KIA unveiled the K4 for the first time in the world at the 2024 New York International Auto Show held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York on March 27.

K4 is a new sedan that sets a new standard in the compact car class based on innovative design and advanced technology that goes beyond the car class. 

K4 has a strong and dynamic exterior design based on Kia’s design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, ‘Power to Progress’.

The front part has a vertical headlamp located at the edge of the bumper, showing a wide and confident stance, and star map lighting technology in the shape of a constellation shows Kia’s more evolved tiger face.

The side part expresses the feel of a luxurious sedan through the organic flow of light created along the staggered square shape, while maximizing visual dynamism with a fastback silhouette that gently extends from the roof to the end of the rear.

The rear part, like the front part, has a vertical lamp placed at the very end of the car body that extends long as if cutting the lower bumper vertically, adding a strong feel along with the air diffuser.

The interior has a unique design that goes beyond the driver-centered structure expected in a compact sedan based on Offergit United’s ‘Joy for Reason’.

Kia achieved a balance between reason and emotion by contrasting the technical elements of the K4’s driver’s seat with elements that provide comfort to passengers.

Kia applied a large-screen digital display of approximately 30 inches, including a 12.3-inch cluster, infotainment, and 5-inch air conditioning display, respectively, and applied physical buttons below it to enable quick and intuitive use of frequently used navigation and air conditioning functions.

In addition, the colors of the door trim, crash pad, and console are operated in three combinations, including ‘Onyx Black’ for the driver’s seat and ‘Slate Green’·’Medium Gray’·’Canyon Brown’ for the passenger seat, creating a visual effect between the two spaces through color contrast. It was divided into , and mood lighting was applied to the passenger seat crash pad to add a comfortable feeling.

The K4 GT Line actively utilizes vertical design elements that contrast with the horizontal lines of the car body on the exterior to give a strong impression and applies bumpers and specifications exclusive to the GT Line, and the interior features contrasting colors of onyx black and ‘off white’. Design elements using exclusive patterns together create a more luxurious and dynamic image compared to the basic model.

The K4 is equipped with ‘Kia AI Assistant’, which incorporates generative AI technology, so it can understand complex context based on natural language understanding and have a natural conversation with the driver.

Kia plans to support travel planning or provide information based on the owner’s manual through the Kia AI Assistant to enable customers to have an advanced vehicle experience, and to support more diverse functions through future updates.

In addition, Kia provides the latest connectivity specifications such as infotainment system ‘ccNC’, ‘Quick Control’, and ‘wireless phone connectivity’; Digital Key 2; and Wireless (OTA) software update.

Kia operates the K4 in a 2.0 gasoline engine model and a 1.6 gasoline turbo model.

The 2.0 gasoline model produces a maximum output of 149 horsepower (ps) and a maximum torque of 18.3 kgfm (132 lb-ft) when combined with an IVT transmission, and the 1.6 gasoline turbo model produces a maximum output of 193 horsepower (ps) when combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It has a power performance of 27.0 kgfm (195 lb-ft) of torque.

In addition, the K4 is equipped with an 8-airbag system including rear side airbags, highway driving assist 2, smart cruise control, lane keeping assist, intelligent speed assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, rear collision warning, rear monitor, surround view monitor, and parking distance warning. Advanced driver assistance systems and various safety and convenience features add to the pleasure of driving.

Kia plans to launch the K4 in the North American market in the second half of this year.

A Kia official said, “The K4 demonstrates Kia’s commitment to providing a dynamic sedan with advanced technology and powerful performance,” and added, “The K4 will provide value beyond what customers expect with marketability that exceeds expectations.”

Meanwhile, Kia will set up an exhibition space of approximately 535 pyeong (19,034 ft², 1,768 m²) at this year’s New York Auto Show from Friday, March 29 to Sunday, April 7, and will display the new K4, EV6, EV9, and Telluride. A total of 21 vehicles, including , Sorento, and K5, will be displayed.