Kia is set to prolong the life cycle of its flagship midsize sedan, the Kia K5, with an unconventional second facelift (partial change), as global automakers adjust their electrification strategies. As reported by ETNews, Kia has officially initiated the development of the K5’s second partial change model (project name: DL3 PE2), targeting a launch in the first half of 2027.
The new K5 is expected to have an annual production goal of over 80,000 units, reflecting Kia's strong belief in sustained demand for sedans despite the growing popularity of SUVs and EVs. With the confirmation of this facelift, the Kia K5 is projected to stay in production until at least 2030. Instead of prematurely phasing out the internal combustion engine (ICE) sedan, Kia seeks to enhance marketability while keeping development costs low.
By implementing two partial changes instead of a complete generational shift, Kia aims to:
- Prolong the K5’s product life
- Avoid hefty investments in new ICE or hybrid platforms
- Remain competitive during a period of electrification transition
This strategy aligns with a wider industry trend, as automakers put off significant ICE platform upgrades while gearing up for an era dominated by EVs post-2030.
The pace of global EV adoption has tempered, particularly in major markets like the United States. As of the prior month:
- U.S. electric vehicle sales dropped by 58.9% year-on-year
- Hybrid vehicle sales increased by 48.9%, reaching record highs
This shift has led Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Kia, to shape its core product lines around hybrids rather than solely focusing on EVs, strengthening the rationale for extending models like the K5.
The forthcoming Kia K5 facelift is anticipated to respond to diverse market needs by offering:
- Internal combustion engine (ICE) variants
- Hybrid powertrains
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options
This varied powertrain strategy allows Kia to cater to markets with different emissions regulations and infrastructure readiness while ensuring robust sales volumes. Additionally, the revamped K5 will incorporate Hyundai Motor Group’s next-gen operating system, Pleos OS, improving product competitiveness through:
- Enhanced infotainment capabilities
- Advanced software integration
- Updated in-car technologies
Celebrating 15 Years of Kia K5: A cornerstone of the Kia sedan lineup. The year 2025 will mark the 15th anniversary of the Kia K5, making it the longest-running model in Kia’s ‘K’ sedan family. Since its introduction, the K5 has:
- Revived Kia’s sedan lineup
- Cemented its status as a leading midsize sedan in Korea
- Competed directly with the Hyundai Sonata
The current third-generation Kia K5 launched in November 2019 and had its first facelift in November 2023. Despite being in its seventh year, the model continues to showcase solid sales performance.
Kia K5 Retains Strong Sales Despite SUV Popularity. Even amid a global trend favoring SUVs, the Kia K5 remains a steady performer. In Korea alone, more than 3,000 units are sold each month, highlighting the lasting appeal of well-placed midsize sedans. This consistent demand supports Kia’s choice to invest in a second partial change instead of discontinuing the model prematurely.
Hyundai Sonata Set for a New Generation. With Kia confirming the K5’s second facelift and Hyundai revealing plans for a new generation of the Sonata, it seems plans to shift entirely to EVs have been reconsidered. This suggests a more comprehensive Hyundai Motor Group strategy to extend the longevity of key sedan models during the transitional phase towards electrification.
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