When I first found this channel, I only watched the reviews of cars that interested me. Now, though, I watch all the videos because they're just that good.
This guy has the best car reviews on TH-cam ended up picking up the Optima here based upon this review. Hell I watch his other reviews just because they’re so well put together.
I always enjoy AA reviews, best online. However, I own a 2017 Audi e-tron and with regard to EPA, its 25 (sometimes 28) miles when fully charged, not 15. And after almost 4000 miles, combined hybrid is 60MPG however I do use the EV mode probably more than most would in normal, daily, commute driving. Needless to say, if you're shopping Audi, its more about the brand and the best tech (virtual cockpit is the best of ALL dashboard systems), over cost of ownership. Great job as always, AA!
@Alex on Autos, It's a conventional automatic not a DCT, only the 1.6 turbo and the diesels in Europe get a DCT. I own one (optima hybrid) and it's a conventional 6 speed automatic. I'm surprised how the video mentions that the hybrids get a DCT. The Kia niro has a DCT however but its a different drivetrain on a different platform.
I'm very interested in either the KIA or the Sonata Plug in. Since I drive a lot a night I was wondering in the LED make a big difference for the night vision on the Kia?
How does this drive in comparison to a Prius? Slower? Faster? Also, how sensitive is the brake pedal and how much pressure do you have to apply to come to a smooth stop?
For a hybrid, I want preferably the Toyota Avalon Hybrid, but I'll settle for the Camry Hybrid. I would not be interested in the Optima Hybrid, but as a plug-in, it appears to be worth serious consideration (although the nearest Kia dealers are not as close by as Ford and Toyota). If they made a Malibu plug-in hybrid, then I might consider that, but for a conventional hybrid, I'd rather stay with Toyota.
Alex, I'm curious about the reference to the DCT in the Optima hybrids. I presume this is a 2017 addition; there was no mention of this in your review of the essentially similar 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
Alex, have you noticed the "sensitivity" of the Optima/Sonata PHEV twins of how much throttle & climate control conditions to kick the gas engine on in comparison to the Fusion Energi? One of the key factors is if one can 'lock out' the gas engine by switching to EV only modes on these PHEV to benefit the most of electric range. I know the Ford Energi cars can keep full EV mode even when floored unless you manually override the setting via steering or drive mode selector.
I don't know where you are getting the dual clutch from buts its a 6 speed auto but without a torque converter and en electronic clutch by saying dual clutch your referring to something completely different
I drive a 2004 Hyundai Tiburon GTV6 and to reduce under-steer (because it's FWD/front-engined and therefore nose-heavy) I put more PSI in the front tires to improve handling. Since the Optima Plug-in is more front-to-rear weight balanced due to the large battery in the back, would putting more PSI in the front have the same effect?
That infotainment UI is hideous. They should have filled that entire space with an edge to edge screen and made it more snazzy. The hybrid screens feel like an afterthought app they outsourced
Hi Alex. Great review but i have to point that the transmission hyundai and kia uses in their midsize optima/sonata hybrid is conventional 6 auto without torque converter the motor is placed instead of torque converter. In ioniq however its dct transmission.
Alex I beleive Optima Hybrid as well as Sonata Hybrid use traditional 6 speed automatic; not DCT. The only different is the electric motor replacing the torque converter with a clutch plate?
I could be wrong but I own 16 Hyundai Sonata hybrid and didn't found anywhere saying it's dual clutch. And from Kia media "...mated to a six-speed automatic transmission...Electric power is produced by a transmission-mounted 50 kW motor" I only know Kia Niro/Hyundai Ioniq using 6 speed dct.... Anyway, a great review as always!!
Regardless of which kind of transmission, how come that no other manufacturer is using shifting gears while in EV mode? It's very efficient! Maybe due to high instant torque it is difficult for the clutch? I'm puzzled
they still make good cheap affordable good cars, like the video says for a plug in hybrid under 40k this kia is highly recommended, you can get a regular no frills optima for 20k.
Did you also remember those 'good old day' when Korean cars were under-powered, poorly designed & build and rusted to the floor in 2 years time? You pay for a quality product and for all modern Hyundais & Kias. You want to buy a cheap & affordable but loaded car? Buy any product coming from Chrysler and watch you wallet be emptied out by constant dealer visits & unscheduled repairs.
