Kia unveiled the third generation of its bestselling sedan K5 on Thursday and commenced preorders, highlighting its futuristic design and interactive voice control technology.

Through the use of “active” interaction technology, passengers can control the air conditioner, air filtering, windows, electronic heat systems for the seats and rear window via voice commands, according to the company. In addition, a car-to-home system allows passengers to keep a tab on internet of things devices at home and even control room temperature and lighting, in addition to gas valves and the front door while driving. 

The vehicle operates without an actual key and has applied near field communication technology so registered drivers can start the car via a mobile app.

Kia’s head of design Karim Habib said the new K5 represents a new chapter in the carmaker’s design history.

Calling it a symbolic model that brings dramatic change to Kia’s sedan lineup, he said the third-generation K5 was designed with the goal of creating innovative, dynamic and future-oriented vehicles.

Along with the high achievements in design, the new K5 improves passenger experience with state-of-the-art interactive technology, he added.

The midsized sedan is available in four trims: a 2.0-liter gasoline, a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline, a 2.0-liter LPi and a 2.0-liter gasoline hybrid engine models.

The model kept its signature “tiger nose” grille but is redesigned to create a bold and sharp look with artistic inspiration from shark skin. A sense of boldness runs through the vehicle, the company said, embodying a fastback look.

Its safety features include lane keeping and following assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist systems.

The K5’s price ranges between 24 million won ($20,400) and 34 million won, with various options given to customers. 

By Cho Chung-un(christory@heraldcorp.com)