The fourth-gen
Optima, or the K5, has been with us since
2015. Last year, Kia introduced a facelifted version, so this should be enough
for around two or three years, right? This could help explain this test mule,
as the automaker could already be working on a different iteration. Spied
testing in its homeland not long ago, with the pics shared by Bobaedream, the
car was wearing some heavy camouflage meant to hide its design details.
While the overhangs
seem to be the same, there are some visual differences compared to the 2019
K5/Optima. The headlamps and taillights appear to have a different pattern, the
rear license plate is now found in the bumper instead of the boot lid, a move
that has led to other design changes, and the C pillars have a different shape.
Does this indicate
that Kia has already started working on the next-gen model? Anything’s
possible, including a more significant makeover of the outgoing one. And given
the pace at which they have created this prototype, less than a year after the
facelifted K5 broke cover locally, we wouldn’t be surprised if the next
generation arrives as early as 2020.
We will definitely
keep a close watch on the Korean market’s K5, as that’s where it will likely
launch at first, previewing the Optima destined for other markets such as the
U.S.
