Sportier-looking 2020 Kia Cadenza breaks cover in South Korea

We expect the American-spec model will receive the same updates.

Kia introduced a thoroughly updated Cadenza in its home country of South Korea, where the sedan is called K7. While the American-spec model hasn't been announced yet, the changes made to the South Korean-spec car most likely give us a good idea of what to expect from it.

The next model year bring a new-look front end characterized by a concave grille flanked by sharper headlights. The bottom part of the front bumper has been redesigned with more chrome and vertical fog lights. Out back, the rear lights are now connected by a light bar that's underlined by a strip of chrome trim. The Cadenza looks sportier and more upmarket than before.

The big news inside is that Kia redesigned the center console to fit a 12.3-inch touchscreen that displays the infotainment system. The air vents consequently move down on the panel, and there are fewer buttons within the reach of the front passengers. The driver faces a second, configurable 12.3-inch screen that replaces the instrument cluster.

Technical specifications remain vague. Motor Authority reported the South Korean-spec K7 will come with either a 2.5- or a 3.0-liter engine. In the United States, the Cadenza is only available with a 3.3-liter V6 tuned to deliver 290 horsepower to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Whether this powertrain will carry over to the updated model remains to be seen.

We expect the Kia Cadenza will receive the same visual and tech upgrades as the K7 for the 2020 model year. An official announcement could be right around the corner.