Gallery: The All-New Kia Optima/K5 Unleashed; With 290 hp and AWD Tech

The all-new Kia Optima/K5 breaks cover and instantly makes every other sedan look old. We take a closer look at this stellar new masterpiece. 

At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking that the car you see here is the next-generation Dodge Charger, but you'd be wrong. You are looking at the all-new fifth-generation Kia Optima/K5 breaking cover just before going on sale in the US market. 

The stellar new Kia K5 (the Optima name will likely be dropped in the US), is based on the Kia's new 'N3' platform which is both stronger, lower and wider than the outgoing model. 

The new K5 borrows design cues and proportions from the larger Kia Stinger, whilst previewing the future design DNA of the brand. 

Headline-grabbing figures of the new powertrain include a 2.5-liter turbocharged (GDI) four-cylinder engine making 290 hp and 421 Nm of torque, paired with the new 8-speed “wet” Dual Clutch Transmission. A newly-developed all-wheel drive system is said to give the K5 a Golf GTI rivalling 5.8 second 0-100 km/h time. 

A smaller 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder delivering 180 hp and 264 Nm is also on offer, paired to an all-new 8-speed automatic. 

The K5’s all-wheel drive system is front-wheel drive biased and uses an electro-hydraulic system to control the AWD coupling for quicker response and more precise control.​​​​​​

The sporty interior features an 8- or 10.25-inch high-resolution colour touchscreen depending on variant. A Bose Premium 12-speaker sound system is also offered depending on variant. 

The wheelbase has grown by 45 mm aiding legroom at the rear. 

There's no shortage of neat details on the Kia K5 - highlighted by the “Heart Beat”  daytime running lights and taillights on the outside. 

The K5 is supplied with a full-array of safety features for the US market, highlights include Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (PCA-R) and adaptive cruise control (using road sign information) depending on trim levels. 

Suspension geometry optimized for sporty handling, responsiveness and stability. Kia ultilsed hot-stamped components to increase the K5's body and chassis rigidity. 

The Kia K5 goes on sale in the US soon, but it still might be some time off before we see a Malaysian market offering.

What do you think of the new K5? Can it take the fight to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry?