Kia has been known to design different variants of its K5 sedan for different countries: AWD for the United States (see video), hybrid and natural gas-powered for the domestic market, and so on. Today, China joins the list with a long wheelbase version.
The wheelbase gains 50 millimeters (2 inches) and now amounts to 2.9 meters (9.5 feet). The overall length of the car gains 75 mm (3 inches) and is 4,980 mm (16.34 feet). The only way you can tell the Chinese spec from the rest is by its quad active exhaust tips.
The extra inter-axle spacing translates into more legroom for the rear passengers. Like the latest Mercedes models, the new K5 has a single digital panel that brings together the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. The center tunnel and air deflectors are redesigned, but the rest stays more or less the same.
The elongated Kia K5 will hit the roads of China powered by a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder Smartstream engine rated at 170 hp (127 kW) and 253 Nm (187 lb-ft) of torque. Those who want more power will be able to opt for a 2.0-liter turbocharged mill capable of 240 hp (179 kW). The former works in tandem with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the latter takes advantage of an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Both are FWD only.