Home > News & Blogs > 2019 Kia K900 Review: Why It Remains Kirkland’s Top Luxury Sedan
2019 Kia K900 Review: Why It Remains Kirkland’s Top Luxury Sedan
Kia K900: The Luxury Sedan That Defies Expectations
Discover why this understated premium sedan offers remarkable value against German and Japanese rivals
The Ultimate Value Proposition in Luxury Motoring
In a market dominated by prestigious badges and six-figure price tags, the Kia K900 emerges as what automotive experts call "the Costco Kirkland Signature of luxury sedans" — offering comparable quality to established luxury brands at a fraction of the cost. This full-size premium sedan delivers nearly everything you'd expect from vehicles costing $20,000-$30,000 more, wrapped in an intentionally understated package designed for those who prioritize substance over status.
Key Highlights
- Pricing Advantage: Starts at $60,895 — significantly below comparable German and Japanese luxury sedans
- Powertrain Excellence: 365-hp twin-turbo V6 with velvety 8-speed automatic transmission
- VIP Rear Cabin: Optional $4,000 package transforms rear seating into near-limousine comfort
- Standard Features: Includes advanced safety tech and premium amenities that competitors charge extra for
- Driving Experience: Classic luxury focus on isolation and comfort over sporty handling
Design Philosophy: Understated Elegance
Understanding the K900's design requires appreciating its South Korean origins. Unlike flashy European luxury sedans designed to attract attention, the K900 follows Asian luxury principles where subtlety conveys status. Corporate executives and high-ranking officials typically ride in the back seat, making ostentatious styling unnecessary — and potentially inappropriate.
The exterior maintains Kia's signature tiger-nose grille but otherwise adopts clean, conservative lines that won't date quickly. At 201.6 inches long with a 122.8-inch wheelbase, its proportions communicate substantial presence without resorting to aggressive styling cues common in German rivals.
Interior Execution: Premium With Some Compromises
Where the K900 makes its strongest case is in cabin space and comfort. The redesigned interior offers:
- 42.1 inches of front legroom (comparable to Mercedes S-Class)
- 38.2 inches of rear legroom (expanding to 42.9 inches with VIP Package)
- 15.3 cubic feet trunk capacity (larger than Audi A8)
Material quality presents a mixed bag. While genuine leather upholstery and excellent seat comfort impress, some interior plastics and the optional "engineered wood" trim fall short of segment leaders. The available VIP Package dramatically enhances rear seat accommodations with:
- Power-adjustable reclining rear seats with ventilation
- Rear pillar-mounted climate vents
- Wireless charging and premium headliner
- VIP control panel for front passenger seat adjustment
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Driving Experience: Traditional Luxury Refined
The K900's engineering team prioritized classic luxury virtues — isolation from road imperfections, whisper-quiet operation, and effortless power delivery. The sole powertrain combines a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 (365 hp/376 lb-ft) with an 8-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive.
Strengths
- Remarkably smooth power delivery with immediate torque response
- Excellent noise isolation — among quietest in class
- Compliant ride quality without excessive body motion
- Confident highway stability ideal for long-distance travel
Compromises
- Numb steering feedback limits engagement
- Significant curb weight (4,555 lbs) apparent in transitions
- Fuel economy (18/25/21 mpg) trails some competitors
- No performance-oriented driving modes or adaptive suspension
Unlike sport-tuned German rivals, the K900 embraces its role as a comfortable cruiser. The suspension absorbs road imperfections with impressive composure, while the powertrain delivers acceleration that feels more muscular than its specifications suggest. During highway testing, the K900 maintained near-silent cabin noise levels even at 80 mph — a testament to its acoustic glass and extensive sound-deadening materials.
Technology & Safety: Surprisingly Comprehensive
Where the K900 truly surprises is in its standard equipment levels. Every model includes:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation
- Lexicon premium audio system (17 speakers)
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration
- Full-color head-up display
- 360-degree camera system
- Advanced safety suite (forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, etc.)
The optional VIP Package adds a stunning 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with multiple display themes that coordinate with the ambient lighting system. While the interface lacks the polish of Audi's Virtual Cockpit or Mercedes' MBUX, it offers more customization than most Japanese luxury systems.
Safety Performance
Standard driver assistance features include:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist | Detects vehicles/pedestrians and applies brakes if needed |
Lane Following Assist | Centers vehicle in lane at all speeds |
Smart Cruise Control | Full stop-and-go capability in traffic |
Rear Occupant Alert | Warns if motion detected in rear seats after parking |
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Competitive Landscape: Value Redefined
The K900's strongest argument comes when comparing specifications and pricing against established luxury brands:
Model | Base Price | Standard HP | Key Advantages |
---|---|---|---|
Kia K900 | $60,895 | 365 | Most standard features, VIP rear seat option |
Cadillac CT6 (3.0T) | $67,590 | 404 | More powerful, magnetic ride control |
Lexus LS 500 | $76,000 | 416 | Superior brand cachet, hybrid option |
Audi A8 | $84,795 | 335 | More advanced tech, quattro reputation |
Notably, the K900 undercuts its corporate cousin, the Genesis G90 (starting at $72,200), despite sharing platforms and numerous components. This pricing strategy creates an intriguing value proposition for informed buyers willing to forego brand prestige.
Who Should Consider the K900?
This luxury sedan makes most sense for:
- Value-focused luxury buyers: Those who prioritize features and comfort over brand recognition
- Executive transport users: Especially with VIP Package for exceptional rear seat comfort
- Long-distance commuters: Superior highway comfort and quietness
- Discerning secondary vehicle owners: As an alternative to certified pre-owned luxury sedans
The K900 particularly shines when compared to base-model German luxury sedans, which often arrive with fewer standard features at higher prices. For example, the K900 includes adaptive cruise control and ventilated seats standard — features that often require $5,000+ option packages in competitors.
Final Verdict
The Kia K900 represents one of the automotive market's most compelling value propositions for buyers seeking traditional luxury virtues. While it lacks the brand cachet of European marques and some material polish, it delivers about 90% of the luxury experience at 60-70% of the price. For those who appreciate understated elegance and refuse to pay premium-brand premiums, the K900 deserves serious consideration — especially with the transformative VIP Package that creates a genuinely executive-class rear cabin experience.
As luxury vehicles increasingly emphasize sporty performance over comfort, the K900's commitment to serene, isolated motoring makes it somewhat unique. It's not the sedan for driving enthusiasts, but rather for those who view their vehicle as a mobile sanctuary — and who appreciate getting more for less.

motorverorachael
Last Updated On May, 30-2025