Kia K5 Hybrid: New name heralds hyper-assertive aesthetic

By Ghaith Madadha - Mar 29,2021 - Last updated at Mar 29,2021

Photo courtesy of Kia

The fifth incarnation and latest successor to the car formerly known as the Optima, Kia’s popular mid-size saloon now adopts the model line’s Korean market K5 moniker. A sportily assertive design since its third generation, the latest K5, however, dials up the aesthetic aggression several notches.

Riding on a longer, lower and wider new platform and decidedly more upscale inside, the new K5 is available globally with a several drive-train options delivering up to 286BHP, but it is the K5 Hybrid version that will prove most popular on Jordanian roads.

Moody makeover

Introduced for the 2021 model year, the new K5 Hybrid may be familiar in driving dynamic and power-train, but less so in its design direction, which is overtly dramatic even in standard non-GT guise. Inspired by Kia’s much praised Stinger sports fastback, the K5 adopts several design cues including a similarly sporty fastback-style profile, with rakishly low roofline seamlessly trailing to a short, high-set rear deck. That said, the K5 is however a saloon with a traditional boot, like its Hyundai Sonata cousin and unlike its Stinger sister and Kia halo model’s lift-back.

Unapologetically sporty in its athletic proportions, hunkered down cabin, narrow glasshouse, and broad and low stance, the K5’s styling meanwhile includes an intricate bumper design, prominent sill-line, sharp creases and aggressive faux elements like front gills and rear vents, diffuser and bumper-integrated ports. With bulgingly muscular and contrasting concave and convex surfacing, the K5’s most palpably predatory element is its sharp-edged shark-nosed grille and moodily slim, heavily browed headlights. Deeply recessed, the K5’s full width grill is echoed by slim full-width rear lights, both of which lend a Dodge-like dramatic disposition.

Muscular combination

Hyper aggressive in design for a middle of the road, eco-oriented family car, the K5 Hybrid may not be a performance saloon, but packs a good punch when both combustion engine and electric motor are operating in unison. Developing 153BHP at 6,000rpm and 140lb/ft 5,000rpm from its naturally-aspirated 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and 51BHP at 1,770-2,000rpm and 151lb/ft at 0-1,770rpm from its parallel electric motor, the K5 Hybrid can call upon a meaningfully effective combined output of 192BHP at 6,000rpm and perhaps up to 270lb/ft as low as 1,770rpm.

Versatile and muscular riding its substantial low- to mid-range torque wave, the K5 Hybrid completes the 0-100km/h benchmark in an estimated 9-seconds and overtakes with authority. Confident on fast inclines for shorter bursts — rather than sustained sportily driven hill climbs — before its batteries are depleted, it loses some of its flexibility when relying on its combustion engine to haul its estimated 1.6-tonnes under such conditions. The K5 Hybrid is comparatively quick recharging its batteries, as it feeds off the combustion engine and reclaims kinetic energy through regenerative braking.

Improved integration

Improved over its predecessor, the K5 Hybrid benefits from what seems slightly longer pure EV driving and has smoother electric-combustion integration. At full throttle lift-off, the electric motor meanwhile seemed quicker winding down, but not as immediate to cut power as a pure combustion engine. Returning frugal quoted 4.7l/100km fuel efficiency, the K5 Hybrid drives its front wheels through a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Smooth shifting between ratios and responsive to single ratio manual input downshifts, it isn’t quite as sophisticated or quick as non-hybrid K5 versions’ 8-speed automatic gearbox.

A comfortable, quiet and stable highway cruiser or town car, the K5 Hybrid is a natural long distance companion that smoothly irons out most road imperfections, if slightly on the firm side in its primary reaction to particularly jagged lumps and bumps owing to its sportily low profile 215/55R17 tyres. Easy to manoeuvre with its light steering and rear view camera and parking sensors, which make up for its low roofline’s visibility, the K5 Hybrid is meanwhile refined inside with a comfortably adjustable driving position and driver-oriented dash and console.

Comfort and class

Better handling and with better roll control than its predecessor, the K5 Hybrid is best in regular daily driving and when pushed within its comfort zone, rather than at outright dynamic limits. Tuned for smoothly pliant comfort, it delivers good stability and control, but could benefit from slightly firmer vertical compression and rebound control. Tidy turning into corners, its steering is accurate and well-damped, if not especially nuanced for road feel. Meanwhile, grip limits are better communicated with stability control in ‘off’ position, but is slightly over-cautious when fully engaged, with early intervention through hard driven corners.

Classier inside than before, the K5 is sportily elegant with a user-friendly infotainment screen, chunky steering wheel, Jaguar-like rotary gear selector and ridged dashboard. Refinement, fit, finish and materials are also improved with matt wood accents and thick leatherette upholstery, while convenience and safety equipment levels are generous for its segment and include four USB ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and panoramic sunroof. Front space is generous and rear space good for most, but the stylishly low roofline exacts a slight headroom penalty for tall passengers. Boot space is well-packaged and spacious, despite under-floor hybrid components.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2-litre, transverse 4-cylinders, & parallel electric motor

Bore x stroke: 81 x 97mm

Valve-train: DOHC, 16-valve, continuously variable valve timing

Gearbox: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive

Petrol engine power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 153 (156) [114] @6,000 rpm

Electric motor power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 51 (52) [38] @1,770-2,000rpm

Combined power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 192 (195) [143] @6,000rpm

Petrol engine torque, lb/ft (Nm): 140 (190) @5,000rpm

Electric motor torque, lb/ft (Nm): 151 (205) @0-1,770rpm

Combined torque, lb/ft (Nm): 270 (367) @1,770rpm (estimated)

0-100km/h: 9-seconds (estimate)