CES 2025: Sony and Honda launch 2026 Afeela 1

Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) has debuted its production-spec Afeela 1 four-door fastback at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and announced it will be priced from US$89,900 ($A144,000) when sales begin in 2026.

First shown back in 2023, SHM has confirmed interested buyers can now reserve the Lucid-looking EV for just US$200 ($A320), but only if they live in California – where it will launch first, before expanding to other US states.

Summoning the car on stage using a voice command on a smartphone app, SHM boss Yasuhide Mizuno said the CES show car was “near final” to the car that will arrive in US dealers mid next year.

Offered in two trims, it’s been confirmed the dual-motor Tesla Model S rival will produce around 359kW, have a range of about 480km and come with advanced Level 2+ autonomous driving aids.

From launch, the Afeela 1 will feature a 91kWh lithium-ion battery that can be DC fast-charged at up to 150kW.

As part of the Sony-Honda partnership, it’s been reported Honda will provide the architecture and powertrain for the Afeela 1, while Sony will develop the in-car tech, including the operating system for the infotainment.

It’s not been confirmed yet, but it’s thought the Afeela 1 will share a lot of its DNA with the inbound next-generation Honda 0 Series family of EVs.

New chassis tech includes a 3D motion management system that uses its e-motors, brakes and suspension to all enhance ride comfort, while SHM says the Afeela 1 will provide a “sense of unity with the driver” and deliver “nimble and stable handling”.

All models come with double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear, while an active rear spoiler adds downforce at high speed to boost stability.

Standing 1460mm tall and measuring 4915mm long, the Afeela 1 should offer limo-levels of cabin space with its generous 3018mm wheelbase.

Interesting tech includes a front-mounted media bar that can broadcast information for the owner, a yoke-style steering wheel and a large panoramic screen.

Advanced active noise cancellation and Afeela’s Personal Agent voice control assistant is standard, while the infotainment allows third party apps like Spotify, TikTok and Zoom.

An advanced sound system developed by the tech giant is said to optimise the sound for each seat and includes yet more advanced noise cancelling tech.

Inside, Sony and Honda have also used around 70 per cent sustainable or plant-based materials for the interior coverings, while recycled materials were employed to make the chassis and steel body.

When it comes to standard equipment, the top-of-the-range Afeela 1 Signature costs $US102,000 ($A163,000) and gets larger 21-inch alloy wheels, a camera-based rear-view mirror and a rear seat entertainment package.

The base Afeela 1 Origin, meanwhile, will arrive later in 2027 and ride on smaller 19-inch alloy wheels, and is only offered in black with a single interior trim, rather than the three exterior paint choices and two interior hues offered on the more expensive version.

Set to be built in a factory in the US, for now SHM has yet to announce if it has any plans to export the new Afeela 1.

For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au