With the debut of the Afeela 1, Sony and Honda are poised to reshape the high-end electric vehicle sector. This luxurious electric sedan combines Sony’s technology expertise with Honda’s automotive legacy, presenting an ambitious vision for the car of the future. Here’s an in-depth look at its features, strengths, challenges, and commercial outlook.

Sony Honda Mobility: Strategy and Vision

Sony Honda Mobility is the joint venture established in 2022 to develop EVs focused on software and smart tech. The goal: cars that interact with users as intelligent devices—not just modes of transportation. The Afeela 1 was officially unveiled at CES 2025, showing the production-ready model. First deliveries are expected in 2026, with early reservations open for California.

The brand aims to transform into a mobility technology company, rather than just a conventional automaker—a philosophy reflected in the Afeela 1’s design and equipment.

Dimensions, Design, and Build

The Afeela 1 takes the form of a 5-door liftback, blending sleek styling with practical functionality. It measures approximately 4,915 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,460 mm high, with a near-3,000 mm wheelbase.

The exterior impresses with clean lines, aerodynamic shapes, and understated elegance. Some variants come with 19-inch wheels (base model), while others raise the ante to 21-inch. Options include panoramic glass roofing. Inside, recycled and sustainable materials are extensively used, reinforcing its modern, eco-conscious ethos.

Performance, Battery, and Range

Under the hood, the Afeela 1 sports dual electric motors (one per axle) delivering around 360 kW—equal to about 483 horsepower. This all-wheel-drive setup boosts stability, acceleration, and handling in changing road conditions.

Its 91 kWh lithium-ion battery offers an estimated range of up to 483 kilometers (300 miles) in standard usage scenarios. Fast charging supports up to 150 kW DC, dramatically reducing charging times during road trips.

A major advantage: Afeela 1 will be compatible with the NACS standard (Tesla’s connector), letting owners access Tesla’s Supercharger network without adapters wherever available.

Technology, Sensors, and Assisted Driving

The Afeela 1 features a stunning tech suite—over 40 sensors including cameras, radar, ultrasonics, and even LiDAR. This array enables 3D awareness of surroundings and real-time detection of obstacles, pedestrians, signage, and traffic.

The Afeela Intelligent Drive system touts advanced driver assistance features: adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, assisted lane changes, and dense traffic aid. It’s positioned as Level 2+ today, with plans for Level 3 pending certification and regulation in each market.

One highlight is the Personal Agent—an integrated AI assistant that interacts via voice commands, makes suggestions, and controls settings proactively based on driver habits.

Coordinated control across motor, brakes, and suspension keeps the vehicle stable and comfortable under all driving conditions.

Equipment, Entertainment, and In-Car Experience

Afeela 1 stands out for its immersive entertainment. The dashboard may span widescreen displays integrated with 3D visuals and augmented reality navigation. Premium versions give rear passengers individual screens for media and apps.

Sony’s 360° spatial audio and active noise canceling create a quiet, high-fidelity cabin. Integration of music, movies, games, and apps blends seamlessly with mobility—always safe and enabled only when appropriate.

Digital customization is key: themes, interfaces, and car settings adapt to the user. Many advanced features are expected to be subscription-based or require digital licenses, reflecting its software-driven approach.

Versions, Pricing, and Availability

Two trim levels:

  • Origin: Base—core features, smaller wheels, essentials.
  • Signature: Premium—rear screens, larger wheels, luxury interior, extra digital features.

Estimated pricing: $89,900 for Origin, $102,900 for Signature. Early deliveries in the U.S. start with Signature only; Origin follows later. Reservations are open with refundable deposits.

Manufactured in Marysville, Ohio, Afeela 1’s first deliveries begin mid-2026. Initial markets: U.S. and Japan—eventual expansion to Europe and beyond, depending on regulations and infrastructure.

Advantages, Risks, and Key Considerations

Strengths:

  • Combines Sony’s tech prowess with Honda’s automotive mastery.
  • Robust platform—AWD, strong power, competitive range.
  • Focused on user experience, intelligent systems, entertainment, and personalization.
  • Native compatibility with Tesla’s charging network (NACS), giving a major convenience edge.
  • Software/subscription model keeps vehicles updated and customizable.

Challenges:

  • High price places it in the luxury segment.
  • Initial availability limited to select regions and premium versions.
  • Fast charging and network infrastructure can be a barrier outside the U.S.
  • Core functionalities rely on software and connectivity, making user experience sensitive to digital issues.
  • Faces tough competition from Tesla, Lucid, Mercedes, etc.
  • Direct-to-consumer sales may face legal and regulatory challenges.

Expected Impact and Future Outlook

Afeela 1 represents an ambitious bet—a car where the digital experience is as vital as mechanical performance. If successful, it could redefine luxury EV mobility and influence the integration of software, entertainment, and connectivity in future vehicles.

Even in markets like Latin America, where charging infrastructure is in its infancy, the model’s vision might inspire broader industry changes.

With its software-driven business model and next-level tech, Afeela 1 sets a new milestone for what premium electric cars can offer.