Kia K7 (2nd gen) vs. Hyundai Grandeur (6th gen) - 2020 minor change

Kia's K7 and Hyundai's Grandeur, in their current generation, are now on their 2020 model years with their minor changes sporting bold new looks while retaining their same experiences for the drivers ever since they went on sale three years ago.

2020 Kia K7 Premier

First off, let's take a look at the facelifted second-generation Kia K7. Starting at 30,940,000 Korean Won (around $31,000), the K7 Premier, as they called it, features a distinctively new look inside and out, and new engine choices, not to mention the added tech involved.

Starting at the design, Kia must have done a good job revising the second-generation K7 for the 2020 model year. Tthe trademark Tiger Nose grille now sized like the grilles from the BMW 8-Series while the DRLs now aligning with the grille for a more dramatic look. On the back, Kia copied the rear view of the Genesis G90 while slapping some Kia credentials on it, making it harder for people to distinguish between the two cars in terms of rear views insights.

2020 Kia K7 Premier interior

The interior has been heavily redesigned on this minor change except for the steering wheel, which is a carry-over from the pre-facelifted model. The new interior throws away the analog clock from the pre-facelifted model, which is rather obvious for this model, while implementing a much longer touch screen which is updated on the go and works with the camera feature in case of sweet potatoes on the road, the K9-inspired digital instrumental panel which works with the Behind View Monitor, and a more comfortable seats for a more luxurious feel. Of course, it may be a Kia but it's about as luxurious as a BMW 3-Series of course.

In addition to the 2.2L diesel engine and 3.0L GDi engine with 266PS of power and R-MDPS, the K7 Premier comes with a brand new Smartstream G2.5 GDi engine, which combines the qualities of a gasoline direct injection and multi-port injection engines into one efficient packaging. This new engine produces a high-performance class-ish 198PS of power and 25.3kgfm of torque with combined fuel economy is expected from 11.1 to 11.9km/L. 

2020 Kia K7 Premier Hybrid

Those who are looking for a fuel-efficient ride to work may consider a hybrid variant which bolts the 159PS 2.4L petrol engine to a 38kW electric motor and a 1.76kWh li-ion battery, not to mention a six-speed AT on it to make it slightly more engaging to drive than any Japanese midsize hybrids, although the 16.2km/L combined fuel economy wasn't enough to upset its Japanese rivals.

Apart from the engine choices, the K7 Premier still comes with the front MacPherson struts and rear multilink suspension, making it as handy as expensive European imports on the go. Not bad for a poor-man's K9.

Of course, it wouldn't be a luxury car of today without tech and the K7 Premier offers Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as well as UVO connectivity, giving it plenty of reasons to explore the gadgetry lurking through this semi-luxury car for the businessmen working in the Gangnam offices.

2020 Hyundai Grandeur

If you think that the facelifted Kia K7 is very 3-Series-ish, the facelifted, sixth-generation Hyundai Grandeur might change your mind over budget luxury cars.

Priced at 32,940,000 Korean Won (around $33,000), the facelifted Grandeur is more expensive than the K7 relative but what makes it more unique is the styling this minor change delivers. Drawing inspiration from the Le Fil Concept, the facelifted Grandeur features a unique front face where the edges of the massive grille lit up, giving it a more concept car feel for a production car. Apart from the unique front view, the rear view's massively revised with a Kia Stinger-inspired rear view, which is rather unorthodox for a Hyundai.

2020 Hyundai Grandeur interior

Just like the Kia K7 Premier, the Grandeur's minor change featured a brand new interior which looks like a mashup between the Lexus LS's and the Hyundai Palisade's, that's for sure, not to mention the steering wheel which looks like the Kia K9's, but long story short because questionable interior design aside, it works like every luxury midsize saloon should be thanks to its numerous gadgets offered, the smartphone connectivity, the plush leather seats, the gear buttons, the JBL sound systems, and more. Everything that will please the luxury car buyers for more.

