Kia K8 vs. Hyundai Grandeur: The Showdown Begins!

Hello, this is Uniji.

The Kia K8 has undergone a complete transformation, with almost everything changing from the platform to the logo and design!

Thanks to these updates, the mid-size sedan market has seen a surge in popularity.

However, due to semiconductor supply issues, the mass production of the Kia K8 has been delayed, causing significant concern among potential buyers.

In the meantime, Hyundai has launched a special trim of the Grandeur, a symbol of success, significantly enhancing its appeal.

Today, we will compare the Kia K8 and the Hyundai Grandeur LeBlanc.

This will be our first comparison.

LeBlanc! A brand new name that didn't exist before.

Recently, Hyundai unveiled the Grandeur under the name LeBlanc.

The name LeBlanc means "white" in French, and the model features beige seats and a black color scheme, creating a new interior combination.

Immediately after the Grandeur LeBlanc's reveal, frustrated K8 owners reacted strongly.

Shortly after the Grandeur LeBlanc's launch, an advertisement titled "The Leader Who Protects You" was released.

This advertisement highlighted the optional feature of the Kia K8, which allows consumers to choose a "Rear Parking Collision Avoidance" option as part of a customizable package.

Although I have previously explained the optional features in earlier posts, I recommend checking those out if you're unfamiliar with them.

If consumers choose not to select the optional features, they may have to wait about six months for their vehicle to be produced.

This lengthy wait time has led some consumers to reluctantly opt for the additional features.

The issue with optional features is that while Kia offers a discount of 400,000 KRW (approximately $300 USD), it only includes the rear parking collision avoidance assistance.

While customers understandably feel dissatisfied, the price that includes the "Remote Smart Parking Assist" feature also amounts to 400,000 KRW, which raises eyebrows.

If a third-party service provider were to install the optional features, one might wonder if they could do it for just 400,000 KRW.

The Grandeur LeBlanc has no optional features!?

To make matters worse, I couldn't find any mention of optional features in the pricing details for the Grandeur LeBlanc.

Of course, one could argue that Hyundai did not implement optional features considering the Grandeur LeBlanc's production is set for June.

However, given the current semiconductor supply challenges, I wonder if they have considered alternatives should the delays continue.

With semiconductor supply issues causing significant concern in the automotive market, this situation raises eyebrows.

What exactly makes the Grandeur LeBlanc so appealing?

Regardless, it feels like Hyundai is pushing the Grandeur LeBlanc aggressively, even without optional features. Is that just my impression?

Let's take a closer look at the enhanced appeal of the Grandeur LeBlanc.

The Grandeur LeBlanc boasts significant enhancements not only in interior design but also in other areas.

One of the key features is the "LeBlanc Performance Package."

The LeBlanc Performance Package includes a 3.3 Smartstream engine, R-MDPS (rack-mounted electric power steering), 18-inch alloy wheels, and Michelin tires.

The exterior features carbon side mirrors and a carbon rear spoiler, while the interior includes an Alcantara steering wheel and center console armrest.

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