Sony and Honda’s Futuristic Sedan: A Forecasted Failure?
This page is translated from the original post "La berline futuriste de Sony et Honda, échec annoncé ?" in French.
- 12/08/2025 7:48
The dynamic joint venture Sony Honda takes a key step with the Afeela 1 entering pre-production.
The baby on wheels from Sony and Honda will be produced at Honda’s East Liberty plant in Ohio. Unveiled at CES 2023, this highly technological electric sedan aims to be a blend of Honda’s automotive expertise and Sony’s electronics know-how.
The lineup will include two versions, the Origin priced at $89,900 and the Signature at $102,900. The latter will stand out with 21-inch wheels, a rear entertainment system, and a central camera for cabin monitoring. Initial deliveries are scheduled for mid-2026, but paradoxically, the high-end Origin will arrive after the Signature. Reservations are already open, with a refundable deposit of $200.
On the technical side, the Afeela 1 is powered by two 241 hp electric motors, offering all-wheel drive and an estimated range of 480 km thanks to a 91 kWh battery. Charging can reach up to 150 kW. A bit lacking for a tech haven!
Is Sony’s form more important than Honda’s substance?
While the technical specifications are nothing crazy, far from it, it is in the digital realm that the Afeela 1 aims to make a strong impact. Forty sensors (cameras, lidar, radar, ultrasound), a colossal computing power (800 trillion operations/second), artificial intelligence, active noise reduction, and immersive spatial sound are on the agenda. The fully digital cabin features a panoramic screen, 3D maps, customizable ambient lighting, and even the ability to modify the artificial sound of the powertrain.
The stated goal is to “redefine the relationship between people and mobility.” It remains to be seen if the market will follow. With such a high price tag, the Afeela 1 is aimed at a niche audience that is a fan of embedded technology but not overly concerned about pure performance. A true niche still unexplored today, and ultimately a great showcase for Sony, but a mere role of a mechanical organ donor and assembler for Honda.
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Sony Honda Mobility already plans to quickly expand the range in the United States and launch the model in Japan in 2026. If the car does not flop in these two markets, Europe may also get its chance… but at this price, the Afeela 1 will need to convince that its technological enhancements justify the investment.
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