2020 Hyundai Grandeur Hybrid

The facelifted Hyundai Grandeur is offered in a choice of various powertrain choices ranging from the brand new Smartstream G2.5 GDi engine, which offers similar fuel efficiency as the Kia K7 Premier, the 159PS 2.4L petrol engine to a 38kW electric motor and a 1.76kWh li-ion battery for the hybrid variant, the more powerful 3.3L V6 engine with a sporty 290PS of power output, and a 3.0 LPi engine for fleet purposes.

Apart from the engine choices that made the Grandeur different to its K7 relative, they share some similar technology with safety comes first and convenience later. You get the point, of course.

So, which would you pick? For pricing, the K7 is the pick but if you consider a more powerful luxury car on a budget, consider the Grandeur with the 3.3L engine on it. Either way, they behave like expensive European imports and these two recently facelifted models are something Korean businessmen would want to have for all the right or the wrong barrels.

Photo: Kia Motors/Hyundai Motor Company

Kia All New K7 Hybrid

2017 Kia K7 Hybrid

2017 Kia K7 Hybrid interior

With the addition of the hybrid variant of Kia's second-generation K7 (Cadenza), customers now have a choice between a petrol, a diesel, or a hybrid, making this new model truly a diversive one that caters specific customers in terms of luxury, convenience, comfort, performance, and economy.

This new hybrid model carries the same trick from its little brother, the K5 Hybrid, such as the Active Air Flap on the front, which automatically engages when travelling at high speeds, allowing this car to absorb air through the engine compartment. Under the hood, the new model comes with a vaguely similar Theta II 2.4L petrol engine connected to an electric motor and a li-ion battery as well as being mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox which sounds very engaging compared to Japanese hybrid saloons mated with a rather bland CVT gearbox for reasons we don't understand. The engine produces 159ps of power output while the electric motor produces 38kw of power, overall, the combined power output is 210PS, which upsets the Honda Accord by a wide margin. For a hybrid car, the fuel efficiency of the new K7 Hybrid is a combined 16.2km/L, which is .2km/L more than the previous K7 Hybrid. What an improvement, this new model is.

To differentiate it from the normal K7, the hybrid variant comes with full-LED headlamps, chrome outside mirrors and a hybrid emblem at the back. For conveniences, it still comes with premium stuff such as an HUD, smart trunk, Krell premium sound system, and other concessions of comfort. It also comes with similar safety tech from the normal variant such as Smart BSD, Emergency Auto Brake, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Around View Monitor, and many others.

The new K7 Hybrid starts from 33.15 million to 36.85 million Korean Won.

Photo: Kia Motors

Second-Generation Kia K7

Since its launch in 2009, the K7 introduced Kia Motors a new naming scheme where all good saloons will have a K at the beginning. Don't know why but they want to sound their cars like they're the kings on the road...um...really? Anyway, the K7 (known as the Cadenza in the global left-hand markets) has now regenerated and we can expect more tech and more performance than the previous model.

2017 Kia K7

Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, and at first glance the new look for the new generation is somewhat very sharp as a rapier indeed and when gazing through its reworked Tiger Nose grille and the Z-shaped headlamps and taillights, it sure knows where it starts and where it ends in terms of design flow and between you and this car, it's like winning a game of checkers every time you say "king me".

2017 Kia K7 interior

2017 Kia K7 interior

Inside the new K7, it's all neatly organized according to plan and it's very reminiscent to a posh European saloon if you carefully examine the details. From its well-tailored upholstery, high-tech center console that manages stuff in your car including its sat-nav, the new side-by-side center armrest, the device that adjusts the front passenger seat, the new Krell Premium Sound system, and the HUD that doesn't point things out in the sunshine, you could really tell that the new K7 feels like a luxury saloon and spacing wise, it's an improvement over the previous model in terms of rear legroom and the trunk spacing. Of course, there's now a smart trunk offered on the new K7 and with the smart key in your pocket, you can open its trunk automatically without pressing the button from your keys. Ain't science grand?

