A new-comer to the premium segment, Kia isn't the kind of automaker you think about when talking about full-size cars. But the Korean maker has been offering big sedans since the 1990s, when it made its own version of the Mazda Luce and Sentia, sold as the Potentia and Enterprise, respectively. Kia's very own design came in 2003 as the Opirus, which was sold in the U.S. as the Amanti, with surprisingly good results. But the brand made a significant step up the premium ladder in 2012, when it introduced the K900. Also known as the K9 and Quoris in other markets, the K900 became the company's first real competitor for German big boys like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. Come 2018, and the second-generation model is underway for an official unveiling at the New York Auto Show. And man it sure looks hot!

Unique, Upscale Design

There are no official details about the car just yet, but the photos published by Kia on its Korean website give us a good idea of what we'll be seeing in New York. The sedan was obviously redesigned from the ground up on the outside, and it looks way better than the outgoing model. It has a cleaner, more upscale design, but it also boasts an array of unique features in the Kia lineup. Sure, the grille is still based on the brand's "tiger nose" design, but it's larger than anything else we've seen before, and the mesh is unique to this model. The headlamps are quite fancy too thanks to those new LED strips that seem to float under the lens.

The rear is actually a bit bland for a luxury car, but I don't really mind the subdued stance. The taillights mimic the headlamps in terms of shape, size, and LED layout, but the chrome trim gives them a premium look. The profile suggests a full-fledged flagship sedan, but the fastback-like rear end and the short decklid adds a touch of sportiness.

Leather-packed Interior

The interior looks ready to compete with the big guns from BMW and Audi. The presentation models come with a two-tone cabin in cream and brown, as well as big pieces of wood veneer on the dashboard, door panels, and center console. A very classy layout. The clean center stack includes an analog watch, but the instrument cluster seems digital. The heated steering is not only wrapped in leather, but features wood trim as well. A big display sits atop the center stack, and it probably includes Kia's latest infotainment system.

Three Engines

Korean specs include three different engines for the new K900. It's not yet known whether all three options will come to the U.S., but we could get at least two. The lineup kicks off with the 3.3-liter V-6 rated at 296 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque. A bigger 3.8-liter V-6 cranks out 329 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of twist. Both engines mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel-drive is optional. Finally, the familiar 5.0-liter V-8 unit pumps 419 horses and 376 pound-feet in the range-topping model.

In South Korea, the new K900 starts from around $48,000 in base spec but upgrading to the biggest V-6 bumps the sticker to around $54,000. The V-8-powered version comes in at around $81,000 before options. These figures will probably change a bit in North America, so stay tuned for updates.

References

Kia K900

Audi Execs Will Fall Out of their Chairs when they See This Sketch of the Kia K900 Interior }

Kia's Teaser of the Next-Gen K900 Shows Us A Sign Of What's To Come.

Read our full review on the current 2017 Kia K900.

Read more New York Auto Show news.

Read more Kia news.