Kia debuts new K8 sedan as the Cadenza's high-tech successor

ABU DHABI: Kia has gone through a huge transformation, shifting from budget-friendly, basic cars to offering high-end models such as the Carnival minivan and Telluride SUV with luxurious options. The full-size Cadenza sedan that was last sold in 2020 in the U.S. has been introduced as the new K8 in South Korea.

The design of the new K8 is influenced by Kia’s electric vehicles and its "Opposites United" design language. The new K8 boasts thin vertical headlights that look identical to those present on the EV9 SUV with illuminated hash marks. The tail lights stretch across the car’s width, with vertical LEDs and a slim horizontal strip. The vehicle also features a sloping, sleek roofline.

inside the K8, updates include soft-touch materials throughout the cabin and repositioned climate controls below the central air vents. The dashboard features an LED ambient light strip, and the rear seats have illuminated seat belt buckles. Safety enhancements include 10 airbags as standard across all models and adaptive high-beam headlights to prevent blinding other drivers.

The new Kia K8 comes in several drivetrain options - a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 195 hp, a more powerful 3.5-litre V6 with 296 hp (with all-wheel drive), a 3.5-litre liquid propane injection engine with 237 hp, and a hybrid 1.6-litre unit delivering 227 hp.

Kia has not revealed yet whether the new K8 will be available in the UAE, but we're hoping it will be.

Also read: Kia unveils EV3 electric SUV