The science doesn't stop there because while this new K7 promises to be technologically advanced, it's been given a host of safety features such as Smart BSD, Emergency Auto Brake, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Around View Monitor, and many others. Those tech features sounds so good for a Korean car but some skeptics felt unsure on how all of these tech features work while driving the new K7 on the road.

2017 Kia K7

So, what's under the hood for the new K7, per se? Well, it comes with three different engine choices; a powerful Lambda II 3.3L GDi producing 290PS of power, a well-balanced Theta II 2.4 GDi, and the first-ever R 2.2 e-VGT engine with a fuel consumption of 14.3km/L. All three engines are mated with an all-new 8-speed automatic gearbox.

In terms of dynamics, the new K7 feels hardly improved at all especially when its now reinforced by its ultra high-strength steel frame as well as being fitted with front MacPherson Struts and rear multilink suspension. Feels classy and as comfortable as a European business saloon but it doesn't had the fun factor to keep its sports saloon status afloat. Overall, it's far average for a car who just can't wait to be king.

The new K7 starts at 30,900,000 Korean Won, which is somewhat more than the previous model and when you look that up to the pricing of its rival, the Hyundai Grandeur, you will be shocked that this is a million Won more. Sounds costly, but the new K7 feels like a cut price solution if you can't afford a Mercedes C-Class or an Audi A4, or a BMW 3-Series, because above all, this car can't wait to shout "King Me" to the Europeans...well, the handling feels a bit kinky compared to the Europeans.

Available Colors: Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver, Platinum Graphite, Gravity Blue, Aurora Black Pearl, and Pluto Brown.

Photo: Kia Motors

Kia K7 Hybrid 700h

Back in Autumn 2009, the Kia K7 spearheaded the K-Series line of saloons and in case they forgot about it, the "K" letter stands for Kia Motors, the automaker's birthplace: Korea, the English word: kinetic, the Greek word: Kratos, and so on, relating to the letter K. With last year's facelift took place, it only takes a matter of time before Kia Motors introduced a new twist to the K7 premium saloon.

2014 Kia K7 Hybrid 700h

They now introduced the hybrid version of the K7/Cadenza under the banner "K7 Hybrid 700h" and it seems that they're going to outdo with the numbers because starting with this and alongside the K5 Hybrid 500h, which I'll be tackling on later after this, Kia adopted a new naming for their hybrid lineup that goes (number goes here)-0-0-h. This is a K7, right? So for the hybrid version, it's going to bear the 700h subname.

2014 Kia K7 Hybrid 700h

Kia Eco hybrid badge

To make sure deaf people don't mistake the K7 Hybrid 700h for an ordinary K7, the exterior looks nearly identical to the normal model except that now it has blue highlightings on the signature Tiger Nose grille, blue highlights on the projection headlamps and Daytime Running Lamps, 17-inch alloys, and an "ECO hybrid" badge; two on the side view and one at the rear view.

2014 Kia K7 Hybrid 700h

On the inside, it's pretty much identical to the normal K7 because on the hybrid model, you can see the "ECO hybrid" logo on the seats, a very different dashboard with the one of the left that looks suspiciously familiar to other hybrids except this doesn't have the words Eco, Power, and Charge on it but instead it says ECO GUIDE on it. You still get the same premium amenities as the normal K7 as well as this analog clock on the dashboard which looks quintessentially classy for a show-offer.

The K7 Hybrid 700h comes with the Theta II 2.4 MPI engine, which generates in a normal 159PS of power output, is connected to a 35kW electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. Put them together and you'll get 204PS of power while mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. As for the fuel economy, the K7 Hybrid 700h gets a moderate 16.0kmpl combined and CO2 emission of 106g/km. I know, it looks somewhat familiar to what you get from the newer Hyundai Grandeur Hybrid but be warned; the K7 Hybrid 700h weighs at around 1690kg, 10kg more than the Hyundai Grandeur Hybrid.

