The Kia K9, marketed as the Kia K900 in the United States and Canada and as the Kia Quoris in other export markets, is a full-size[1][2] luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by Kia, now in its second generation.

Kia K9
Overview
ManufacturerKia Corporation
Also calledKia K900 (United States and Canada)
Kia Quoris
Production2012–present
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury car (F)
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (2018–present)

The K9 was launched in South Korea in May 2012, with export sales beginning in late 2012. As of June 2013, it was sold in South Korea, the Middle East, Colombia, Chile, Guatemala, Peru, Russia,[3] the United States, and Canada. There are plans to release it in China, although Kia will not use the Quoris nameplate after it lost a legal battle.[4] The K900 was discontinued in Canada by 2018, and the United States in January 2021.

The second generation K9 was launched in 2018.

First generation (KH; 2012)

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First generation (KH)
 
Kia Quoris
Overview
Also called
  • Kia K900 (United States and Canada)
  • Kia Quoris (other export markets)
Production2012–2018
Model years2013–2018
AssemblyGwangmyeong, South Korea
Kaliningrad, Russia (Avtotor)
DesignerPeter Schreyer (2009)
Body and chassis
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
PlatformHyundai M1 Platform
RelatedHyundai Equus
Hyundai Genesis
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission8-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,045 mm (119.9 in)[5]
Length5,090 mm (200.4 in) (pre-facelift)
5,095 mm (200.6 in) (facelift)
Width1,900 mm (74.8 in)
Height1,485–1,490 mm (58.5–58.7 in)
Curb weight
  • 1,870–1,985 kg (4,123–4,376 lb) (V6)
  • 2,066–2,132 kg (4,555–4,700 lb) (V8)
 
Rear view

The K9 is a derivative of the Hyundai Equus and Genesis, with which it shares the BH-L (VI) platform. It is the first rear-wheel-drive sedan Kia offered in the United States.[6] The K9's development code was KH.

The K9 is slightly shorter than the Equus, and has a longer wheelbase than the Hyundai Genesis with shorter front overhang dimensions. The Quoris features Kia's "Tiger nose" grill as well as blind spot detection, head-up display and an adaptive front lighting system.

Launch engines in Korea include a 300 PS (221 kW; 296 bhp) 3.3 L (3,342 cc) V6 and a 334 PS (246 kW; 329 bhp) 3.8 L (3,778 cc) GDI (Gasoline Direction-Injection) V6,[5] coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Quoris debuted in Russia in 2013 with a 294 PS (216 kW; 290 bhp) 3.8L V6.[7]

The K900 in the US uses a 426 PS (313 kW; 420 bhp) 5.0-litre (5,038 cc) GDI V8, producing 376 lb⋅ft (510 N⋅m) of torque.[8] In Canada, the K900 can be fitted with either a 315 PS (232 kW; 311 bhp) 3.8L GDI V6, producing 293 lb⋅ft (397 N⋅m) of torque or the same 5.0L GDI V8 as the US market.

Powertrain

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Specs
Model Years Transmission Power Torque 0–100 km/h
(0-62 mph)
(Official)
Top speed
3.3 Lambda II GDi 2012–2018 8-speed automatic 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) @ 6,400 rpm 35.5 kg⋅m (348 N⋅m; 257 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,200 rpm 240 km/h (149 mph)
3.8 Lambda II MPi 2013–2018 290 PS (213 kW; 286 hp) @ 6,200 rpm 36.5 kg⋅m (358 N⋅m; 264 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,000 rpm 7.3s
3.8 Lambda II GDi 2012–2018 334 PS (246 kW; 329 hp) @ 6,400 rpm 40.3 kg⋅m (395 N⋅m; 291 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,100 rpm 6.8s
2015–2018 315 PS (232 kW; 311 hp) @ 6,000 rpm 40.5 kg⋅m (397 N⋅m; 293 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,000 rpm
5.0 Tau GDi 2014–2018 425 PS (313 kW; 419 hp) @ 6,400 rpm
430 PS (316 kW; 424 hp) @ 6,400 rpm
52 kg⋅m (510 N⋅m; 376 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,000 rpm 5.7s

Second generation (RJ; 2018)

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Second generation (RJ)
 
Overview
Also calledKia K900 (United States, most markets)
Production2018–present
Model years2019–present
AssemblyGwangmyeong, South Korea
DesignerPeter Schreyer
Karim Habib (2021 facelift)
Body and chassis
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
PlatformHyundai M2 Platform
RelatedGenesis G90/EQ900
Genesis G80
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission8-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,105 mm (122.2 in)[9]
Length5,120 mm (201.6 in) (pre-facelift)
5,140 mm (202.4 in) (facelift)
Width1,915 mm (75.4 in)
Height1,490–1,505 mm (58.7–59.3 in)
Curb weight1,915–2,166 kg (4,222–4,775 lb)

Kia debuted the all new K9/K900 (still sold as the Quoris in a few markets) at the March 2018 New York International Auto Show. The new generation is longer and wider than the outgoing model, and has a wheelbase stretched by about 2.3 inches (60 mm). It retains the same 8-speed transmission, as well as the same three engine choices.[10] The interior features higher quality leather and wood trim, as well as an analog clock developed by Maurice Lacroix.[11] Kia also introduced an AWD model in South Korea for the second generation.

