It’s been nearly 10 years since Kia has released the Optima. Once again they’re resetting the expectations with the reveal of the all new K5 mid-size sedan.
So what can we expect from this new sedan?
It’ll have an all new visual impact, including:
- Shark skin-inspired mesh design on the front grille and a dual chrome exhaust tip garnish (GT-Line, GT)
- Signature ‘heart beat’ daytime running lights and taillights with available LED ‘dashes’ span the width of the read deck lid
- Gloss black appliqué on rear glass enhances fastback shape while maintaining sedan functionality and cargo space
- Newly designed 16-,18-or19-inch ally wheels (the 18- and 19- inch wheels comes with sporty Pirelli P-Zero tires)
The driver focused cockpit will have a newly designed infotainment display that will stretch seamlessly into the instrument panel which will create a very futuristic and three-dimensional layout for the driver. Other interior aspects to anticipate would include:
- Aircraft-type shift knob
- Depending on the choice of trim, a mixture of premium and sporty upholstery options that would include red leatherette seating, satin chrome metallic and wood-like finishes on the dashboard and door panels
- Panoramic sunroof
- Flat-bottom, sport steering wheel which is available in the GT and GT-Line trims.
We can expect more turbo and more traction in the new K5. The efficient powertrain options will deliver enough power to please the everyday driver with a turbocharged line up that includes a choice of two powerful engines. In the GT option, a 2.5-liter turbocharged GDI + MPI four -cylinder engine that will make 290 horse power and 311 lb.-ft. of torque. In the LX, LXS, GT-Line and EX trims, a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDO four-cylinder engine producing 18- horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque that’s managed by an all new 8 speed automatic transmission.
The K5 won’t be missing out on any next level technology. It will include an 8 or 10.25 inch high resolution color touchscreen and a Bose premium sound system. Also a first for Kia, the K5 will be able to connect wirelessly to Apple Carplay and Android Auto meaning drivers can enjoy being connected without being plugged in. Sadly the wireless functionality isn’t available on the 10.25 inch navigation system.
The K5 should be available this summer in 4 trim levels (LX, LXS, GT-Line and EX) and the GT to follow later in the fall.
Jimmy Mak Media 