New-Gen Four-Seater Kia Carnival Hi-Limousine Adds Opulence To The Flagship MPV

• Rear cabin gets lounge-like individual seats with a foot massager, full-recline function, and quilted leather.

• Centre console features a 7-inch touchscreen controller,  wireless charging pad, cushion support, and dedicated tables.

• It is powered by a 294PS 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, paired with an 8-speed AT. 

In November 2020, Kia introduced the Hi-Limousine, a premium trim for the next-gen Carnival MPV. Now, the carmaker has stepped things up a notch by revealing a four-seater variant of the same, essentially making the Carnival a lounge room on wheels. 

The highlight of the four-seater Carnival Hi-Limousine is its rear cabin. It’s gotten rid of some seats, and in their place come two lounge-like reclining rear seats that seem to be lifted from a first-class airliner. It’s loaded with creature comforts such as a foot massager for the left rear passenger, quilted leather surface, a comfortable headrest, and decent calf support. 

Separating the luxury seats is a centre console that features button controls, a wireless charging pad, cushion support, and a 7-inch touchscreen controller operating the ambient lighting, foot massager, air conditioning, and the massive 21.5-inch entertainment system. The dedicated tables for the rear seat passengers accentuate the first-class-airliner experience. Other highlights inside the four-seater Carnival Hi-Limousine include heated/cooled cup holders and storage space in the right passenger area. 

As is the case with the other Hi-Limousine variants, the four-seater version is powered by a 294PS/355Nm 3.5-litre V6 direct-injection petrol engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Also, Kia has reworked the ride quality this time.  

In India, Kia sells the previous iteration of the Carnival (powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine) at prices starting from Rs 24.95 lakh (ex-showroom). While there’s no word on the Hi-Limousine trim, we expect the standard next-gen model to arrive in 2022. While the Carnival doesn’t have any direct competitor, it is a premium alternative to the Toyota Innova Crysta.