Cadillac CTS vs Kia K900

Every brand needs to undergo occasional makeovers to keep its product portfolio relevant. Brands like Lexus and Jaguar have been doing this the last 5 to 10 years, but the brand that took it upon itself to reinvent its image, and the car that started it all, was the CTS. It arrived in 2002 and was the first truly modern Cadillac. Unlike its big land-barge predecessors, the CTS was taut and featured angular styling and forward-looking engines and technology.

Each successive generation of the CTS has seen an evolution of the angles, the powertrains, and the tech, culminating with this car: the 2016 Cadillac CTS. The third generation of the CTS is the largest, most refined, and most high-tech version of the car to date. The third generation of the CTS debuted for the 2015 model year, and is largely carried over to 2016, save for a few key updates.

By and large, the car-buying public carries around preconceived notions about automakers. Name a car or type of car and you’ll likely start to form assumptions about the vehicle itself and even its owners.

Kia has had a reputation for being bargain-oriented, but lately, it's a brand on the rise. Last year Kia released the Stinger, a head-turning, athletic performance sedan. Kia already had a strong portfolio of (yes, affordable) vehicles, but the Stinger was a statement vehicle, a demonstration of the brand's capabilities.

Considering Kia's progress, the continued lack of awareness with regard to its quality is disappointing. If you need any more convincing, look no further than its luxury flagship, the K900 sedan.

Introduced in 2012, the K900 is now in its second generation. It is a fantastic car and a handsome reward for any sedan shopper looking to drive a high-comfort, high-quality ride. But buyers in this space have some interesting choices. For one, the K900 rides on the same platform as its corporate cousin, the Genesis G90. It's also offered alongside the Cadenza, which is also a spacious luxury car—but has front-wheel drive. There appears to be some overlap here, which makes the K900 and its positioning so intriguing.

So, Kia’s out there making a name for itself, and the K900 showcases what the brand is fully capable of delivering. But the mere presence of the Genesis G90 underscores a question: Where does the K900 fit in the world of full-size luxury sedans?