Stinger GT with V6 and 366 HP in the Blick test: The last Kia for true enthusiasts

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The powerful Kia Group is transforming into an electric car manufacturer together with its subsidiary Hyundai, which is number 3 in the world after Toyota and VW. Kia’s chief product planner Spencer Cho offered an insight into the future model range, from the entry-level model EV2 (from 2026) to the newly launched powerful EV9 family electric car. A car like the Stinger doesn’t quite fit the concept anymore: the four-door sports sedan is a thoroughbred GT without electric assistance – the V6 turbo-petrol engine with 366 hp and a whopping 510 Nm of torque delivers the steam. Blick was able to subject the last true original Kia for enthusiasts to extensive testing as the “final tribute edition”.

Compared to the previous model, Kia has further sharpened the Stinger’s appearance. This does not go unnoticed: even young people turn around in surprise and whisper: “What, is this a Kia? It’s really cool!” However, things get tough under the sporty sheetmetal: despite the length of 4.83 metres, the boot only holds an average of 440 litres, provided the very flat luggage compartment cover is removed beforehand. Otherwise, the volume decreases to 335 liters; This is not enough for a long-distance cruiser. On the other hand, tall passengers can also sit comfortably in the back seat. The only thing that tickles the top is the roof sloping towards the back.

First of all: The Stinger is not a purebred sports car, it is a real Gran Turismo for those in the know. Loud and powerfully humming, the 3.3-litre six-cylinder engine runs great on gas and delivers superb acceleration; The V6 can be impressive with plenty of steam, especially when running on the German motorway. The Stinger wears seat bolsters in sport mode and gets you in a really good mood on winding country roads, thanks to its rear-biased all-wheel drive system and precise steering. But its preferred territory is long-distance journeys, where the relatively stiff but well-balanced adaptable chassis can handle even larger bumps with confidence.

The Stinger’s price list is 67,500 francs. This sounds a lot like; especially for a Kia. But upon closer inspection, Gran Turismo turns out to be a real bargain. You will search (almost) in vain for extras that require extra charges in the price list. Whether it’s a premium audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, 10.25-inch infotainment system, head-up display, Nappa leather seat covers, 360-degree camera or the latest assistance systems, the Stinger has it all, including seven Available as standard. year factory warranty. The sporty, elegant suede interior of the “GT Pack” alone costs an extra 900 francs. Premium rivals such as the Alfa Giulia, Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé or Mercedes-AMG C43 charge much more for a similar package.

In times when global warming is a reality and humanity must rapidly reduce its consumption of fossil fuels, the Stinger seems outdated. Driving steadily on the German highway, we achieved an average fuel consumption of 10.3 l/100 km in the test and even beat the factory consumption of 10.9 l/100 km. But anyone who frequently uses the Kia Stinger’s generous performance will be penalized with consumption well above 12 liters.

Anyone who buys the Stinger GT is getting an exotic ride. Kia Switzerland was only able to release 66 vehicles from showrooms by the end of October. For comparison: Lamborghini delivered almost the same number of models of its soon-to-be-discontinued Huracán super sports car (58) in the same period and at at least three times the price. That’s a shame, because Kia has achieved the balance between sporty handling and high touring comfort so convincingly that it can safely celebrate the Stinger as a true Gran Turismo. However, its days are numbered and production has already stopped. Last chance for anyone who wants to park one of the last available copies under the Christmas tree.

Source: Blick