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Kia's 2025 K9: Is It the Best Luxury Sedan Yet?
Uniji
2025-06-20 01:16:00

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● Kia K9 strengthens its presence in the luxury sedan market once again.

● The 2025 New K9 is armed with cutting-edge technology and sophisticated design.

● With the return of the flagship sedan, will the 2025 New K9 emerge as an alternative to the Genesis G80 and G90?

Hello.

I am Uniji, an automotive influencer (Yukapost).

Kia has launched the '2025 New K9', the updated model of its flagship large sedan. First introduced in 2012 as the successor to the 'Opirus', the K9 has established itself as Kia's top-tier sedan after undergoing two complete redesigns and a facelift. However, following a facelift in 2021, the K9 faced sluggish sales and rumors of discontinuation. Now, it aims for a comeback with this model update.

Kia sets a new standard for flagship sedans with changes and innovations in the K9.

Since its debut in 2012 as the successor to the 'Opirus', the Kia K9 has symbolized Kia's entry into the luxury sedan market. In 2018, it received a complete redesign as a second-generation model, boasting a more luxurious design and the latest technology. In 2021, it was introduced as the facelifted 'New K9'. However, it continued to struggle with sales amid fierce competition from the Genesis G80 and G90, leading to speculation about its discontinuation.

The exterior design of the 2021 facelifted New K9 has become more luxurious, featuring a large horizontal-patterned radiator grille that combines with a slim chrome bezel to create a wider and more stable impression. The front highlights luxurious chrome details and LED headlights, establishing K9's unique presence. The rear showcases horizontal taillights that visually extend the vehicle's width while projecting a sophisticated image. Additionally, the design changes in the new Kia K9 have been reflected in the rear designs of newly launched Kia sedans like the K5 and K8.

Kia has maximized comfort in the K9's interior design by expanding the quilted pattern seats to include lumbar support and cushions. The center console, featuring real wood materials and diamond-patterned controllers, along with door panels finished in premium leather, create an even more luxurious and modern atmosphere. Moreover, it integrates the latest infotainment system, combining advanced technology with a touch of elegance.

The 2025 New K9 features the world’s first Predictive Gear Shift system (PGS) and Kia's first Preview Electronic Control Suspension. This technology analyzes road conditions in real time to provide a more comfortable and stable driving environment. Additionally, various advanced driver assistance systems, such as Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) and Multi-Collision Braking (MCB), enhance driving safety and convenience. New features include a fingerprint authentication system, a handwriting recognition integrated controller, and a touchscreen dual monitor for rear passengers. Notably, the inclusion of a 14.5-inch ultra-wide display, augmented reality navigation, over-the-air (OTA) software updates for the cluster and head-up display, Ergo Motion seats, intelligent headlamps (IFS), and reverse guide lamps elevates the driving experience to a new level.

The pricing and trim configurations for the 2025 New K9 are as follows: the Platinum trim with a 3.8 gasoline engine is priced at approximately $4,490 (5,962,000 KRW), the Best Selection I at around $5,090 (6,789,000 KRW), the Masters at about $5,880 (7,529,000 KRW), and the Best Selection II at roughly $6,150 (8,239,000 KRW). The Best Selection I has seen an increase of about $180 (240,000 KRW) compared to the previous model, while the Masters has risen by approximately $1,020 (1,340,000 KRW). Additionally, the base Platinum trim retains most features from the previous model but now includes a 'rear seat belt buckle lighting' as standard. The Masters trim, which experienced the largest price hike, now comes standard with previously optional features such as powered front headrests, an Ergo Motion seat for the passenger, and an air-cell type lumbar support.

The revamped Kia K9 faces a significant challenge: can it survive amidst fierce competition?

Currently, the Kia K9 competes against models like the Genesis G80 and G90 in South Korea. The G80, in particular, has sold over 53,000 units since the launch of its third-generation complete redesign in 2020, establishing a strong presence in the large sedan market. The starting price for the G80 is in the upper $40,000 range (6,000,000 KRW). Additionally, aggressive discount policies from import car manufacturers allow consumers to choose from options within a similar price range as the K9. As a result, K9 sales have been relatively sluggish.

Ultimately, while the Kia K9 has strengthened its market appeal with this model update, it still faces the daunting task of overcoming the high barriers set by Genesis models like the G80 and G90. Last year, only 79 units were exported, which could pose a significant challenge for strengthening the brand's position in the global automotive market. However, with its luxurious design and advanced specifications aimed at differentiation, it will be interesting to see how much presence it can establish in the domestic automotive market moving forward. We appreciate your valuable feedback in the comments and wish you a joyful and happy day as we conclude this post.

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