A new rendering of the next-gen Kia K5 has surfaced online, showcasing a bold and futuristic design language that could mark a significant shift for Kia’s popular midsize sedan. While Kia has not yet confirmed plans for a new-gen K5, this rendering by our colleagues at KKSStudio reflects the possible direction Kia might take for the K5’s successor — which could be renamed the Kia K6 in line with the brand’s recent naming strategy.
K6? Name Change in Line with Kia’s New Strategy
Kia has been reshuffling its sedan lineup with updated names. The former K3 is now the K4, and the K7 has become the K8. Following this logic, it’s highly plausible that the next-gen Kia K5 will be rebranded as the K6, positioning it more clearly within the evolving Kia lineup.
Design Inspired by Kia K4 and K8
This speculative rendering blends familiar elements from Kia’s latest sedans, especially the Kia K4 and K8, into a midsize sedan body. The result is a modern interpretation of Kia’s evolving design philosophy.
At the front, the sedan adopts Kia’s “Starmap” signature lighting, flanked by vertical headlamps and a bold grid-pattern grille — key hallmarks of the current Kia family look. Despite its futuristic updates, traces of the current K5’s identity remain visible, offering a sense of design continuity.
Sleek Fastback Profile and Premium Details
The side profile follows a fastback silhouette, giving the sedan a sportier and more aerodynamic stance. A sharp character line runs parallel to the front fender’s parting line, adding definition and movement. Auto flush door handles and a clean black finish for the DLO (Day Light Opening) molding — a departure from traditional chrome — enhance the upscale and tech-forward appearance.
Internal Combustion or Electric Future?
As of now, Kia has not officially announced the launch timeline or specs for the next-generation K5. Given that the brand opted to launch the EV4 instead of directly succeeding the K4 with a combustion model, speculation is growing that the K5’s successor could transition to an electric powertrain.
The current K5 generation debuted in 2019, which suggests a new model is due soon. Whether it arrives as an internal combustion model (ICE), an electric vehicle, or both, remains to be seen.
Final Thoughts
While the design shown here is only a rendering, it offers an exciting glimpse at what could be the Kia K6. If the final product resembles anything close to this vision, Kia’s midsize sedan segment is in for a bold evolution — both in design and possibly in powertrain strategy.