The current K8, with its prominent grille, slim headlights, and elegant lines, is visually appealing. However, Kia is shifting to an EV9-inspired front end. This 'Opposites United' design language has been applied to other ICE-powered Kias recently, such as the Sorento and the Carnival.
This new front fascia gives the K8 a bold, squared-off look, enhancing its presence in the South Korean luxury car market. The 'Starmap Signature Lighting,' featuring a lightbar that spans the width of the fascia, adds a sophisticated and luxurious touch.
At the rear, the K8 retains the taillight shape introduced in 2021, but with sleeker, more refined lighting elements. While other changes are hard to discern, it's expected that Kia will offer new wheel designs, updated trim, and a significantly revised interior.
The K8 competes with BMW and Mercedes, popular in South Korea, and its cousin, the Hyundai Grandeur/Azera. Since its introduction, 130,000 K8s have been sold in its home market. The new styling aims to maintain these sales figures. For further updates, the Grandeur, which debuted in 2022, may offer clues. The Kia may adopt some of the Grandeur’s features, though this is yet to be confirmed.
Offered exclusively with front-wheel drive, the K8 (and Grandeur) comes with four engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid, a 3.5-liter V6, and an LPG-powered 3.5-liter V6.
Source: CarBuzz