Kia Discontinues Flagship K9 Sedan, Fully Shifts to EV Strategy

Kia is gradually exiting the traditional large luxury sedan market. According to a report by *The Korea Economic Daily* on July 6, industry insiders revealed that Kia plans to end global production of the K9 (sold as the K900 in North America) by the end of 2026 — with no facelift, successor model, or direct replacement planned. Launched in 2012, this flagship sedan concludes its 14-year lifecycle.

As Kia's first true near-luxury flagship sedan, the K9 succeeded the Opirius (Amanti in North America), positioning itself as a high-value alternative to premium luxury sedans. Yet sales have persistently declined: 6,585 units sold globally in 2022; down to 3,898 in 2023; just 1,581 delivered in 2025; and only 734 units through the first half of 2026 — the lowest in its history.

Notably, Kia withdrew the K900 from the U.S. market as early as 2021; this latest decision marks a full global discontinuation. Analysts point to the K9's lack of an efficient hybrid powertrain and intensifying internal competition from fellow group premium models such as Hyundai Grandeur and GENESIS G80/G90 as key factors accelerating its exit.

Resources are now fully redirected toward electrification. Kia has begun restructuring production lines and reallocating workforce to support mass rollout of next-generation battery-electric vehicles — including the EV2, EV3, EV4, and EV5. The EV2 launched in early 2026; EV4 and EV5 are accelerating toward global launch; and the EV3 is slated for debut in 2027. Under current plans, Kia aims to introduce a total of 14 battery-electric models by 2030.

Beyond passenger vehicles, Kia is expanding its PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) electric commercial vehicle lineup: the first electric van, the PV5, is already on the market; the larger PV7 completed its initial road tests in 2026 and is expected to launch in 2027; and the PV9 is scheduled for introduction in 2029.

Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are also central to the strategy. Kia's first SDV — a compact BEV hatchback codenamed XV1 — is expected to launch as the EV1 in Korea and Europe in 2027, featuring L2+ intelligent driving capability for highway scenarios. By early 2029, it will upgrade to L2++ functionality covering city roads. Although the Meta Turismo concept previously hinted at an electric flagship sedan (possibly the EV8), no official confirmation has been issued to date.