What’s New in the Kia K8 2025: A Detailed Overview

First launched in 2021 and replacing the Cadenza, the Kia K8 is a large sedan based on the N3 platform. It competes with cars such as the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, etc. As more and more buyers gravitate towards SUVs, sedans like the Kia K8 are becoming increasingly rare in the UAE.

While some markets get the facelifted model, the UAE soldiers on with the pre-facelift K8. Regardless, this sedan promises a raft of features and powertrain options to go along with its eye-catching design. Considering the market dynamics, cars like the Kia K8 may become a thing of the past in the coming years.

Variants & Price

Kia sells different variants of the K8 based on the market and demand. Customers in the UAE could choose from the following: 2.5L GDI, 3.5L GDI, and 1.6T Hybrid. Depending on the dealership and variant, the Kia K8 2025 could cost from AED 145,950 to around AED 165,000. Kia also provides its customers with a 5-year/unlimited kilometers warranty.

Exterior

The Kia K8 2025 is blessed with some graceful lines and an elegant profile that distinguishes it from many other sedans. The K8 almost looks like it has been stretched from end to end – its limousine-like proportions are quite noticeable. Not only that, but the K8’s long hood and steeply-sloped roof only make this sedan look that much more attractive.

The 2,895 mm wheelbase of the K8 should open up more room on the inside. As for its dimensions, the Kia K8 measures 5,015 mm in length and 1,875 mm in width. Despite its fastback-type roofline, the K8’s 1,455 mm height means it’s slightly taller than its chief Japanese rivals. Meanwhile, the boot capacity of the K8 is 510 liters.

The front of the K8 is reasonably loud and flashy, courtesy of its large grille that’s backlit by multiple LEDs. There are more diamond-shaped LEDs found on the stylized bumper, which also integrates sleek air curtains. The primary headlamps are sleek LED units – the connected LED taillights are more angular, though.

The rear of the K8 boasts crisp angles and prominent cuts, which make a pretty bold statement. There are dual (fake) exhaust tips in the back bumper, while the spoiler extension is hiding the K8’s reversing camera. The Kia K8 has two-tone alloy wheels – these are either 18- or 19-inch units. One thing’s clear, the K8’s design is hard to ignore.

Interior

It might be the pre-facelift model, but the interior of the Kia K8 looks thoroughly modern and upmarket. It feels wide and spacious owing to the open design and the way in which the doors meet the edges of the dashboard. Most things you touch have a sense of quality to them and feel well put-together.

The natural wood trim and metallic accents look nice, while the quilted leather seats are well-designed and comfy. Facets such as the raised center console section and the hanger-type headrests are thoughtfully executed, enhancing usability and practicality. There’s no shortage of rear legroom or kneeroom, whilst the multi-purpose armrest increases comfort and controllability of certain features.

The Kia K8 gets heated & cooled seats, three-zone automatic climate control, rear sunblinds, LED ambient lighting, push-button start, etc. There’s a 14-speaker Meridian sound system, a 12.3-inch touch-infotainment system w/ smartphone connectivity, plus a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. Adding to this list is a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, Kia Digital Key, an electronic handbrake, and projection LED headlights.

Items like the frameless rearview mirror, suede roof-lining, contoured seatbacks, and a two-tone steering wheel add to this cabin’s appeal. Kia has provided multiple USB ports to keep your smart devices charged up and ready. There’s a sense of plushness and calmness in the K8’s cabin, aided by excellent fit-and-finish and good sound insulation.

Engine and performance

The Kia K8’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine develops 195 hp and 248 Nm of torque. Its fuel economy is around 11.7 kmpl or 8.5 L/100 km, which is decent for a car this size. There’s also a 3.5-liter V6 with 296 hp and 359 Nm of torque. The engine is understandably thirstier, consuming around 10.3 kmpl or 9.7 L/100 km.

With nearly 300 horsepower, this six-cylinder enables the K8 to accelerate from 0-100 kmph in under 7 seconds. It also has a top speed in excess of 210 kmph. The four-cylinder needs around 9 seconds to hit 100 kmph from a standstill and has a lower top speed. Nevertheless, both these engines are mated to the same 8-speed automatic transmission.

The K8 Hybrid’s powertrain comprises a turbo-petrol engine, an electric motor, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Its fuel economy hovers around 17.1 kmpl or 5.8 L/100 km, which is good but not as good as the Camry Hybrid. All versions come with independent front & rear suspension, wherein the ride is on the softer side with no sporty intent.

Safety

Among the many safety features of the Kia K8 are up to 10 airbags, plus stability & traction control systems. There’s a rear-occupant alert, color head-up display, surround-view cameras, blind-spot monitoring, lane-following assist, and forward-collision avoidance assist w/ emergency braking. The K8 gets adaptive cruise control, hill-hold control, ISOFIX seats, and front & rear parking sensors.

Conclusion

The Kia K8’s first & foremost forte is its rarity – there really aren’t that many around. Then there is the well-finished & comfortable cabin, V6-equipped performance, and a well-balanced tech package that mostly works well. Where the K8 stumbles is in terms of its absolute fuel economy, purchase cost, and the unavailability of the latest model.

The K8’s interior is mostly devoid of physical controls, instead relying on touch-sensitive buttons. The HVAC controls, especially, are really small and hard to hit when driving. Then there’s the depreciation factor – high-end Kias usually don’t fetch a good sum in the used car market.