Just a couple of days after images of the new K8’s interior design leaked, Kia has just stepped forward releasing two high quality images of the car’s cockpit and detailing some of its novelties. The center piece is the massive curved display, mounted on top of the two-layer dashboard, which incorporates the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, each one measuring 12 inches in diagonal.
The HVAC control is touchpad-operated,
further reducing the number of physical buttons inside, and to the left, we can
see a three-spoke steering wheel with Kia’s new logo in the middle. The center
console hosts the shift-by-wire transmission dial, next to the drive-mode
selector, two cup holders and a small cubby for extra storage. The buttons for
the heated seats and steering wheel were placed in front of the center armrest.
A 14-speaker premium sound system by
Meridian is included in the new K8, in a premiere for Kia. The car also
features ambient lighting, wood surfaces inspired by modern yachts,
high-quality metal trim and Nappa leather upholstery with a diamond pattern on
the seats and door cards.
Replacing the K7 / Cadenza, the K8 won’t
launch in the United States, CarScoops has learned, as sedans are not that
popular anymore, so Kia will focus on crossovers and SUVs instead, because
that’s where the money is these days.
