Electric Kia Stinger replacement shapes up

The Kia Vision Meta Turismo is a peek into how the brand could revive – and electrify – the Stinger, and although it’s just a prototype for now, the futuristic sedan blends a battery-electric powertrain with a host of wacky new tech and a divisive interior that could eventually make its way into production vehicles. And Kia says if customers want it, they might get it. 

The concept was recently unveiled as part of Kia’s 80th anniversary event in Korea and is said to pay homage to the ‘speed and elegance of 1960s long-distance touring’.

It could also shape up as a spiritual successor to the Stinger sedan, which arrived Down Under in 2017 to battle popular Aussie sedans such as the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon, before it was axed in 2023.

According to Autocar, Kia’s European design chief Oliver Samson said the carmaker is open when it comes to design and is “always looking for something new” – ahem, Kia Tasman anyone? – saying it doesn’t start a new design by looking at what it’s done prior.

“If we find a new design that we think would fit really well to Kia, is super-progressive and looks different to what we already have, we would consider adding that into the family,” Samson told Autocar.

The design exec said Kia is experimenting with different silhouettes and describes the Meta Turismo as an attempt or vision: “how could we lay out a saloon in a different way, not just exterior-wise, but also in terms of interior design, with the driver and co-driver.”

“Why do they have to be exactly the same? If the driver is doing something totally different than the co-driver, why does everyone have to be sitting in the same position, like you were in school?

“We are quite open, and we’re constantly looking for new opportunities.

“There’s still room for improvement.”

Kia says it will reveal full information on the concept in the “near future”.

Meanwhile, it’s now looking at whether the concept could make it to production, according to the UK publication, with Kia saying customer demand will play a big role in whether the wacky saloon ever makes it to production.

“We’re really looking into having a dialogue with our consumers, to make sure that we are not designing something completely off. We’re looking for their reaction: is that in line with what you expect from Kia?”

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