The K7 Hybrid 700h starts at 35,830,000KRW and available colors are Snow White Pearl, Aluminum Silver, Bright Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, Platinum Graphite, and Satin Metal.

Photo: Kia Motors

Kia The New K7

GENTLEMAN CLASS

2013 Kia K7

Having been around for about three years, the Kia K7, the first of the Kia K-series of sedans, gets some minor refreshments on the outside and hey, would you look at that, The New K7 kinda looks like its bigger brother, the flagship K9 premium sedan.  Look at the front face, it seems that the trademark Tiger Nose has been retouched and refreshed to give this signature Kia look a fresh leaf to move around in the streets of Gangnam. What surprises me is the interior...

2013 Kia K7 interior

The interior too would be familiar by many because the refreshed interior kinda looks like it was borrowed from the K9 so you maybe expecting some of its luxury amenities that the K9 had as well as this lovely analog clock for some added luxuriousness. Not only the new interior made it even more luxurious, it even comes with the uvo telematics system. Don't know? Here's a good recap:

This telematics sytems allows the driver to start the car remotely using a smartphone. Also, you can have uvo immobilize the new K7 just if someone unexpectedly stole your car. That's questions get information.

Understood? Good. Now, back to the subject to the K7 because for this model, we are expecting four engine types available such as the 3.3 GDi, 3.0 GDi, 2.4 GDi, and 3.0 LPi. Three GDi's and one LPi engine, good luck smuggling these models. Anyway, the one with the 3.3 GDi engine is the most powerful K7 ever with a power output of 294PS while the most fuel efficient K7 was the one with the 2.4 GDi engine that promises a combined fuel economy of 11.3km/L. Most of these are mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission in case you're wondering.

So, how can I sum this car up? Well, this is the best looking K7 ever since its 3-year tenure when it was launched in November 2009. Those who are trying to be a big-shot would be somewhat want to drive one of these because it's fully loaded with some of the most luxury components that European luxury saloons have. However, don't be so excited yet because pretty soon, with the K7 minor change out now in South Korea, other countries may follow shortly soon such as the Middle East, Peru, Brazil, China, and a few countries were K7's are sold as Cadenza. Yes, they're very few countries and they are made only in left-hand drive. Uh-huh, left-hand drive markets exclusively. Period.

Available colors: Snow White Pearl, Bright Silver, Satin Metal, Platinum Graphite, and Aurora Black Pearl.

PRICE LIST:


2.4 GDI 프레스티지 - 30,400,000 Won
2.4 GDI 프레스티지 스페셜 - 31,600,000  Won
2.4 GDI 기본형 - 29,350,000  Won
3.0 GDI 프레스티지 - 34,500,000  Won
3.0 GDI 프레스티지 스페셜 - 37,100,000  Won
3.3 GDI 노블레스 - 42,200,000 Won




Photo: Kia Motors

2013 Kia K7 minor change to be revealed this November

2013 Kia K7

Here it is. This is really as it. What you're looking here is the facelifted Kia K7 (Cadenza) for the 2013 model year. What to expect is this newly refined Tiger Nose grille that resembles more like the K9 flagship.

As you may know, the Kia K7 was launched in November 2009, serving as the first of the K-series sedans from this, the midsize K5 sedan, RWD flagship K9, and the compact midsize K3. Well, this is the complete set. The entire Kia K-series sedans are here and the first of its kind will get a refreshed look having spending its three-year tenure.

Specs remain unknown for now but as we all know, it will be on sale in the Korean market this November 2012 and soon worldwide. Oh, it's available exclusively in selected LEFT-HAND DRIVE markets. That's it. Selected LEFT-HAND DRIVE market only. KIA WON'T SELL THESE IN RIGHT HAND DRIVE MARKETS, You get me? You get me? You do get me? Good.

