Remember the Kia Cadenza? It might have vanished from the U.S. market in 2021, but it’s alive, kicking, and strutting under a fresh name—the Kia K8. Initially launched as the K7 in South Korea, this sedan has undergone a metamorphosis, embracing the K8 badge as it enters a new era. Now, it's back with a mid-cycle update, and in true Kia fashion, the facelift is far from a mere touch-up.

Kia’s latest design language takes center stage with the K8's vertical headlights, giving the sedan a forward-thinking, almost concept-car-like presence. The front end has been entirely reimagined from its pre-facelift predecessor, now featuring a wide LED strip that seamlessly connects the headlights. Kia’s logo has migrated from the bumper to the base of the hood, adding to the car's fresh appeal.

Around the back, the changes are subtler but welcome nonetheless. Gone are the unsightly fake exhaust tips—an eyesore we’re glad to see the back of. The taillights remain largely unchanged, but the bumper has been reworked for a cleaner, more refined look. Interestingly, the front and rear overhangs have been slightly extended, a rare move for a facelift, achieved by reshaping the bumpers.

Slide inside, and you’ll find Kia’s attention to detail continues. The climate controls have been thoughtfully relocated beneath the central air vents, giving the cabin a more intuitive layout. Kia has also introduced more soft-touch materials and a sleek LED ambient light strip that elegantly slices through the dashboard. In the rear, illuminated seatbelt buckles add a touch of flair and practicality. Safety-wise, every K8 comes equipped with ten airbags as standard, and the adaptive high beam headlights are clever enough to dim partially, sparing oncoming drivers from glare.

The old Cadenza was strictly front-wheel drive, but the K8 offers more flexibility, with all-wheel drive available from day one in Korea. Under the hood, the base model packs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 145 kW and 248 Nm of torque. For those craving more power, there’s a 3.5-liter V6 churning out a muscular 221 kW and 359 Nm, with AWD reserved for this variant.

Alternatively, there's a 3.5 LPI option—standing for Liquid Propane Injection—producing 177 kW and 313 Nm. Rounding off the powertrain options is a hybrid 1.6-liter unit, offering a combined 169 kW and 350 Nm of torque.

Despite Kia’s marketing spin calling the 2025 K8 “The Priceless,” this luxurious sedan does come with a price tag. The entry-level model starts at around €25,000, a tempting proposition for what’s on offer. Even the top-spec version, priced at €35,000, feels like a steal.

All versions, except the hybrid, hit showrooms this month. The hybrid will follow suit once Kia clears the necessary certification hurdles.