Starting At $89,900, This Tech-Packed Sedan Merges Advanced Sensors, Sony Entertainment, And Honda Engineering For A Mid-2026 Debut
Sony and Honda’s ambitious electric vehicle (EV) collaboration reached a notable milestone at CES 2025, as the companies unveiled the production version of their AFEELA 1 luxury sedan alongside detailed pricing and availability information.
The AFEELA 1 will be offered in two trim levels: the Signature edition, starting at $102,900 with deliveries beginning in mid-2026, and the more affordable Origin edition at $89,900, scheduled for 2027 release. Interested customers in California can now place fully refundable $200 reservations, though availability in other states remains unconfirmed.
Notably, the AFEELA 1 apart is its extensive suite of technology, reflecting Sony’s expertise in consumer electronics and entertainment. The EV model incorporates 45 sensors for advanced driver assistance, including 18 cameras, a LIDAR array, nine radar units, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. This multi-sensor approach stands in contrast to Tesla’s camera-only strategy, potentially offering more robust environmental awareness and safety capabilities.
The technical specifications reveal both favorable features and potential concerns for prospective buyers. The electric sedan will be powered by dual motors producing around 480 horsepower, drawing energy from a 91 kWh battery pack. However, it is noted that its estimated 300-mile range and 150 kW charging speed may fall short of competitors in this price range.
During the CES presentation, Sony Honda Mobility CEO Yasuhide Mizuno demonstrated the vehicle’s “personal agent” feature, showcasing how the EV model could respond to voice commands through a smartphone. While impressive, this capability was presented as a technology demonstration rather than a confirmed production feature.
In addition, the companies did confirm that certain advanced features, including the personal agent and autonomous driving capabilities, will require a subscription following an included three-year complimentary period.
The AFEELA 1’s entertainment capabilities reflect Sony’s media expertise, promising seamless integration of games, music, and movies, particularly noticeable in the Signature trim’s rear seat screens. This focus on in-car entertainment aligns with similar trends seen in the Chinese EV market, where software and entertainment features increasingly differentiate premium offerings.
The EV model will be produced at Honda’s Ohio plant, designating an important step in both companies’ EV strategies. For Honda, it complements their recently launched Prologue EV, while for Sony, it represents their first venture into automotive manufacturing through this strategic partnership.
The decision to initially limit sales to California has raised questions, as neither company appears to need the vehicle for emissions compliance purposes. Honda’s Prologue is already selling well across multiple states, making the geographic restriction an unexpected choice for what appears to be a flagship offering.
As the 2026 launch approaches, Sony and Honda may need to enhance the vehicle’s range and charging specifications to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving EV market. While the AFEELA 1’s technological features and entertainment capabilities are exceptional, the premium price point demands competitive performance metrics to succeed in an increasingly crowded luxury EV segment.
Read More: Honda Prologue: The EV Breakout Star Of 2024
Nevertheless, this collaboration indicates how traditional car manufacturers and technology companies can cooperate to create EVs that blend advanced mobility with digital entertainment. The success of this venture could set a precedent for similar partnerships in the future, as the automotive industry continues its transformation toward software-defined EVs.
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