Kia Stinger

Kia Stinger key specifications

From the GT Concept to the production car

Kia first showed the idea of a rear-drive sports saloon with the GT Concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The smaller Kia GT4 Stinger concept followed in Detroit in 2014. The production Stinger made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in January 2017, more than five years after the first concept.

Peter Schreyer and Gregory Guillaume led the design at Kia's European studio in Frankfurt. Albert Biermann, previously head of engineering at BMW M, set up the chassis. Testing included more than 10,000 km on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and over 1,000 km at the Korea International Circuit.

Production began in October 2017 at Kia's Gwangmyeong plant, also known as Sohari, in South Korea. The car shares its rear-drive platform with the Genesis G70, a premium sister model from the same group.

Engines, gearbox and performance

Every Stinger used an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Rear-wheel drive was standard, and all-wheel drive was offered on the V6 and the 2.0. In Germany, the V6 came only with all-wheel drive, while the diesel could have either layout. The old 1cars text noted that the AWD system sent most torque to the rear axle in normal driving.

By our calculation, a V6 with 272 kW and about 1,850 kg carries roughly 6.8 kg per kW. A 255 PS 2.0 of about 1,700 kg carries roughly 9.0 kg per kW, so the V6 is about 24 % better on this measure. Run your own figures in the 1cars power-to-weight calculator.

Chassis, brakes and the cabin

The front suspension uses MacPherson struts, with a multi-link axle at the rear. Adaptive dampers were available, and the variable-ratio steering came on the GT. The V6 cars have Brembo brakes with four-piston callipers and 350 mm discs at the front and two-piston callipers with 340 mm discs at the rear. Smaller models use 320 mm front and 314 mm rear discs.

Inside, the fastback roof still leaves room for three adults in the back, though the transmission tunnel restricts the middle seat. The boot holds 406 litres and opens with a large tailgate, which makes the car more practical than a four-door saloon. Top versions had a head-up display, a 15-speaker Harman Kardon system and wireless phone charging.

Euro NCAP rating and safety

Euro NCAP tested the Stinger in 2017 and awarded five stars. The 2.2 CRDi GT-Line model scored 93 % for adult occupants, 81 % for children, 78 % for pedestrians and 82 % for safety assistance. Kia's Danish press office announced the five-star result for the Stinger and the Stonic together.

Standard equipment in Germany included autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping, traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control. The bonnet also lifts in a collision with a pedestrian to soften the impact.

Prices, facelift and Tribute Edition

By our calculation, the V6 cost about €202 per kW in Germany, against about €234 per kW for the 2.0. The GT-Line already included leather seats with memory, navigation, a head-up display and 18-inch wheels. The GT added Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, LED headlights and Brembo brakes.

Kia revealed the facelift in August 2020. It brought new light clusters, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, new wheels, the 2.5 turbo and a variable exhaust for the V6. The UK update followed on 6 January 2021. To mark the end of production, the Tribute Edition of December 2022 was limited to 1,000 cars, with matte grey paint and terracotta leather.

Sales and the end of production

Sales peaked in 2018 and then fell by more than half by 2022. Kia announced the end of production in October 2022, and the last cars were built in April 2023. In South Korea, only 24,825 were sold over the car's life. The Stinger also won the 2018 Red Dot "Best of the Best" design award, and several police forces, including Merseyside Police in the UK, used it. Our history of Kia shows how far the brand had come by then.

Rivals and how it compares

Against its German rivals, the Stinger made its case with power and equipment for the money. It lost out on brand image and resale value. Put any pair side by side with the 1cars comparison tool.