The fourth-gen Optima, or as it’s known in Korea and China, the K5, has been with us since 2015. Last year, Kia introduced a facelifted version, so this should be enough for around two or three years, right?



This could help explain this test mule, as the automaker could already be working on a different iteration. Spied testing in its homeland not long ago, with the pics shared by Bobaedream, the car was wearing some heavy camouflage meant to hide its design details.

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While the overhangs seem to be the same, there are some visual differences compared to the 2019 K5/Optima. The headlamps and taillights appear to have a different pattern, the rear license plate is now found in the bumper instead of the boot lid, a move that has led to other design changes, and the C pillars have a different shape.

Does this indicate that Kia has already started working on the next-gen model? Anything’s possible, including a more significant makeover of the outgoing one. And given the pace at which they have created this prototype, less than a year after the facelifted K5 broke cover locally, we wouldn’t be surprised if the next generation arrives as early as 2020.

We will definitely keep a close watch on the Korean market’s K5, as that’s where it will likely launch at first, previewing the Optima destined for other markets such as the U.S.