Kia Unveils Teasers of Facelifted K8 Sedan

The facelifted Kia K8 features new LED headlights and a high-tech front grille.

Kia will announce full specs and pricing for the facelifted K8 in August.

The Kia K8 is built on the same platform as the Hyundai Grandeur.

Kia has shared the first teasers of the facelifted K8 sedan, ahead of an imminent debut in the Korean market. The updated model boasts a completely redesigned front end, aligning it with the company’s latest styling language.

The K8, Kia’s second-largest sedan in South Korea beneath the flagship K9 and a sibling to the Hyundai Grandeur/Azera, debuted in 2021 as a replacement for the aging Kia Cadenza/K7, which was retired from the North American market. Now, just over three years later, it’s set for a mid-cycle refresh, focused on styling updates.

The highlight of the exterior is the new LED headlights, inspired by electric models such as the Kia EV9. The slim “tiger nose” grille now features a high-tech LED bar, while the vertical DRLs evoke a Cadillac CT5 vibe. Additionally, the sculpted hood and redesigned front bumper have been part of this extensive facelift, which includes a larger lower intake designed to effectively cool the engine.

Kia hasn’t released any interior photos yet, but mild updates are anticipated. After all, the outgoing K8 already features dual 12.3-inch screens, a 12-inch heads-up display, and plenty of ADAS systems.

We don’t have details on the powertrains yet, but they will likely carry over from the current lineup. The existing model offers 2.5-liter and 3.5-liter gasoline engines, a self-charging hybrid, and an LPG option.

Kia promises to unveil detailed specifications and Korean pricing for the facelifted K8 in August. Since its 2021 debut, the outgoing K8 has sold over 130,000 units in its home market.