Kia K9 (2012) first official pictures

Kia has launched its new K9 flagship saloon in Korea. The rear-drive V6-engined saloon, dubbed K9 in Kia's domestic market nomenclature, is a first move upmarket for Hyundai's erstwhile budget brand. CAR picked up word of the new Kia last year, when it seemed that Kia would get a V8-engined flagship to match the range-topping Hyundai Equus. It didn't quite turn out that way.

With a 5090mm overall length, 1900mm width, 1490mm height and 3045mm wheelbase, the K9 is close to a standard-wheelbase Jaguar XJ in size. Funnily enough it's the same wheelbase as the Hyundai Equus, and the K9 shares its underpinnings with Hyundai's largest saloon.

K9 gets its motivation from the 286bhp 3.8-litre Lambda V6 petrol engine. A direct-injection V6 in the same capacity will be introduced in 2013, and offer a bump in power output to 329bhp. No sign at this stage of Hyundai's 5.4-litre Tau V8 engine, as seen in the Equus, and Genesis R. But the K9 does benefit from an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Technology-wise, K9 benefits from its Hyundai sister saloons, and features
fully adaptive all-LED headlamps, lane departure warning and blindspot detection systems, a 17-speaker sound system, and adaptive cruise control. 

One aspect of the K9 which isn't a Hyundai hand-me-down is the car's styling. The K9 continues the good run of designs under Peter Schreyer's management, and avoids the chintzy details of the Equus.

Kia has no plans to bring K9 to the UK, but will begin export sales to other markets in the fourth quarter of 2012.

By Mark Hamilton