Since sprinted onto the scene in 2017, the Kia Stinger has earned its place among elite performance sedans. Let’s take a look at how it stacks up against its competition.
The Evolution of a Brand
The Kia Stinger started life in the design studio in Frankfurt, Germany. Kia’s chief designer, Gregory Guillaume, and Peter Schreyer, along with engineer Albert Biermann, brought the performance sedan to life off of the drawing board.
With the addition of vehicles such as the Kia Stinger and the Telluride SUV, Kia is shedding its reputation as an economy car manufacturer. This isn’t to say the automaker is leaving behind budget-minded drivers: more than the brand is finding its sweet spot of value and luxury.
Going Grille to Grille Against the Competition
Owing to Guillaume and Schreyer’s vision, along with Biermann’s bona fides as the VP of Engineering at BMW, the Kia Stinger raised many eyebrows when it was introduced at the 2017 North American Auto Show.
The Korean company put European automakers Audi and BMW on notice with a sedan that possesses the style and athleticism of high-end German brands. But Kia offers the Stinger at a price point that makes a performance car more accessible.
With that in mind, let’s compare the Stinger to the Audi A5 Sportback, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, and the Stinger’s cousin, Genesis G70.
Runs Circles Around its Rivals
The Kia Stinger’s available 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 hustles from 0-60 in about 4.6 seconds. With 368 horses chomping at the bit, the Stinger outmuscles the S4 (349-hp) and the 4 Series Gran Coupe (326-hp). Out of the group, the 365-horsepower G70 is the most capable of giving the Stinger a run for the money.
When it comes to handling, the European sedans hold a slight edge over the Stinger, which isn’t a surprise, given the several decades’ head start. Still, the Stinger’s sport-tuned suspension, grippy tires, and Brembo performance brakes offer the perfect balance of engagement and stability.
Being somewhat old school, our one wish for the Stinger would be a manual transmission. Sure automatic transmissions with paddle shifters are cool, but when it comes to handling a performance car, well, a manual makes all the difference.
Style for Miles
When it comes to curb appeal, the Stinger more than holds its own among its premium European rivals. Parked side by side with the badges concealed, you may have a hard time distinguishing the German sedans from the Korean competition. They all offer a well-sculpted silhouette and are available in color palettes that include a version of British Racing Green, plus eye-catching orange and red hues.
And forget everything you’ve heard about Kia interiors. The Stinger uses upscale materials and offers the kind of efficient, uncluttered aesthetic that you’re used to in German sedans. You’ll also get the same cutting-edge technology from safety to infotainment.
Where the Stinger really stands out is in its use of space. It’s open and airy, and your back seat passengers will especially appreciate the extra legroom.
The Bottom Line
So, how does the Kia Stinger compare in value to the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, and Genesis G70?
- The Stinger GT Line starts out at $36, 290, and a fully-loaded GT2 runs about $51,490.
- The Genesis G70 comes in at $37,775 for a base 2.0T, and $52,750 for the 3.3T Launch Edition.
- An Audi A5 ranges from $43,447 for the Premium (base) to $55,295 for the Prestige S Line.
- The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe tops the list starting at $46,195 and tops out in the neighborhood of $60k.
It may not have the cachéof the European sedans, but for overall value, the Kia Stinger offers a lot for your money, including one of the best warranties in America.
The Performance Sedan for the Rest of Us
Not everyone is in the market for a truck or SUV. For those of us who crave the power and agility of a well-tuned performance sedan, the Kia Stinger is a fantastic option. It’s not shy about taking on the elite European competition. And you’ll get a lot of WOW for your money.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.