This left-hand drive Kia K9 is probably the only one in Malaysia

This Kia K9 is one of a kind in Malaysia. Imported from Korea, this left-hand drive flagship Kia sedan is part of Kia Motors Asia Pacific’s headquarters in Malaysia’s company car fleet.

The Kia K9 was also sold as the Kia K900 in the US before the model was discontinued there earlier this year.

In Korea, the Kia K9 is positioned just below the Hyundai Motor Group’s luxury Genesis marque. Think of it as Korea’s equivalent to Japan’s Toyota Crown – sedans aimed at conservative company management types who prefer not to be seen in a pompous luxury car, but in something that’s stately and regal.

Three engine options are available (in Korea). Starting from a 315 PS 3.8-litre naturally aspirated direct injection (GDI) V6, followed up by a 370 PS 3.3-litre turbocharged direct injection (T-GDI) V6, and a 425 PS 5.0-litre naturally aspirated direct injection (GDI) V8.

All engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, either as a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

As you can see from the photos, the Kia K9 is more than a match for a Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, despite not wearing the Genesis badge.

This particular unit was spotted at the Kia-Bermaz signing ceremony last week, which saw Kia Motor appointing Bermaz’s subsidiary Dinamikjaya as the new distributor for Kia vehicles in Malaysia, taking over from Naza Kia Malaysia.

Don’t bother asking if the K9 will eventually be sold in Malaysia. Like the new Kia K5 (formerly known as the Optima), the K9 is only available as a left-hand drive.

It is also for this reason that the Kia K5 won’t be making a return to this part of the world.

Also read: Kia has been rescued by Bermaz – CKD Seltos and Carnival to be launched in Malaysia