2019 Kia K900 adopts understated design and the Stinger’s V6 heart

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The full-size luxury sedan celebrates its U.S. debut at NYIAS

Fresh from its world debut in Korea (where it is known as the K9), the all-new 2019 Kia K900 has been unveiled in U.S. specification at the New York Auto Show.

Slightly longer and wider than the outgoing model, the new K900 adopts a traditional luxury sedan look that Kia describes as "stately." Highlights include the new "Quadric pattern" signature grille, the LED headlights and taillights, satin chrome trim on the sides, and multi-spoke 19-inch wheels.

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The exterior's understated look is matched by the cabin's minimalist appearance — but that only applies to the design. The sedan features a tasteful combination of materials such as metal veneers, open pore matte wood selections (Walnut, Brown Olive Ash, Beige Olive Ash, and Engineered Wood), and soft leather (Black, Beige, Espresso Brown or two-tone Sienna Brown).

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The dashboard looks clean and ergonomic and is dominated by a 12.3-inch Human Machine Interface (HMI) touchscreen that contrasts with the Maurice Lacroix analog clock placed below it. The standard instrument cluster is a high-resolution seven-inch color TFT, with a 12.3-inch color TFT instrument cluster available as an option. Kia also offers an optional 9.7-inch Head-Up Display (HUD).

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As one would expect from a Korean luxury sedan, the K900 is loaded with features. Highlights are the available 20-way adjustable driver seat and 12-way adjustable front passenger seat, heating and ventilation for the outer rear seats, 64-color ambient lights, a modem-based Premium Navigation system, a 900-watt 17-speaker Harman Kardon/Lexicon system, and much more.

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As for safety systems, the K900 comes with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as Surround View Monitor, Blind Spot View Monitor, Lane Keep Assist System, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Avoidance Alert, and more. It also offers semi-autonomous driving capabilities such as Lane Follow Assist and Advanced Smart Cruise Control.

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Under the hood, the 2019 Kia K900 packs a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 that makes 365 hp and 376 lb-ft (509 Nm) of torque. It's the same engine from the Stinger fastback sports sedan, and it's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via a full-time Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control all-wheel-drive system.

Also sourced from the Stinger, the AWD system is rear biased and electronically controlled based on road conditions, being able to distribute up to 50 percent of torque to the front wheels and up to 80 percent to the rear wheels in Sport mode.

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Thanks to the longer wheelbase, wider stance, stronger chassis, and four-wheel independent suspension geometry, the 2019 K900 is said to offer greater control and stability than its predecessor, as well as an "ultra-smooth" ride. The luxury sedan has also made advances as far as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are concerned.

The all-new K900 will go on sale in the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2018, with pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale date.

READ MORE: Our review of the European-spec 2017 Kia Stinger 2.2 diesel AWD