Car and Driver Comparison: Stinger 2.0T Premium Ties with BMW 430i Gran Coupe

[ERS]

i just received my February issue of C&D that had a comparison test of the Audi A5 Sportback, BMW 430i Gran Coupe and the Stinger 2.0T (Premium). The Audi came in 1st but it was a dead tie for 2nd between the Stinger and the BMW. I consider that pretty impressive for KIA's fist shot at this segment. However, the Audi had been requested to have all-season rubber but showed up with wider, sticky summer tires. Later, in the quest for fairness, the writers retested the Audi with all-season tires and the Stinger went from second to first in the 70-0 MPH stopping category...road holding also dropped significantly for the Audi. Since we also own a 2017 430i Gran Coupe, I've been able to do a personal comparison with my new Stinger Premium. I love the Stinger's steering and on-center feel as opposed to the Gran Coupe...the Stinger just tracks better.

 

[Kia Stinger]

i just received my February issue of C&D that had a comparison test of the Audi A5 Sportback, BMW 430i Gran Coupe and the Stinger 2.0T (Premium). The Audi came in 1st but it was a dead tie for 2nd between the Stinger and the BMW. I consider that pretty impressive for KIA's fist shot at this segment. However, the Audi had been requested to have all-season rubber but showed up with wider, sticky summer tires. Later, in the quest for fairness, the writers retested the Audi with all-season tires and the Stinger went from second to first in the 70-0 MPH stopping category...road holding also dropped significantly for the Audi. Since we also own a 2017 430i Gran Coupe, I've been able to do a personal comparison with my new Stinger Premium. I love the Stinger's steering and on-center feel as opposed to the Gran Coupe...the Stinger just tracks better.

You're right - it IS an amazing feat for Kia to have built a car as good as the Stinger. Look how long it took for Cadillac to compete on the same level as BMW's 5-Series. The CTS finally does it - but only after three full generations. It took Kia one model year.

 

[Waynerm002]

Kudos to KIA! The brand snobs are going bonkers over this. Imagine when they do a true sport sedan. I'm still hopeful that the Optima face lift will come with better performance since KIA is saying everything in their lineup will get similar treatment to the Stinger.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Kudos to KIA! The brand snobs are going bonkers over this. Imagine when they do a true sport sedan. I'm still hopeful that the Optima face lift will come with better performance since KIA is saying everything in their lineup will get similar treatment to the Stinger.

Well, it's highly unlikely they'll give more power to the 2.0T Optima over the 2.0T Stinger. I think they're mainly referring to exterior design...