Video: 2016 Kia K900 – Defining Pseudo Luxury

“If your only concern is to be surrounded by soft-leather surfaces, hide behind window shades, and disconnect yourself from the road as much as possible without falling asleep at the wheel, the Kia K900 is just for you.”

2016 Kia K900 – Defining Pseudo Luxury

“Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” That’s exactly how I felt after driving the 2016 Kia K900 for a week, including a 350 mile stint from Indianapolis to the cheesy state of Wisconsin.

Just because you’re able to buy a $60k car, or a $60k Kia at that, it doesn’t mean you should. Just because Kia can build a $60k luxury car, it doesn’t mean they should. And lastly, just because a sedan costs $60k, it doesn’t really mean it’s a luxury car. Confusing? Maybe, but the Kia K900 is exactly what one might expect out of a mid 2000’s Buick. You know, before Buick started building good cars.

In a nutshell, the Kia K900, which I’m convinced is named after a fax machine or part-number, offers a variety of luxury features (which you can see in our video review), but still falls short of its competition when it comes to offering a refined driving experience, dynamics and overall sense of luxury.

Sure, it’s not all bad. After all, it’s hard to call this a “bad” car when it offers comfortable seats, user-friendly and cutting-edge technology, the best heads-up display I’ve experienced on any car at any price range, and a backseat executive enough  to transport dignitaries. The big problem is—it’s a Kia, and it costs $10,000 more than a base model BMW 5-Series, and only $6,000 less than a stunning Mercedes Benz CLS 4-door coupe. Am I comparing apples to oranges? Maybe a little, but the fact is that $60,000 dollars are still $60,000 dollars regardless of what you spend them on.

On the road, the Kia K900 is a very comfortable place to be, but the steering is so disconnected from the road that you’ll often find yourself fine-tuning your direction, because sometimes you can’t feel where the tires are pointing. When it comes to the rear, the kids will have a field day playing with the control pad built into the center armrest, and mess with the ac, seat position and power shades all day long, which means you’ll spend your entire ride screaming at them to stop.

While the 16-way power adjustable driver’s seat is more comfortable than a $15,000 massaging chair from the Sharper Image, and the Lexicon premium audio system (featured in Rolls Royce vehicles) will literally blow your mind away (it’s seriously good), it’s the silly shortcomings that will leave you a bit dumbfounded.

For example, you can open the power trunk gate from the key fob, but you can’t close it. So if you carry all of your groceries into the house and leave the trunk open, you’ll have to physically come out and close it by hand… the horror!

The Verdict 

If you have a $60,000 budget, go look at a brand that builds luxury cars. If you want a reliable, good-looking, fuel-efficient and fun to drive mid-size sedan, crossover, SUV, or even minivan, look at the rest of the Kia lineup.

2016 Kia K900 V6 Luxury

• Starts at: $49,000
• Price tested as: $60,000