COMPETITION FROM KIA ??

[Larz]

Kia has cme out with the new K900 luxury sedan and it will be in line with the price of the new Q50 and Q70 redesign. It's hard to imagine a $50-60k Kia, but after seeing this video, seems they are making a great effort to change the perception of Kia from the current 'cheap' economical sedan. First with the Optima, and now the K900:

http://youtu.be/ZIO0FuPY4gY

I'm stll hoping for an exciting new Q70 to emerge in 2016, but I thought I'd share this as an example of how other car companies are going after a share of the German and Japanese upscale market.

[Ilya]

If I had that much money for a car, I'd consider it for sure. But honestly...maybe it's because of the 'brand perception' he talks about...the Hyundai and Kia logo's, too me, are FUGLY. They need a redesign. When I look at that steering wheels, it's BLAH. Not like our logo, or say, an Acura logo.

[aiham78]

For me, it is the options offered in the car and the price. When I bought my Infiniti, I was looking at Lexus too but Lexus didn't offer the same options offered by Infiniti at the same price range where I have to pay and additional $10,000 over the infiniti price to get the Lexus version of the technology / touring packages.

That's why I went with Infiniti, you get more for the buck.

If Kia is offering a Q70 competitor at the same price range, I would still go with Infiniti Q70 due to the brand name, not the logo. If the competitor (Kia) price is 20% less than Q70 then I would consider the Kia "again, due to the brand rep".

Also Kia needs to change the brand name of the luxury line, just like Honda, Toyota and Nissan did resulting in Acura, Lexus and Infiniti.

[TDot]

This car looks pretty good. Even if this car cost $10K more I would buy it over a Q70 easy. It fixes EVERYTHING I've complained about the M35 in the first shot that infinity has been unable to get right since 2006...UNBELIEVABLE! I don't like that it doesn't have an original look other than the front, which I'm not too fond of. The only real question for me is the reliability. Unfortunately this car is probably going to end up being a foot note in history and a 2 ton paper weight when you look at the Equus, Avalon, and somewhat Genesis.

What's really funny to me is this guy called the Acura a luxury car and then called the Infiniti "Premium to luxury". Damn if the $h!t don't keep rolling down the hill lol.

[wideopn11]

Yeah lots of options but no, I don't care for the look and if the steering feel is as bad as he described then defiantly no. Maybe if they made a sport model but then for the money I'd still get something else.

[mazz]

Kia will have the same fate as hyundia u can't sell one for 60g
I drove Hyundia genesis it like a 1960 muscle car no luxury at all all the specs but not worthy of 2014..model look at the 20g discount on those and resale value no comparison to infiniti. Not that we have great resale value

[Larz]

I agree. Kia may be selling an absolutely great car, but when people invest that kind of money, they look for a pedigree, a racing or F1 background, etc. I think Kia will eventually be known for luxury vehicles but it will take a few years before they will sell a significant amount of units.
Infiniti has been fighting this in Europe for years. A truly great car, but it isn't the same 'kind' of car that we spend that much money on. We look for a spoorts heritage, a racing pedigree, or an engineering history. The few that are sold in the UK are mostly used as chauffer cars for hire. They are regarded as a great touting car but not exciting like a BMW or Jag.
In Germany it's even worse for Infiniti. They barely sell any because of course the Germans are used to Mercs and BMs. Hee is a video of the Getawaer (a well known german car reviewer):

http://youtu.be/euG5G0IM5IM

[Ilya]

Kia will have the same fate as hyundia u can't sell one for 60g
I drove Hyundia genesis it like a 1960 muscle car no luxury at all all the specs but not worthy of 2014..model look at the 20g discount on those and resale value no comparison to infiniti. Not that we have great resale value

I completely disagree. We rented one from NY to Missouri, so I spent a good 40hrs with it. AMAZING interior and car in general that looks good. My issue with Hyundai is will the reliability be there? Same for Kia. Hyundai and Kia both need 'luxury brands' separate from their main brand.

