Finally the KIA K8 facelift prototypes are showing its updated design in a new set of spy photos found at Bobaedream. These pictures allow us to see a more radical front design change than in K5 and also to our colleagues at NYMammoth to update their rendering.
The new headlights remind us a lot of what we have seen in updated Sorento or upcoming K4 sedan. Also the rear shows new taillights for the first time. Kia has made an effort in order to try to increase sales of their K8 which is outsaled by Hyundai’s Grandeur.
Captured near Hyundai-Kia R&D Center, the KIA K8 facelift was spotted heavily camouflaged so it is difficult to see differences. We cannot appreciate any bigger differences that affects any part of the design as this is probably in an early stage of development.
Talking about the powertrain, we don’t expect many changes compared to the currently line-up despite a small fine-tuning to make the engines more efficient and probably adding a higher density battery pack to increase the electric range in the HEV variant. It is expected that the bigger changes will be concentred in the front of the vehicle, the most criticized part.
As for the inside, looking at the recently launched Sorento, you can bet Kia will apply the same dual screen curved glass system as well as the latest safety and tech features including on demand features. A new EV9-inspired steering wheel, a pair of 12,3 curved displays and more will be added to the updated K8. It is difficult to know when Kia plans to release this facelift but we don’t expect it before Summer 2024 in South Korea, with European and US-spec models arriving by end of 2024.
What do you expect for the updated KIA K8?