Scoop: http://www.kia.co.kr/about-kia/prcenter/news-view.aspx?idx=1756&Page=1&s1=&sv=

3.3 GDI

2012 Hyundai Grandeur HG330 Celebrity

2012 Kia K7 3.3 GDi

The Hyundai 5G Grandeur and the Kia K7 finally received their much awaited 3.3L GDi engine! The new 3.3. GDi engine has a power output of 294PS/6400rpm, 35.3kg-m/5200rpm of torque output, and the fuel economy of 10.9km/L. They are both equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission.

SCOOP:

Kia K7 3.3 GDi: http://www.kia.co.kr/about-kia/prcenter/news-view.aspx?idx=1488

Hyundai Grandeur HG330 Celebrity: http://blog.hyundai.com/frontoffice/html/blogview.aspx?category=30&pidx=650

Wow, both the Kia K7 and the Hyundai Grandeur gained the most powerful V6 engine as an advantage to take out the likelihood of Renault Samsung's ALL NEW SM7! Because of such conditions in our country, don't expect seeing both of these at the Philippines soon! I wonder if some of our gray market buddies such as Hancars or Pitstop Motors got that memo...

The Prestige K7 vs. 5G Grandeur vs. World Class Luxury Alpheon

2011 Kia K7

2012 Hyundai Grandeur

2011 GM Korea Alpheon

A trio of luxury Korean premium midsize sedans are one of my favorites. The Kia K7 (known worldwide as the Kia Cadenza), the Hyundai 5G Grandeur, and GM Korea's world class luxury Alpheon, are highly luxurious and both have GDi engines depending on the Korean executives' tastes. I wonder which of these three is my pick?

CASE ONE: On February 2011, the Kia K7 made its transition that all of the engines offered on this premium midsize sedan are all Gasoline Direct Injection engines. Now called "The Prestige K7", the Kia K7 now offers the 2.4L Theta-II GDi and the new Lambda V6 GDi engine, first offered on the Hyundai 5G Grandeur. The fuel economy of the K7 2.4 GDi takes about 12.8km/L while the K7 3.0 GDi goes for about 11.6km/L. The styling of the Kia K7 was too plain and bulgy but the headlamps seem to be a shining inheritance because when night falls, expect these daytime running lamps shine through.

CASE TWO: After its surprise appearance at one episode of KBS' action drama, The Fugitive Plan B, and debuted in South Korean market since mid-January 2011, the term 5G in the 5G Grandeur naming stands for "fifth generation", meaning that the Grandeur (known in some markets as the Azera) is now on its 5th generation. A legendary evolution on Hyundai's legendary name that made it the Korean take of Toyota Crown. The 5G Grandeur packs two engine types; a 2.4L Theta-II GDi and the new Lambda V6 GDi engine. The front looks more of an oversized YF Sonata and the rear view kinda looks like a Maserati Granturismo but the new 5G Grandeur is one beautiful specimen thanks to Hyundai's fluidic sculpture. This exterior look is way better than the Kia K7!

CASE THREE: The GM Korea Alpheon (formerly GM Daewoo Alpheon, after this company switched its name to GM Korea Company) was just a rebadged version of the second-generation Buick LaCrosse and it replaced the poor-selling, Australia-built, Veritas as the flaghsip model that takes on the likes of the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Lexus GS, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The gorgeous exterior and the swooping interior lines truly made the Alpheon the new class of world class luxury. The 2.4L SIDI and the 3.0L SIDI engine are the available engine types available for the Alpheon. The 2.4L SIDI is a GDi engine that has a fuel economy of 10.6km/L and the 3.0L SIDI is also a GDi engine, packing a fuel efficiency of 9.3km/L. Not quite fuel efficient but its design is truly a work of art for the Alpheon.

As for me, I think the GM Korea Alpheon and the Hyundai 5G Grandeur are my pick when it comes to the design but if I had to choose one of these, I'd say it would be the Alpheon because of its world class design. The 5G Grandeur looks more of an oversized Sonata to me but I think the new look would need to be more attractive to appeal more Korean executives. Both the K7 and the 5G Grandeur are more fuel efficient than the Alpheon because their advanced GDi engines are optimized to make it more powerful, emit less, and labeled as full-fledged eco cars. It's up to you to decide which of these three sovereign Korean sedans is your pick. ^^

Kia K7

The Nissan Fuga of the Korean market has set to harvest out of the barriers and approached to the horizon of the Korean automotive industry. Welcome to Kia's avant-garde flagship sedan that based on the KND-5 concept premium sedan under the VG codename, the K7 is here.