I still have a Kia Sedona 2002 EX. The thing was well equipped leather, roof rack removable captain seats, no major issues. POWERFUL engine. Design that still look great today. The thing cost 20K tax included (NY tax). It drives nice, handles well.
It may seem crazy, but don't forget with the exchange rate, Korean cars sell for less than their European and Japanese counterparts. Because of the currency factor, they can pack more "bang for the buck" into their cars. They might also be slightly underpricing the competition deliberately to build market share. I can tell you that I recently sat in a Kia Cadenza at a dealership; I did not get to test-drive it, but that thing was almost like sitting in a soundproof booth, even with windows rolled down. The finish was impressive. If you had told me even five years ago that Kia could build a car like that, I would have said you are crazy. Kia has definitely upped their game exponentially.
Good review as always but I notice you rarely (never?) use the Lexus CT Hybrid as a car to compare for other hybrid vehicles. I'm not a fan of the CT but if someone wants that Lexus experience,....
I have been disappointed by much of the Lexus line. The lower end Lexuses don't seem to be much of an improvement over their Toyota siblings, and the electronic infotainment system is actually rated worse by A Leading Consumer Magazine than the standard Toyota infotainment system (due in part to its joystick control).
Great review Alex.. ...Now , after you drove Optima phev , would you get a Niro for a week of test drive ? To compare real mpg? Or will you get Ioniq first? ^_^ Also , do you know if Kia planing on to bringing the station wagon/GT Optima PHEV to US?
Hi Alex, Will the car be able to climb a slope from 5% at constant speed of 80kph? Does the car get 50km of autonomy at city speeds, whatever the inlcination? If not, what is the autonomy of city speed? Thanks for the information. Greetings from Portugal
DSG has an expensive service interval at 40K also I am having a problem believing that the Optima is "Bigger than the VW Passat". I would have to see that to believe it.
I was about to say "wow, this would be a fantastic family cruiser for my next road trip journey...." and then you show me the rear cargo space...that doesn't work at all, too small for four suitcases.
Take a look at the Ford Fusion Energi, and you'll see that the Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid did a better job of the trunk space. That extra battery has to go somewhere in a plug-in, and unless the car is a clean-sheet design like the Prius or the Chevy Bolt, you are constrained by the original specifications of the car, and it becomes a kludge. At least Kia has pretty much a flat trunk without a huge lump that reduces useful space; the Ford piled an extra battery pack under the back seat shelf, so although there is space that counts toward trunk capacity, you can only fit small things on top of that lump, and that really cuts down on luggage carrying capability. The Kia is much more useful for trips than the Fusion Energi.
Not sure about the Prime, but the Optima Plug-In has better EV range than the Fusion Energi, with more trunk capacity on top of that. I'm amazed that Ford did not do as good a job as Kia with fitting that battery in the trunk; the Ford did something weird that drastically reduced usable trunk space, while Kia did a much better job. That extra battery has to go somewhere, but the way Ford did it left a lot to be desired.
Optima Plug-In Hybrid vs. Kia Cadenza. In Cadenza Premium trim, both are similarly priced. I sat in a Cadenza in a showroom, and was astounded how quiet it was inside, even with the driver and front passenger windows rolled down, but I have not test-driven it so I haven't heard it how loud it is. Which do you think is actually quieter on the road?
Will never happen within the next 5 years; Subaru seems to have little interest in EV. Not a surprise given how small the company is and therefore a tiny R&D over giants like Toyota, Hyundai or GM.
Toyota is likely going to discontinue the Prius V. While I haven't heard an official statement yet, they aren't going to be sending out a Prius V for review at this time. If they decide to keep it, they should do a refresh and will then send cars out to review.
If you play your cards right with a plug-in hybrid (do most of your driving in the city in EV Only mode and recharge the battery pack nightly or while parked at the store), you really can go for months on a single tank of gas.
Not really impressed. There are a lot more efficient vehicles out there for less. I wish the US would adopt the same standards at the UK and Europe. Many of their cars get 70+ MPG thanks to diesel.
Realize they are using Imperial gallons, which is more that 20% larger than a US gallon -- so they aren't getting that much better fuel economy. Also realize that those fuel economy numbers are from smaller engines; engines in Europe typically start at 1 Liter, on cars that in the US would have 1.6 or 2 liter engines.