2021 facelift

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The exterior images of the newer facelift version were released on 17 May 2021.[12][13] Compared to the pre-facelift model, it got a wider grille with chrome V logos, a full-width rear lamp, and a repositioned number plate. This version also got a tweaked interior, such as a larger 14.5-inch infotainment display and fingerprint authentication system.

Powertrain

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Petrol engines
Model Years Transmission Power Torque 0–100 km/h
(0-62 mph)
(Official)
Top speed
3.3L Lambda II GDi 2018–present 8-speed automatic 249 PS (183 kW; 246 hp) @ 6,000 rpm[14]
253 PS (186 kW; 250 hp) @ 6,000 rpm
35.4 kg⋅m (347 N⋅m; 256 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,000 rpm 8.0s (RWD)
8.4s (AWD)
240 km/h (149 mph)
3.3L Lambda II T-GDi 2018–present 370 PS (272 kW; 365 hp) @ 6,000 rpm 52 kg⋅m (510 N⋅m; 376 lbf⋅ft) @ 1,300–4,500 rpm
3.8L Lambda II GDi 315 PS (232 kW; 311 hp) @ 6,000 rpm 40.5 kg⋅m (397 N⋅m; 293 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,000 rpm
5.0L Tau GDi 2018–2021 425 PS (313 kW; 419 hp) @ 6,000 rpm 53.0 kg⋅m (520 N⋅m; 383 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,000 rpm 5.7s (AWD)

Marketing and sales

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To promote the K900, Kia Motors released their Super Bowl XLVIII commercial, featuring Laurence Fishburne reprising his role as Morpheus from The Matrix series.[15] In October 2014, basketball player LeBron James was named Kia's K900 luxury ambassador.[16]

The Kia K900 sold over 200 units per month from April to June in the U.S. market its launch year. Sales dropped to roughly 100-130 units in July and August 2014, and then to 56 in September and up to 62 October.[17]

The K900 was discontinued in 2018 in Canada, and in 2021 in the United States.[18] Kia cited the market transition from large cars to crossovers and SUVs. Only 305 units of the K900 were sold in the US in 2020.

Calendar year South Korea[19] United States[20] Canada[20]
2014 4,429 1,330 23
2015 4,294 2,524 36
2016 2,555 834 26
2017 1,553 455 7
2018 11,843 354 4
2019 10,878 390
2020 7,831 305
2021 6,432 85
2022 6,736
2023 3,898

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "2018 Kia K900". www.fueleconomy.gov. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved 18 November 2018.
  2. ^ Lindland, Rebecca (2018). "2019 Kia K900 First Review". Kelley Blue Book. Archived from the original on 23 August 2020.
  3. ^ "Edmunds Inside Line". Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  4. ^ Carscoop Carscoop (26 November 2012). "Legal battle over Quoris name". Carscoops. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  5. ^ a b "기아자동차 - The Power to Surprise | 기아자동차 공식 사이트". KIA.
  6. ^ "Kia reveals all-new 'K9' flagship sedan for Korean market". Kia Motors. 28 February 2012. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  7. ^ "Sales of Kia Quoris Sedans to Kick off in March". Wroom.ru. 21 January 2013. Archived from the original on 24 October 2014. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
  8. ^ "The Top-of-the-Range Kia K900". AutoTrends. 10 October 2014. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  9. ^ "기아 K9 제원 – Dignity & Intelligence, THE K9 | 기아자동차 공식 사이트". KIA.
  10. ^ "NO SURRENDER: THERE'S A NEW KIA K900 COMING TO THE NEW YORK AUTO SHOW". Autoweek. 27 January 2014. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  11. ^ Geiger, Jennifer (22 March 2018). "2019 Kia K900: Can New Luxury, Style Lure Buyers to Flagging Flagship?". Cars.com. Retrieved 18 November 2018.
  12. ^ "2021 Kia K9 flagship sedan revealed in early images". 《Paultan》. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  13. ^ "2022 Kia K9 Officially Revealed With Substantial Facelift". 《Motor1》. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  14. ^ "Kia K9". Wroom.ru. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
  15. ^ Estrada, Zac (28 January 2014). "Kia's The Matrix Super Bowl Ad Sells A K900 With Morpheus And Two Keys". Jalopnik. Retrieved 29 January 2014.
  16. ^ "Basketball global superstar LeBron James is Kia's luxury ambassador". Top Gear Philippines. 16 October 2014. Retrieved 16 October 2014.
  17. ^ Lopez, Jose Antonio (17 November 2014). "Kia K900 Not Working in the United States". The Korean Car Blog. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
  18. ^ "Kia K900 and Cadenza Are Dead for 2021". Car & Driver. 25 January 2021.
  19. ^ "Sales Results | IR Library | Kia Global Brand Site". worldwide.kia.com.
  20. ^ a b "Kia K900 Sales Figures". Good Car Bad Car. 27 January 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
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