Ever since we first learned of the Kia K9 sedan, we’ve been eager to find out if the automaker would offer it here in America. The new flagship sedan went on sale in Korea back in May, but Kia won’t confirm it’s availability for the United States. A keen-eyed staffer in California, however, recently snapped photos of K9 sedans during a visit to Kia’s Southern California headquarters.
The two K9s, one in silver and the other in black, appear no different from the Korean-market models that recently went on sale. The front end features Kia’s signature tiger nose, while the headlights reveal a full-LED setup. The side profile is simple and adorned with side vents, while the rear is still a display of styling cues that remind many of the BMW 7 Series.
The silver car is sporting a “3.8” badge, and is likely packing the 286-hp Lambda V-6 that first launched in Korea. Another 3.8-liter V-6 is expected to launch later with direct-injection and a power output of 329 hp; both engines send power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Size-wise, the K9 stretches to an overall length of 200.4 inches, and sits between the Hyundai Genesis sedan (from which it’s based) and the Hyundai Equus. Other features include a lane departure warning system and a premium rear-seat package that features heated and ventilated seats and a reclining backrest.
With the K9 now spotted on American soil, do you think Kia will sell it here?
