Japanese technology powerhouse Sony, in collaboration with automotive titan Honda, is on the verge of revealing their inaugural joint vehicle: the Afeela 1, an electric liftback designed to make waves in the industry.
While we await the official launch, it’s important to note that this variant of the Afeela 1 is still a prototype and not yet the production-ready model. That said, it represents significant progress from the Vision-S concept introduced five years ago.
The latest images of the Afeela 1 were unveiled by the newly formed Sony Honda Mobility, the joint venture responsible for the Afeela brand.
Anticipated to begin its rollout in the United States in mid-2026, the Afeela 1 will subsequently make its way to Japan as a right-hand-drive vehicle. Plans for entry into the Australian market remain unconfirmed.
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Underpinning the Afeela 1 is a robust dual-motor powertrain capable of delivering up to 360 kW (180 kW at each axle), powered by a 91 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Afeela anticipates that the ‘1 Origin’ variant will achieve a projected driving range of 483 km, according to EPA testing standards. The vehicle will be compatible with Tesla’s latest Supercharger technology, equipped with the North American Charging System (NACS) connector for DC fast charging at speeds of up to 150 kW.
The starting price for the initial Signature model is set at USD 102,900 (approximately AUD 166,000), with the first deliveries occurring in California before expanding to additional U.S. states.
In comparison, the Afeela 1’s price tag exceeds the tri-motor Tesla Model S Plaid by USD 7,910 (AUD 12,700), despite the Plaid’s superior 760 kW performance and a range of up to 560 km as tested by the EPA.
A more economically priced Afeela 1 Origin is set to follow in 2027, starting at USD 89,900 (around AUD 144,200) while offering the same performance metrics as its Signature sibling. This still places it at USD 4,910 above the base dual-motor Tesla Model S, which can travel close to 650 km on a single charge.
Design-wise, the Afeela 1 does not stray too far from conventional sedan and liftback aesthetics, maintaining familiar proportions. It measures 4,915 mm in length, 1,990 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1,461 mm in height, with a generous 3,000 mm wheelbase. The trunk space, with rear seats in use, boasts a capacity of 750 liters.
The Origin models come with 19-inch wheels, while the Signature variants feature 21-inch alloys, likely affecting range capabilities.
Both iterations of the Afeela 1 are equipped with a suite of 40 sensors, including 18 cameras, 12 ultrasonic units, nine radar units, and one LiDAR system, all of which contribute to the Afeela Intelligent Drive autonomous driving support.
While the exterior aesthetic may come off as conventional—with the exception of a ‘media bar’ that displays external information—the interior showcases Sony’s technological influence. Inside, drivers will encounter two screens: a smaller display positioned in front of the driver and a larger panoramic screen, alongside exterior camera displays. Afeela 1 Signature models will even offer two additional screens for rear passengers.
In a nod to modern trends, Afeela has opted for a steering yoke reminiscent of Tesla’s designs.
Leveraging its renowned audio expertise, Sony has designed what it describes as a ‘unique sound system’ for the Afeela 1, incorporating its 360 Spatial Sound Technologies and active noise cancellation features. Notably, the interior boasts that approximately 70 percent of surfaces are derived from plant-based and recycled materials. Consumers can choose a black or grey interior for the Signature model, whereas the Origin is limited to a black-only option.
The exterior color selections follow a similar pattern, as the Origin model is exclusively available in Core Black, while the Signature variant can be had in Calm White or Tidal Grey.
Source:www.carexpert.com.au
