road space as a Mercedes S Class – the Kia K9 is an impressive entry in to the luxury sector for the South Korean Kia.

The K9 shares its underpinning with the Hyundai Genesis (which the UK doesn’t get either) and comes at launch with the choice of two petrol engines – a 3.3 litre V6 with 296hp and a 3.8 litre V6 with 328hp, both driving the rear wheels through Kia’s new 8-speed auto.

Kia looks to have pushed the boat out on the toys front with stuff like adaptive LED lights, Lane departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, adaptive cruise and all-round cameras as standard.

Inside there’s plenty of tech with a 12.3″ LCD cluster, heads-up, a pair of 9.2″ monitors for the rear seat passengers and high-end sound. There’s also an optional VIP package that offers twin heated and ventilated rear seats (like the new Jaguar XJ Ultimate) with reclining backrests and a sliding cushion and lower leg support for the back seat on the passenger side (like the Lexus LS 600L).

Prices in Korea start at around £29k, which is not a lot of money for what looks like an awful lot of car.