Lower, wider, and longer Kia K5 revealed

MANILA: Almost 10 years after the 2011 Kia Optima laid the groundwork for one of the most critical development and success stories in the automotive industry, Kia Motors America (KMA) is once again raising standards with the launch of the all-new 2021 Kia K5 midsize sedan.

Being able to represent one of the most significant milestones between generations in recent automobile history, the K5 marks this groundbreaking new chapter in the story of Kia with a similar revolutionary name for the innovative architecture of the mid-size sedan. This also includes its high-impact technology, available all-wheel drive, and turbocharged engines.

Another standout feature is the all-new performance and safety enhanced third-generation N3 platform, which will enable the K5 to sit wider, lower, and longer compared to its previous version. It also leads to a deeper center of gravity and an aggressive look for a more thrilling driving experience.

The all-new Kia K5 will be on sale in four trim levels, namely EX, GT-Line, LXS, and LX, with a sportier GT to follow suit.

Being a driving force for the further transformation of the Kia lineup, the angular and powerful design language of the K5 denotes another phase of passion and eloquence for the brand.

For the all-new Kia K5, exterior dimensions have been enhanced in all corners to generate a sport sedan vibe. Suspension geometry is also maximized for stability, responsiveness, and sporty handling.

The centerpiece is the modernized “tiger face” of Kia with the thin and wide front grille stretching into the hood structure and headlight. From the side, the fastback and low-slung silhouette of the K5 validate the perception that it was built to run. A chrome garnish spanning the roof and wrapping around the rear glass emphasizes it.

The all-new K5 features a gloss black appliqué on the rear glass for the improvement of the fastback shape while retaining sedan cargo space and functionality, signature “heartbeat” daytime taillights and running lights with available LED “dashes” spanning the width of the rear deck lid, and shark skin-inspired mesh design on dual chrome exhaust tip garnish and front grille for the GT and the GT-Line trim levels.

The K5 mid-size sedan also includes newly configured 16-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch alloy wheels. The 18-inch and 19-inch wheels are fitted with sporty Pirelli P-Zero tires. Other features include a flat-bottom, sport steering wheel for the GT and GT-Line trim levels, aircraft-type shift knob, and a panoramic sunroof.

The K5 is also fitted with sporty and outstanding upholstery options, which include wood-like and satin chrome metallic finishes on the door panels and dashboard and red leatherette seating.

The efficient and thrilling powertrain options come with a “turbocharged” lineup that has a selection of two powerful engines.

The 2.5-liter turbocharged GDI + MPI four-cylinder engine is mated to an in-house eight-speed “wet” dual-clutch transmission, which is a first for the Kia and generates accurate and quick gearshifts. The engine produces 290hp of power output and 422Nm of torque.

Another engine is the 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine that generates 264Nm of torque and 180hp, managed by an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. This is applicable for the EX, GT-Line, LXS, and LX trim levels.

Reconciling the open cockpit layout is a newly built infotainment system that extends smoothly across the instrument panel, providing a sleek, three-dimensional interface and driver-focused space.

The engine adopts the continuously variable valve duration (CVVD) functionality, which leads to performance enhancement and boost in efficiency due to the independent control of the valve duration.

Available all-wheel-drive (AWD) offers all-weather capacity and improved driving performance through actively allocating torque between the rear and front wheels, depending on the driving and road scenarios (for the GT Line and LXS option). The AWD option, which is a first for the Kia sedan, is front-wheel drive-based and will be available in the late part of 2020. The all-wheel-drive system also helps in enhancing capability and traction.

In terms of smart key functions, the all-new K5 features a remote engine start and climate that pre-acclimatizes the cabin before entry into the vehicle. Through a hands-free Smart Trunk, accessibility to the rear simply opens up when the Smart Key is perceived behind the car.

Advanced driver-assistance systems in the all-new Kia K5 include a standard forward collision warning (FCW), standard forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA), standard FCA-Pedestrian, and available FCA-Cyclist which builds upon FCW standard driver attention warning.

Other features are leading vehicle departure alert, standard lane following assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, FCA junction turning, safe exist assist, highway driving assist, navigation-based smart cruise control-curve, and  parking collision avoidance assist.

Photos from Kia

Also read: 2020 Kia Optima aka K5 sedan gets two turbo engines and 4WD, Kia PH to open 4 more dealerships in 2020