2010 Kia K7

The name "K7" is the first time Kia Motors using the naming structure the same way Audi and Renault-Samsung Motors do. The "K" letter stands for Kia Motors, the automaker's birthplace: Korea, the English word: kinetic, the Greek word: Kratos, and so on, relating to the letter K. With all the Peter Schreyer trademark designs earned by newer Kia models such as the Mohave/Borrego sport utility vehicle, Soul, the mid-size Forte sedan and Koup, and the latest second-generation Sorento (KDM name: Sorento R), this is truly a aristocratic invention that was based on the Hyundai Grandeur. (Known in other markets as the Azera) The K7 has packed with the aggressive front lamps, enlarged "Peter Schreyer grille”, scissor-type side mirrors borrowed from the latest Hyundai Sonata, Audi-shaped rear lamps, seven exterior colors, and a sexier side view that provides sportiness of a sports car with the glamour of a luxury car.

2010 Kia K7 interior

Aside from the attractive exterior, the K7's interior design provides an exceptional comfort and relaxation to bring most businesspeople what they warrant for a luxury sedan. From the high-tech dashboard, optional lighting that was borrowed from the previous-generation Toyota Mark X or the upcoming Daihatsu Tanto Exe small car, temperature-controlled steering wheel, climate control, engine start/stop button, leather seats, optional navigation system, and more of the interior features, no other luxury cars stand a chance against the beauty of Kia's new flagship sedan. It also has the welcome system that greets the driver by unlocking the K7 by itself when the driver with the corresponding key is nearby.

The K7 has a choice of three different engines to choose:
1. A Theta II 2.4-litre engine with the power output of 180ps with the fuel economy of 11.8km/L,

2. A high-performance Mu 2.7-litre engine with the power output of 200ps and the fuel economy of a moderate 11.0,

3. A flagship Lambda II 3.5-litre engine with the power output 290ps, with a modest 10.6km/L of fuel economy.

All K7 variants come with the 6-speed automatic transmission. For the peace of mind, the K7's armed with the finest features such as the Lane Departure Warning System, Electronic Control Suspension (available only for VG350 variant), Amplitude Selective Damper (available only for VG240 and VG270 variants), smart key entry, Tire Pressure Monitor System, RPAS reversing sensors, and Parking Guide System for parking safety.

THIS IS THE FINEST KIA FOR YOU TO TRY.


Lighter body, higher performance, finest safety features, majestic design, impressive quality, these are the words only a staunch Korean car addict describes the true beauty of Kia's newest flagship sedan, the K7. Much ado being the replacement of the Opirus/Amanti luxury car (will they replace it? Because the face-lifted model, with the "Premium" moniker on it, still on sale), the K7 makes an impressive premium sedan ready to take out the likes of the Nissan Fuga, Toyota Crown series, Lexus GS, Audi A6, and BMW 5-Series. On the reverse side, it does not have the guts to beat its compatriot, the Hyundai Genesis.

Reader Note: Kia's newest flagship, K7, is driving its way to the Korean drama scene thanks to Korea's answer to ABS-CBN's Palos, which titled "IRIS" and it airs by KBS. (The station behind Boys over Flowers, the Korean version of Taiwan's Meteor Garden and Japan's Hana Yori Dango) Let us hope Crunchyroll putting up the Korean action drama, IRIS, on the list of Korean dramas served in this site, and as for you, Korean drama fans living in Korea, you should check out the thrilling action drama, IRIS, on KBS, which stars Kim Seung-woo, Lee Byung-heon, and Jeong Jun-ho. I bet you will like it thanks to the show's thrilling storyline.