First spy pics of Kia's new flagship rear-wheel drive saloon, which goes on sale in Korea in 2013

Kia's new luxury flagship has been spied in winter testing for the first time. The new rear-drive saloon, previewed as the Kia KH in a series of official sketches by Kia earlier this week, is tipped to make production in 2013 badged Kia K9.

The Kia K9 is similar in size and proportions to the BMW 7-series and Mercedes S-class. Engine details remain scarce, but the K9 is tipped to use a larger capacity V8 petrol unit. The test car features a large pair of exhaust pipes integrated into the rear bumper.

See sketches and spy pics of the Kia K9

Features of the new saloon that are partly masked in these spy pictures but previewed in the sketches include bold LED headlights and a large version of the firm's now familiar 'tiger nose grille', which has become a trademark of Kia chief designer Peter Schreyer.

Kia's marketing director Soon-Nam Lee said: "Our all-new flagship saloon integrates all of our key capabilities such as design, performance, high-tech features and infotainment into one striking model."

While availability of the new Kia K9 in other markets remains unclear, Kia has confirmed that it will not reach Europe.

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Ruperts Trooper 17 February 2012

Re: New flagship Kia revealed

TegTypeR wrote:

Are they right not to bring it to Europe? Without a suitable diesel power train, quite probably but you have to wonder how long before their reputation is sufficiently robust enough for them to consider it?

What's unsuitable about the Hyundai S-series 3.0 V6 diesel?

Both Hyundai and Kia are well aware that "premium" in America just isn't good enough to compete in Europe as premium which is why we don't see many of their models.

But things are changing so it'll happen.

PRODIGY 17 February 2012

Re: New flagship Kia revealed

In response to those who've suggested that Kia should market this under a new Lexus chasing brand, Hyundai being the parent company would surely be the ones to do this, and indeed nearly did with the Genesis.

Mario B 14 February 2012

Re: New flagship Kia revealed

Agreed. Lexus had enough of a problem in Europe and they started without the baggage of a range of 'value' cars. Still fancy a go in one.