Hello, I’m Double View, an automotive influencer.
When considering the most anticipated sedan of 2024, the Kia K8 undoubtedly stands out.
Having contemplated purchasing this model, I test drove it over five times through various channels.
The K8 facelift model features
design changes that reflect Kia's design identity, along with the latest infotainment system,
and a host of driving convenience and safety assistance systems, earning praise that exceeded expectations.
In conclusion, my wife and I disagreed on the purchase,
and with the price exceeding our expectations, we decided against it.
However, I believe the facelift model poses a worthy challenge to the Hyundai Grandeur.
Yet, as the new car effect of the Kia K8 fades, the sales gap is widening again.
What about the sales figures for Q4 2024 and January 2025?
What about the sales figures for Q4 2024 and January 2025?
In Q4 2024, Kia K8 sales reached 11,667 units, failing to narrow the gap with the Hyundai Grandeur, which sold 19,692 units.
As the new car effect diminishes, the gap continues to widen.
By January 2025, the All-New Grandeur sold 5,711 units, while the K8 only managed 2,297 units.
While various reasons may exist, the bottom line is that the K8's sales figures fall short of even half of the Grandeur's.
Why is the Kia K8 underperforming compared to the Grandeur?
Since its debut in 1986, the Hyundai Grandeur has solidified its image as a mid-size luxury sedan.
In contrast, the Kia K8, designed to compete with the Grandeur, still holds relatively low brand recognition among customers.
The design changes reflecting the latest trends have garnered praise from the 2030 demographic rather than the primary customer base of those over 40.
Did the K8 resonate more with younger consumers?
Perhaps the bold design changes may not have been enough to sway the older demographic, who tend to prefer well-known brands and models and prioritize external image.
Among my acquaintances who were considering the Kia K8 and Hyundai Grandeur, I noticed that they ultimately focused more on the brand recognition and ride quality of the Grandeur rather than the advantages I experienced during my test drives of the K8.
In the end, the long-established performance, luxurious image, and brand power of the Hyundai Grandeur overshadowed the changes in the Kia K8.
Did the K8 lack sufficient points to attract its primary customer base?
Of course, one cannot expect to achieve everything at once.
When the Kia K7 launched, it quickly captured attention and established itself, but as it began to lag behind the Grandeur, it transitioned to the K8 model name.
In a way, Kia took a gamble by abandoning the K7 name to compete with the Grandeur, but ultimately this indecisive strategy failed to gain customer trust.
Moving forward, rather than changing the model name, Kia should focus on establishing a unique identity for the K8 and enhancing its luxurious image.
Instead of implementing price increases through product improvements during the facelift, a more reasonable pricing strategy may be necessary.
The Kia K8 is an attractive mid-size sedan despite facing competition from the Hyundai Grandeur!
The Kia K8 is an attractive mid-size sedan despite facing competition from the Hyundai Grandeur!
my experience test driving the Kia K8 revealed it to be an appealing mid-size sedan.
During the test drive, I noticed improvements in its futuristic front design compared to its predecessor,
and the appropriate use of wood and metal materials enhanced its luxurious feel as a mid-size sedan.
The panoramic curved display provided clear information, and the user interface was intuitive with quick response times, leading to high user satisfaction.
The front seats feature Ergo Motion seats that reduce fatigue during long drives, and the second row offers class-leading space, enhancing its utility as a family car.
I found the driving experience to be smooth; however, the second-row comfort felt slightly firmer compared to the Grandeur.
This makes the K8 more suitable for owner-driven use rather than as a chauffeur-driven vehicle.
The advanced driving assistance systems provided stability even on congested roads, showcasing Kia's technological prowess.
If you're considering both domestic and imported models, I highly recommend taking the K8 for a test drive before making a decision.
Today, I shared a brief test drive of the Kia K8 and discussed the reasons for its struggles against the Hyundai Grandeur.
Since I nearly purchased this model, I developed an attachment after multiple test drives.
If you have any additional questions, please leave a comment, and I will respond promptly.