The Kia Cadenza replaces the old Kia Opirus sedan, which was also known as the Amanti in several markets, and will be badged as the Kia K7 in South Korea. The Cadenza features styling that was inspired by the Kia KND-5 Concept Car and is the first model to use Kia’s new front-wheel-drive Type N platform.

Kia’s design chief Peter Schreyer said, "Our new sedan looks masculine and luxurious. Today, people recognize a Kia at first sight: well balanced proportions, flowing greenhouse and dynamic window graphic plus the big wheels, give this car its confident stance, dignity and elegant personality. The distinctive 'tiger nose' front with its signature grille and headlights are evidence of Kia's new self-confidence. Kia Cadenza is a big step into the future - another quantum leap for Kia."

At 4965mm, the Cadenza is slightly shorter than the Amanti in length, although wheelbase has been lengthened to 2845mm for more passenger space. The interior also features luxuries such as cabin mood lighting, a welcome system and Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning.

The Cadenza will be powered by a 3.5 litre V6 engine with 290bhp and 338Nm of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends powers to the front wheels, and weight has been reduced to 1575kg. This allows the Cadenza to go from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds, and reach a top speed of 230km/h. More engine options are expected to be offered for the Cadenza later.