It's not just an issue of mileage. A diesel engine still has significant emissions issues. EVs or plug-in hybrids help significantly reduce those emissions. Look at air quality in Los Angeles and ask yourself if you'd rather convert all cars to diesels or plug-in hybrids/EVs.
I am looking to see how drastically price changes on all the E. V.s that loose the federal tax credit in 2018! It was a easy cheesy markup we all subsidized in the national debt!!!
Tony S Dear Sir, thanks for sharing your thoughts! I agree growing the national debt is irresponsible, however only time will tell if the tax change will grow receipts. It is resulting in wage growth and bonuses now!! I would like to see all of Congress improve the immigration law rather than the current raft of bitching! What say you?
10/10 for seat comfort? Really.... for a 35k vehicle? Like 10/10 means "can't be any better". 8 way seat. what.. less for passenger.. How much does BMW 330e cost there?
A 330e is quite barren yet it cost the same as the loaded Optima EX Plug-in. A loaded 330e will likely be ~$7500 more expensive & has less EV range but better performance thanks to RWD. However I think the Kia has a better interior than the BMW (which is a surprise); the 3 series has a terrible interior for a compact executive sedan vs. its competitors while the Optima feels a step up above an Accord, Camry or Malibu.
Well, there is a big difference between Kia Optima and BMW 3-series. Like.. very big difference. I don't measure vehicles with the help of "amount of soft plastic materials in the cabin" - it's stupid. Vehicle's driving dynamics is the most important thing of them all. And BMW's suspension is world leading. 330e and BMW M3 are pretty much the same vehicles. So you copared M3 wih Kia. That is funny and offensive.
6 years ago, will buy 2017 Kia Optima PHEV.
When I first found this channel, I only watched the reviews of cars that interested me. Now, though, I watch all the videos because they're just that good.
Alex, seriously, how are you still only at 153k subscribers? You should be at least around 1M.
I agree. He does very thorough reviews, not only of the cars themselves, but how they compare/contrast to the competition.
Absolutely blows away other car videos.
One of the BEST car reviews I've ever seen on TH-cam. Your review videos are very well done Mr. Alex. Great job!
I don't even plan to buy a car but I still watch Alex's videos
This guy has the best car reviews on TH-cam ended up picking up the Optima here based upon this review. Hell I watch his other reviews just because they’re so well put together.
Hi Alex! Just bought myself one of these and couldn't be happier! Thanks for all of the work you do!!!
evclinic says plug-in hybrids are a blessing for mechanics! He repairs them everyday. Whatever you save goes to him.
I always enjoy AA reviews, best online. However, I own a 2017 Audi e-tron and with regard to EPA, its 25 (sometimes 28) miles when fully charged, not 15. And after almost 4000 miles, combined hybrid is 60MPG however I do use the EV mode probably more than most would in normal, daily, commute driving. Needless to say, if you're shopping Audi, its more about the brand and the best tech (virtual cockpit is the best of ALL dashboard systems), over cost of ownership. Great job as always, AA!
my old Kia hybrid only gets 30 mpg average. lower in freezing temps.
this is quite an improvement.
I like the way you display legroom stats, big plus. Keep up the good work!
As an Korean guy: This is my vehicle Alex.
Yooo this car has everything wtf
@Alex on Autos, It's a conventional automatic not a DCT, only the 1.6 turbo and the diesels in Europe get a DCT. I own one (optima hybrid) and it's a conventional 6 speed automatic. I'm surprised how the video mentions that the hybrids get a DCT. The Kia niro has a DCT however but its a different drivetrain on a different platform.
My dad just got 1,600 miles out of a single tank of gas with his Plug-in Optima, and most of his driving is freeway!
Gas ⛽ only or phev too?
Your takes are nothing short of very very useful. Thanks.
I'm very interested in either the KIA or the Sonata Plug in. Since I drive a lot a night I was wondering in the LED make a big difference for the night vision on the Kia?
How does this drive in comparison to a Prius? Slower? Faster? Also, how sensitive is the brake pedal and how much pressure do you have to apply to come to a smooth stop?
I totally knew you were only 3% aggressive Alex.
So at 11:15 I am lost, what is the range? In the comments, someone says they get 1,200 miles per tank. How does that work?
I was leaning towards the Toyota Camry Hybrid or the Ford Fusion Hybrid/Energi, but this review has definitely given me something to think about.
