Introducing Kia’s luxury SUV concept

Remember that SUV that Kia teased us about? True to their word, Kia has finally unveiled their potential full-blown SUV contender that the company hopes to re-create for the US market. The luxury concept is known as the Kia Telluride and the SUV will be based on an existing platform and reveals the brand’s interest in potentially offering a premium SUV positioned above the Sorento.

The concept SUV measure 70.9-inches tall, 79.1-inches wide and 196.9-inches long and wears 22-inch five spoke wheels. With a wheelbase measurement of 121.3-inches, the Telluride sits seven with third row seats that can be deployed whenever needed. The front and rear-hinged doors swing open 90 degrees in opposing directions revealing leather seats that has embedded Smart Sensors to capture a passenger’s vital health information.

Information collected will be displayed on the door panel screens and will synchronise with a Light Emitted Rejuvenation system which will utilise the LED panel mounted on the sunroof to display therapeutic light to treat jetlag and improve the occupant’s energy levels.

Kia has also made sure to give rear passengers control of the car’s system with a touch sensitive band mounted on the second row centre console known as Swipe Command. The interior has been equipped with seven Harman Kardon speakers or passengers can choose to listen to their music with the Harman Kardon headphones.

At the moment, the Telluride is a PHEV with a 3.5-litre petrol direct injected (GDI) V6 engine that produces 400bhp – 270bhp from the combustion engine and 130bhp from the electric motor installed under the bonnet. Of course, power is transmitted into all four wheels via an advanced all-wheel drive system.

There are still no word yet on whether the company would put the Tellurite to production but if the concept ever goes through the factory, expect the Tellurite to bear massive resemblance to the version you’re looking at now.

Jerrica Leong