CES 2024: Sony and Honda’s Afeela EV nears production

Sony Honda Mobility has returned to this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) with a near-production version of its Afeela battery-electric sedan that will launch in 2025.

Described by the Sony-Honda partnership as an evolution of the Afeela EV concept shown at last year’s CES – which was in turn inspired by the 2020 Vision-S concept – the latest prototype features a number of detail changes that include a larger front and rear bumpers that offer extra impact protection.

It looks like there’s been tweaks to the headlights too, while a pair of ‘real’ door mirrors and a wider B-pillar are all obvious changes needed for production.

Because of the fresh bumpers the Afeela EV is now 20mm longer than before, measuring in at an imposing 4915mm long, 1900mm wide and standing 1460mm tall. It also has a generous 3000mm wheelbase.

That makes the Japanese sedan a fraction smaller than the Tesla Model S that dominates the segment (5021mm long, 1987mm wide, 1431mm tall), although the Honda-Sony collaboration does squeeze in a 40mm-onger wheelbase that promises more interior space.

Inside, the latest prototype largely carries over the concept’s cabin, aside from a new centre console that now houses dual wireless phone chargers.

The yoke-style steering wheel looks revised but the full-width digital instrument cluster and infotainment system that live behind a single piece of glass carries over.

Beneath the skin, the Afeela comes equipped with front and rear-mounted e-motors that produce 180kW each, suggesting that the sedan will pump out around 360kW.

These are fed by a 91kWh lithium-ion battery that can be charged at up to 150kW.

The EV features double-wishbone suspension up front and a multi-link set-up at the rear, with air springs all around.

The prototype rides on large 21-inch wheels with a staggered tyre arrangement (245/40 front, 275/35 rear).

Neither range nor performance figures have been officially released.

Sony Honda Mobility has confirmed its first EV will come with Microsoft Azure OpenAI voice assistant, matching the AI-powered assistants to be introduced by both Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen later this year.

Allowing the driver to use natural-speak voice control to operate numerous functions of the car, the AI-driven assistant can also answer questions, remind you of appointments and even engage in casual chat.

Tapping into Sony’s gaming expertise, the Afeela has teamed up with Epic Games to create immersive displays that are said to not only look visually striking but also improve safety.

Using the onboard cameras and sensors to map the surrounding environment, the tech is said to highlight obstacles, vulnerable road users or dangers that might not be obvious to the driver.

Building anticipation for the launch of the Afeela sedan, gamers will be able to drive the all-new Tesla rival ahead of its 2025 debut in the virtual world, following its launch in Gran Turismo 7 later this year.