Photo: jeff
When Kia unveiled the K9 back in 2012, the US customers weren’t all that phased. That’s because they already have plenty of luxurious limousines to choose from already. Even so, when the K900 was added to the US line-up, it started turning some heads.
That’s because it is extremely cheap for what it’s offering. Even in the guise tested by us which included the VIP package, the under $70,000 tag means you get to use a lot of extra optionals that would take the price of similarly equipped BMWs, Lexi, and Audis near and above the $100,000.
So what is in a brand’s name? Could people get over the Kia badge that sits up front? Well, logic dictates that’s what normal people would do but our question is, would you?
Be honest now, as we would find it hard to purchase the K900 even with all the amenities it offers and that 5-liter V8 under the bonnet. To be completely honest, the best place to be in this car is the back seat.
It offers comfort, good materials and basically everything you need. Furthermore, driving this car won’t be a revelation or an enthusiastic experience. It will rather feel like any other normal car with more power than it needs under the bonnet.
So we wouldn’t buy it for ourselves because it’s not a great driver’s car. But what about being driven in one? Well, if that’s the case, it’s unlikely that you’re the one paying for it. And that means that a company is doing you this favor.
Unless you’re in South Korea, the chances are you’ll be driven in either a Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Audi or BMW. That’s the harsh truth and for all the good money that could be saved buying this car, companies will still appeal to premium brands for their badge. And that’s a damn shame.
The question is: will we ever get beyond a brand’s name? How bad must one of the premium manufacturers mess up to finally convince people to offer Kia, Hyundai and other such companies a shot?
While we think of the answer to that conundrum, we invite you to check out our full take on the 2015 Kia K900.
So what is in a brand’s name? Could people get over the Kia badge that sits up front? Well, logic dictates that’s what normal people would do but our question is, would you?
Be honest now, as we would find it hard to purchase the K900 even with all the amenities it offers and that 5-liter V8 under the bonnet. To be completely honest, the best place to be in this car is the back seat.
It offers comfort, good materials and basically everything you need. Furthermore, driving this car won’t be a revelation or an enthusiastic experience. It will rather feel like any other normal car with more power than it needs under the bonnet.
So we wouldn’t buy it for ourselves because it’s not a great driver’s car. But what about being driven in one? Well, if that’s the case, it’s unlikely that you’re the one paying for it. And that means that a company is doing you this favor.
Unless you’re in South Korea, the chances are you’ll be driven in either a Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Audi or BMW. That’s the harsh truth and for all the good money that could be saved buying this car, companies will still appeal to premium brands for their badge. And that’s a damn shame.
The question is: will we ever get beyond a brand’s name? How bad must one of the premium manufacturers mess up to finally convince people to offer Kia, Hyundai and other such companies a shot?
While we think of the answer to that conundrum, we invite you to check out our full take on the 2015 Kia K900.
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