Kia Motors has published exterior images of the all new Kia K5 sedan. Known as the Optima in other markets, the latest model offers a fresh and innovative new look for the sedan segment and showcases Kia's bold new design direction.

The front of the car is characterised by Kia's imposing new 'Tiger Nose Evolution', a wide, three-dimensional design which integrates the grille and headlamps more organically than previous iterations of the K5.

The texture of the grille is modelled on the texture of shark skin delivering a powerful and sporty image. New front headlamps feature a distinctive 'heartbeat' daytime running light signature.

The profile of the K5 displays a greater sense of muscularity than its predecessor, with the body narrowing slightly at the midpoint between the wheel arches. A distinctive crease runs the length of the K5's body, while a dash of chrome above the car's new frameless windows adds greater drama to its flowing, fastback roofline.

The all new K5 is longer and wider than its predecessor. The length of the new model has been extended by 50mm to 4,905mm and the width by 25mm to 1,860 mm. The wheelbase is extended to 2,850mm providing a stable driving character. A 20mm drop in height to 1,445mm creates a low-slung sporty profile.

The back of the K5 has a new rear-combination lamp design which provides a sporty silhouette mirrored by the three-dimensional design of the K5's subtle rear wing.

The unique rear light signature mirrors the slender 'heartbeat' motif found at the front of the car, while the flash of chrome from the roofline loops around the base of the rear screen, unifying the side and rear profile.  

The new K5 will go on-sale in the brand's domestic Korean market in December, with global markets to follow.