[aiham78]

http://youtu.be/euG5G0IM5IM

Funny video, worth watching and I agree with most of what he said. It will take Infiniti more than 5 years to upgrade the car. It just feels like Infiniti is satisfied with what they are making and refusing to change.

I still like my car despite the lack of sport feeling. The 7 gear transmission in the infiniti just confuses and lags the ride, just like a blonde trying to change a light bulb.

My next car when I have the money will not be a Kia or Hyundai. It is going to be MB S550.

[Larz]

Ilya makes a great point. Lexus is part of Toyota, Acura is part of Honda, and Infinit is part of Nissan. It would be easier to build a name as a luxury company if you don't share the brand name and badges of the lower priced cars. It allows you to draw on the parent company's footing whilst making a place in the market for your luxury brand. Volkswagen owns Audi and Lamborghini but they are still separate companies and have their own brand and badges.

[pedsemdoc]

Considering what images/hoopty a Kia/Hyundai used to conjure up....the Kia RIO!! , the old Hyundai Accent!!
i think these automakers have come a long way, but still have some things to improve upon.

They are still learning which is obvious since there are still some short comings with their "top of the line models", but no surprising since they haven't had the years and R&D put in by the other companies (Lexus, Acura, Infiniti)

The Hyundai Genesis R-spec a K900 may not be a MB AMG E63, but they may spend less time in the shop and it certainly will keep some cash in your pocket (a good friend of mine has a 2010 MB S63, incredible power and luxury, I've been lucky enough to drive it once, but it has been in the shop so many times - the engine has been basically rebuilt, the transmission replaced, and he is fanatical about the maintenance of his cars). If they continue on their current trajectory, they may quickly catch up to the "big boys" before you get too old to be racing around in your luxo sport sedan. i think their reliability is still up in the air, so I haven't bought one. Although I might consider it if they prove to be trustworthy...although, I would debadge it unless they come up with a new luxury line name. i like the mt fuji/"I" symbol-appropo for a Japanese car. just my $0.02

[pedsemdoc]

I mean, the more I think about it, the more it makes me want Infiniti to "get with the times"

My wish list includes:
1. Larz has mentioned a panoramic sunroof.
2. Power folding side mirrors
3. Remote start/integration of electronics with your smart device
4. Completely digital/configurable gauges
5. An 8 speed transmission
6. A diesel option
7. LED daytime running lights
8. A 50/50 or 40/60 split rear seat back

just to name a few

[DimZ007]

Nice Kia, however once you drive off the lot it will cost 50% less and also once a Kia Always a Kia.

[Larz]

I am still a staunch fan of Infiniti. But Infiniti (and everyone else) still hasn't figured out how to make the car I most want. Infiniti comes closest, hands down. What they lack is out-weighed by their quality and dependability.
Mercs and BMs have the steering I love - effortlessly intuitive where a slight turn of the wheel is immediately sent to the front and gives the feel of total control over the car. However, It's gauranteed they will spend too much time at the dealer and not enough time in my driveway. They have a tight, fast gearbox, but the ride is too harsh in the BM and too soft in the S class.
The Jag XJ has the steering I love, the ride as good as my M (ok, maybe better), panoramic roof, soft-close doors, virtual instrument cluster, and a body style that speaks to sport and luxury at the same time. But, like Infiniti, they don't provide the option for the turbo diesel in the states.
I won't have the KIA either, but I posted this just to make the point that even KIA is focused on the future of luxury sport sedans. In fact, all but the American makers are moving in that direction. The new Cadillacs are making an effort, but the cheap plastic interior, the low quality body parts, and wonky suspension and handling show they still don't 'get' what a luxury car should be. They make sedans that go very fast, but only in a straight line. When you reach a corner, the suspension and handling go out the window.
I've decided that I am too picky and expect too much, or perhaps what I want isn't yet possible. For now, the Infinti M comes closest for me and I'm hoping the new re-designed Q in 2016 will be even closer. If not, I will probably have the Jag XJ.