The Kia K8 sedan, with advanced safety and cabin features among its highlights, will enter select global markets including Korea next month.

Many of these safety features are included in Kia's Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which Kia said "reduces hazards, fully protecting occupants and other road users on every journey."

The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) is designed to stop the K8 if it detects an impending collision with objects in front. These objects can be a preceding vehicle suddenly slowing down or stopping, a stationary vehicle, a pedestrian, or cyclist.

Once the FCA detects these objects, it will provide a warning to the driver. If the driver fails to stop the car in time, the FCA will then apply the brakes.

The FCA can also detect possible collisions when crossing intersections and when changing lanes. It can steer the car gently back to its lane should it cross over to the next lane, and the system detects a collision with the vehicle there.

The K8 will also feature Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), which will send a warning when the car is exceeding the speed limit. The ISLA uses data from the front view camera or navigation system to assess the vehicle speed.

Meanwhile, the navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) maintains vehicle speed on the highway using live navigation data. If the driver sets the speed to the current speed limit with NSCC, the set speed changes accordingly.

The NSCC also reduces the car's speed in corners and curves on the highway, and ups the speed once again when the roads straighten.

The Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) helps maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead when driving on a highway. It also centers the vehicle in the lane while driving, even through a curved section.

The Surround View Monitor (SVM) displays real-time video footage of the K8's surroundings during parking maneuvers.

The Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) helps prevents collisions with rear objects while reversing. If there is a risk of collision, PCA provides a warning. The system automatically assists with emergency braking if the driver fails to respond.

Another nifty feature is the Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), which allows the driver to remotely park or exit a parking spot from outside the vehicle.

Moving on to the interior, a panoramic curved display links a 12-inch digital cluster and a 12-inch infotainment system, bringing together the K8’s advanced connectivity and infotainment technology.

From this system, the 14-speaker sound system from Meridian Audio can be controlled. It uses advanced materials to produce a three-dimensional surround-sound setting, mimicking the crystal-clear audio that the listener would experience in a real concert hall.

Adding to the K8's suite of gadgets is Kia's all-new 12-inch head-up display technology. Kia said this has a 50 percent increase in projection area and graphic size compared to the previous generation.

This head-up display presents essential data for the driver in their eye line, including Advanced Driver Assistance System, navigation information, and current speed.

The K8's Ergo Motion Seat, the driver's seat, automatically adjusts itself depending on the driving conditions using air pockets. In more relaxed driving, the hip and backrest stretches out for more support.

The seat's smart support function then lowers the seat, and stiffens the side bolsters against the driver's body when the K8's sport mode is activated, or when the car exceeds 130km/h.

Meanwhile, the posture assistance function creates a more comfortable seat in long drives.

The front passenger seat, just like the driver's seat, has eight-way power adjustment. A multi-functional fully-connected center armrest featuring a USB charging port, sliding cup holders, and a media control device cater to second-row occupants.

Four engines are available in the Kia K8: a 1.6-liter T-GDI, a 2.5-liter GDI, and a 3.5 one in different guises.

The 3.5-liter Smartstream powertrain is offered in two power and fuel guises: a GDI (gasoline direct injection) with 300ps and 359Nm of torque, and a LPI (liquid propane injection) with 240ps with 314Nm.

The 2.5-liter GDI delivers 198ps and 248Nm of torque. Like the Smartstream engine, the 2.5 four-cylinder features GDI and MPI dual injection technology to improve fuel economy and lower emissions.

An eight-speed automatic gearbox accompanies the 2.5 GDI and 3.5 GDI and LPI. All-wheel-drive (AWD) will be available with the 3.5, which is plugged to be a "performance-orientated model."

The AWD distributes torque between the front and rear wheels according to the road conditions and driving situations. A combination of MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension balances driving dynamics and ride comfort.

Photos from Kia

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