The Kia K9 saloon has gone on sale, offering customers a 3.8-litre V6 engine and rear-wheel drive. However, Irish drivers hoping to pick up a large but inexpensive luxury car will be disappointed, as the company has no plans to bring the model to Ireland - or the rest of Europe for that matter.
Some export markets will receive the K9 later this year, although Kia hasn't specified which ones.
The K9 is closer in size to a BMW 7 Series than a 5 Series. Power output from the V6 is 290hp with a 334hp version due next year. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is fitted and promises 'brisk acceleration and high-speed refinement'.
Adaptive LED headlamps, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and a 17-speaker Lexicon (by Harman) sound system are all standard.
"K9 is a clear signal of our intention and determination to compete head-to-head with the European luxury brands. And for Kia, our customers, and for me - this car is like a dream come true," says Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.