Maybe try out the Malibu hybrid which also has some decent fuel economy numbers
For a hybrid, I want preferably the Toyota Avalon Hybrid, but I'll settle for the Camry Hybrid. I would not be interested in the Optima Hybrid, but as a plug-in, it appears to be worth serious consideration (although the nearest Kia dealers are not as close by as Ford and Toyota). If they made a Malibu plug-in hybrid, then I might consider that, but for a conventional hybrid, I'd rather stay with Toyota.
I had a Kia Optima lx now I am upgrading before 2019.
Alex, I'm curious about the reference to the DCT in the Optima hybrids. I presume this is a 2017 addition; there was no mention of this in your review of the essentially similar 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
Alex, have you noticed the "sensitivity" of the Optima/Sonata PHEV twins of how much throttle & climate control conditions to kick the gas engine on in comparison to the Fusion Energi? One of the key factors is if one can 'lock out' the gas engine by switching to EV only modes on these PHEV to benefit the most of electric range. I know the Ford Energi cars can keep full EV mode even when floored unless you manually override the setting via steering or drive mode selector.
I honestly think that like last year's optima hybrid the taillights should have a clear cover on them
Fantastic review as always thanks Alex!
Can anyone tell me if the little LED strip below the lights is standard with the plug in trim, or only come with the moving LED light option?
Interior looks nearly identical to that of the sonata
I don't know where you are getting the dual clutch from buts its a 6 speed auto but without a torque converter and en electronic clutch by saying dual clutch your referring to something completely different
Thanks again for the great review Alex. Could you fit a donut spare under the foam in the trunk?
Please do a video on 2017 Hybrid Optima non plugin lowest trim!!!!
Alex .. I love your channel and your in depth reviews.. What is your top pick on a non plug in hybrid full size sedan.... Thanks
Great Review...I almost want to go out and test an Optima non plug in hybrid since it has a DCT vs my TCH's power split device.
So Is this vehicle Electric only or does this hold gas as well. I am confused
I drive a 2004 Hyundai Tiburon GTV6 and to reduce under-steer (because it's FWD/front-engined and therefore nose-heavy) I put more PSI in the front tires to improve handling. Since the Optima Plug-in is more front-to-rear weight balanced due to the large battery in the back, would putting more PSI in the front have the same effect?
That infotainment UI is hideous. They should have filled that entire space with an edge to edge screen and made it more snazzy. The hybrid screens feel like an afterthought app they outsourced
I can't wait until Alex does reviews on the 2018 Kia Stinger GT AWD and 2018 Genesis G80 Sport HTRAC. :)
Hi Alex. Great review but i have to point that the transmission hyundai and kia uses in their midsize optima/sonata hybrid is conventional 6 auto without torque converter the motor is placed instead of torque converter. In ioniq however its dct transmission.
Just stumbled on this channel again. So good!
Alex I beleive Optima Hybrid as well as Sonata Hybrid use traditional 6 speed automatic; not DCT. The only different is the electric motor replacing the torque converter with a clutch plate?
It is a dual clutch transmission, not a traditional automatic.
I could be wrong but I own 16 Hyundai Sonata hybrid and didn't found anywhere saying it's dual clutch. And from Kia media "...mated to a six-speed automatic transmission...Electric power is produced by a transmission-mounted 50 kW motor" I only know Kia Niro/Hyundai Ioniq using 6 speed dct....
Anyway, a great review as always!!
Not making a claim as to who's right/wrong but I too can't seem to find any Kia or 3rd party material that labels the 6 speed a DCT.
Regardless of which kind of transmission, how come that no other manufacturer is using shifting gears while in EV mode? It's very efficient! Maybe due to high instant torque it is difficult for the clutch? I'm puzzled
Because an electric motor doesn't have gears?
I remember the days when Kia cars were cheap/affordable/good value. 40K? That's crazy!!
That's because KIA is manly run by ex-Audi engineers now.
they still make good cheap affordable good cars, like the video says for a plug in hybrid under 40k this kia is highly recommended, you can get a regular no frills optima for 20k.
Did you also remember those 'good old day' when Korean cars were under-powered, poorly designed & build and rusted to the floor in 2 years time? You pay for a quality product and for all modern Hyundais & Kias.
You want to buy a cheap & affordable but loaded car? Buy any product coming from Chrysler and watch you wallet be emptied out by constant dealer visits & unscheduled repairs.
