Kia Motors America (KMA) has unveiled the all-new Kia Kue crossover concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, USA. The V8-powered, all-wheel drive, high performance Kue is designed to deliver an exhilarating drive, in and out of town, on- and off-road.

“In recent years Kia has instilled growing confidence and integrity in our customers’ minds with vehicles that provide quality, value and safety,” said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. “Now the Kia Kue embodies the next phase of our brand evolution, which will inspire pride and passion in our customers through its great design.”

The 4.7-metre long Kia Kue employs a different approach to the crossover utility vehicle segment by taking elements of what makes a great Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) to a new level, namely performance. Kue is designed first and foremost as a driver’s vehicle. While possessing many SUV characteristics and capabilities, the Kia Kue focuses more on giving the driver an exhilarating driving experience – on the open road and on the way to the DIY centre – rather than on how much it can carry.

The Kia Kue has a monocoque platform that sits on giant 22-inch diameter wheels with a 2,900 mm wheelbase, packaged into an overall length of 4,724 mm. Though purely a concept, the Kia Kue does, however, hint at future styling directions for Kia Motors.

“Good design shouldn’t look like you are trying too hard,” said Tom Kearns, KMA chief designer. “The future Kia direction will incorporate the ‘less is more’ philosophy but still include a heavy dose of boldness to be distinct.”

On the inside, Kue continues the clean, athletic theme with bold understated simplicity. With a four-seater interior arrangement and individual custom-built bucket seats, Kue is a vehicle both driver and passengers can enjoy. A technology-driven interface designed to adjust to driver and passenger preference is the focus of the interior functions. Touch pad and motion-sensing controls are used to adjust systems such as audio and climate control. The entire touch-pad set up is programmable so that one surface may activate the stereo for one driver and temperature for another. Rear passengers have their own, separate interface.

The generation-next functionality of the interior is complemented by the use of sophisticated seat and surface materials and a modern colour palette. Carefully selected materials and textures are vital elements of the interior design of Kue and they create a luxury feel that is both modern and inviting. A mid-dark interior theme with highlights was chosen in place of the typical light interior common to many concept cars. Overall, the Kue interior presents a new perspective with an emphasis on comfortable, user-friendly interaction.

Just as inviting is Kue’s appeal to be driven in a sporty fashion. Fitted with a 400 bhp DOHC, supercharged 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine that manages 400 lb ft (542 Nm) of torque, Kue is a true high performance vehicle. Helping the driver harness all that power is a full-time all-wheel drive system yielding predictable driving characteristics both on- and off-road.

Developed by the KMA design team as an expression of Kia’s global design language, the Kia Kue is a true reflection of the Kia brand and the passion it embraces.