Kia Amanti/Opiris and Optima/K5

For model years 2003-2012 the top-of-the line Kia was its Amanti/Opiris (names used in different markets).  Its wheelbase was 110.2 inches (2800 mm).  The design was bland.  Seeing one from a block or two away, my first thought often is that the car might be a Mercedes, but on closer inspection the grille bars reveal a Kia.

During the Amanti's production run, Peter Schreyer (1953 - ) was brought in to manage Kia styling.  His work was highly successful, in part due to his creation of the "tiger nose" or "tiger mouth" grille frame design, an effective brand identification element.

This is evident on the Kia Optima/K5 line, 2006-plus model years successor to the Amanti-Opiris, having nearly the same wheelbase.

Images below are either factory-sourced or are of for-sale cars.

Gallery

2004 Kia Amanti/Opiris
I suppose the reason I sometimes mistook Amantis for Mercedes at a distance was the shape of the grille and, especially, the headlight scheme.

Nothing wrong with the styling from this viewpoint, but it's not exciting or even interesting.

The same might be said regarding the aft end of the car.

2011 Kia Optima
Schreyer's similar-sized car does feature interest and even some excitement (though I think the wheel cover design is silly).  Note the grille with the slightly pinched center area.

Besides the grille, I like the C-pillar styling.  The curve extending above the window framing and continuing down to the trunk lid was carried over to the 2016 and 2021 redesigns.

2016 Kia Optima
This redesign retains the character of the 2011 model while revising the front detailing and de-emphasizing the high fender character line.

The softening of the sides was continued at the rear.

2021 Kia K5
The recent redesign has a stronger profile arch, due in part to a sharper hood curve above the grille.

As in 2016, the earlier C-pillar treatment is replaced by a six-window arrangement.  The rear sculpting is much fussier than before, though more in line with recent styling fads.

I think the most interesting feature is the chrome strip that extends from A-pillar to A-pillar, wrapping under the backlight window framing.