I still have a Kia Sedona 2002 EX. The thing was well equipped leather, roof rack removable captain seats, no major issues. POWERFUL engine. Design that still look great today. The thing cost 20K tax included (NY tax). It drives nice, handles well.
It may seem crazy, but don't forget with the exchange rate, Korean cars sell for less than their European and Japanese counterparts. Because of the currency factor, they can pack more "bang for the buck" into their cars. They might also be slightly underpricing the competition deliberately to build market share. I can tell you that I recently sat in a Kia Cadenza at a dealership; I did not get to test-drive it, but that thing was almost like sitting in a soundproof booth, even with windows rolled down. The finish was impressive. If you had told me even five years ago that Kia could build a car like that, I would have said you are crazy. Kia has definitely upped their game exponentially.
My dad has this car and he's been getting over 1,200 miles per tank of gas!!!!
XP-8 TIM how much would this cost to charge please
With phev or gas only?
Please review the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid
Good review as always but I notice you rarely (never?) use the Lexus CT Hybrid as a car to compare for other hybrid vehicles. I'm not a fan of the CT but if someone wants that Lexus experience,....
The CT is horribly outdated and hardly befitting of the Lexus brand...look at the interior, it looks worse than a Prius.
I couldn't agree more, Kevin. I drive a Lexus GS350 and the CT is actually an embarrassmento to the overall Lexus brand... in my humble opinion.
I have been disappointed by much of the Lexus line. The lower end Lexuses don't seem to be much of an improvement over their Toyota siblings, and the electronic infotainment system is actually rated worse by A Leading Consumer Magazine than the standard Toyota infotainment system (due in part to its joystick control).
Great review Alex..
...Now , after you drove Optima phev , would you get a Niro for a week of test drive ? To compare real mpg? Or will you get Ioniq first? ^_^
Also , do you know if Kia planing on to bringing the station wagon/GT Optima PHEV to US?
I like this guy, very informative review! Thanks :)
Hi Alex,
Will the car be able to climb a slope from 5% at constant speed of 80kph?
Does the car get 50km of autonomy at city speeds, whatever the inlcination? If not, what is the autonomy of city speed?
Thanks for the information.
Greetings from Portugal
Yes
informative as always
Are you doing the 2018 version?
This car is loaded with freatures! I didn't know that
DSG has an expensive service interval at 40K also I am having a problem believing that the Optima is "Bigger than the VW Passat". I would have to see that to believe it.
The DCT used by Hyundai/Kia has a fluid service life of 100,000 miles because it is not a wet clutch system like VW/Audi use.
MDX Sport Hybrid review please.
I was about to say "wow, this would be a fantastic family cruiser for my next road trip journey...." and then you show me the rear cargo space...that doesn't work at all, too small for four suitcases.
Take a look at the Ford Fusion Energi, and you'll see that the Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid did a better job of the trunk space. That extra battery has to go somewhere in a plug-in, and unless the car is a clean-sheet design like the Prius or the Chevy Bolt, you are constrained by the original specifications of the car, and it becomes a kludge. At least Kia has pretty much a flat trunk without a huge lump that reduces useful space; the Ford piled an extra battery pack under the back seat shelf, so although there is space that counts toward trunk capacity, you can only fit small things on top of that lump, and that really cuts down on luggage carrying capability. The Kia is much more useful for trips than the Fusion Energi.
@@JBM425 yea but the accord is even better with trunk space
The act of consulting a tax professional might be more expensive than you get from tax rebates.
My tax preparer only charges $50 for a brief consultation. Considering you could get around $5,000 in tax credits, that's a worthwhile investment.
nice review, thank you
Except for the Chevy Volt, I think the Optima Plug-in has more EV range than any other plug-in, including the Prius Prime.
Not sure about the Prime, but the Optima Plug-In has better EV range than the Fusion Energi, with more trunk capacity on top of that. I'm amazed that Ford did not do as good a job as Kia with fitting that battery in the trunk; the Ford did something weird that drastically reduced usable trunk space, while Kia did a much better job. That extra battery has to go somewhere, but the way Ford did it left a lot to be desired.
I think the Prime has 25
Ruzan Khoja Yes, but the Clarity is a dedicated hybrid vehicle like the Volt: no gas-only counterpart
Are there power outlets in the back seat area?
Yes, two I believe.
Optima Plug-In Hybrid vs. Kia Cadenza. In Cadenza Premium trim, both are similarly priced. I sat in a Cadenza in a showroom, and was astounded how quiet it was inside, even with the driver and front passenger windows rolled down, but I have not test-driven it so I haven't heard it how loud it is. Which do you think is actually quieter on the road?
What happens if the Subaru Legacy gets a plug-in hybrid?
Will never happen within the next 5 years; Subaru seems to have little interest in EV. Not a surprise given how small the company is and therefore a tiny R&D over giants like Toyota, Hyundai or GM.
The dashboard design similar to the Audi and BMW.
Please do Honda Clarity - Plugin Hybrid
You are the albert einstein of car reviews!!!! I love you daddy 😂😂😂
How can the plugin be less efficient than the hybrid?
Weight is the main answer
Alex, can you do one for the Prius V? No one seems to reviewing it and I'm really interested in one
Elias Park it's a bigger less efficient Prius.
Toyota is likely going to discontinue the Prius V. While I haven't heard an official statement yet, they aren't going to be sending out a Prius V for review at this time. If they decide to keep it, they should do a refresh and will then send cars out to review.
Thanks, Alex.
Please Please. do Mazda 6 please
Please Please Please!!! Do the Infiniti QX80
Poor fly at 14:30
No worries, it made a comeback @17:44
mirbata it was holding on for dear life
He just got on a free train
was i the only one who caught that at 11:06 ??? holy crap
Caught what?? What happened?
99mpg!
Holy crap yea I see that now!
My dad has this car and he's been getting over 1,200 miles per tank of gas!!!!
If you play your cards right with a plug-in hybrid (do most of your driving in the city in EV Only mode and recharge the battery pack nightly or while parked at the store), you really can go for months on a single tank of gas.
What ever happen to Child Seat Reviews?
I like it!
Not really impressed. There are a lot more efficient vehicles out there for less. I wish the US would adopt the same standards at the UK and Europe. Many of their cars get 70+ MPG thanks to diesel.
Realize they are using Imperial gallons, which is more that 20% larger than a US gallon -- so they aren't getting that much better fuel economy. Also realize that those fuel economy numbers are from smaller engines; engines in Europe typically start at 1 Liter, on cars that in the US would have 1.6 or 2 liter engines.
It's not just an issue of mileage. A diesel engine still has significant emissions issues. EVs or plug-in hybrids help significantly reduce those emissions. Look at air quality in Los Angeles and ask yourself if you'd rather convert all cars to diesels or plug-in hybrids/EVs.
Maintenance cost is way lower in a EV vs a Diesel.
My spidey-spellchecker senses caught a "hyrbids" in the available transmissions at 3:47. FYI
I am looking to see how drastically price changes on all the E. V.s that loose the federal tax credit in 2018! It was a easy cheesy markup we all subsidized in the national debt!!!
Kristen Sorensen As opposed to the debt we will all carry because of the massive corporate tax giveaway that was recently passed by Congress!!!!
Tony S Dear Sir, thanks for sharing your thoughts! I agree growing the national debt is irresponsible, however only time will tell if the tax change will grow receipts. It is resulting in wage growth and bonuses now!! I would like to see all of Congress improve the immigration law rather than the current raft of bitching! What say you?
Can you not bring politics into everything do you not have anything better to do sis?
finally.
Wait one year and buy it 15 k cheaper
10/10 for seat comfort? Really.... for a 35k vehicle? Like 10/10 means "can't be any better". 8 way seat. what.. less for passenger.. How much does BMW 330e cost there?
Have you sat in an Optima EX seat? You can't do any better for that kind of money.
Have you sat on german higher end seats?
These ratings are based on the class, not compared to any car in existence.
A 330e is quite barren yet it cost the same as the loaded Optima EX Plug-in. A loaded 330e will likely be ~$7500 more expensive & has less EV range but better performance thanks to RWD.
However I think the Kia has a better interior than the BMW (which is a surprise); the 3 series has a terrible interior for a compact executive sedan vs. its competitors while the Optima feels a step up above an Accord, Camry or Malibu.
Well, there is a big difference between Kia Optima and BMW 3-series. Like.. very big difference.
I don't measure vehicles with the help of "amount of soft plastic materials in the cabin" - it's stupid.
Vehicle's driving dynamics is the most important thing of them all. And BMW's suspension is world leading.
330e and BMW M3 are pretty much the same vehicles. So you copared M3 wih Kia. That is funny and offensive.