Sony-Honda Afeela 1 will launch in 2026 for over $100,000

Sony’s first foray into the auto industry, the Afeela 1 electric saloon developed with Honda, will launch in mid-2026 for a steep price tag of $102,900. A slightly more affordable ‘Origin’ version will follow in 2027 for $89,900. Pre-orders have already been opened, but only in California.

After a prototype in 2020 with the Vision-S project and a second version in 2023 under the Afeela name with the help of Honda, Sony is preparing to kick off production of its first car in 2026. The Afeela 1 is a mid-size electric saloon (4,895 x 1,900 x 1,460 mm with a 3,000 mm wheelbase) and should be followed by an SUV and, eventually, less expensive models.

Over $100,000 to start

Those less expensive models will be necessary to convince customers, as Sony has unveiled the price tag of the Afeela 1: the fully-equipped ‘Signature’ launch model gets a price of $102,900 (€99,800) and will start deliveries in mid-2026, while the lesser ‘Origin’ version (no rear screens, fewer color options, less tech overall) will cost $89,900 and will launch in 2027. Pre-orders are already open in California for $200, which can be refunded.

Less range and slower charging than rivals

For this price, the Afeela 1 lags far behind its main rivals regarding range and charging speed. It features front and rear 180 kW (245 hp) motors, for a total of 490 hp, powered by a 91 kWh battery pack. According to the American EPA test cycle, the Afeela 1 promises a range of around 300 miles (480 km). If the Afeela 1 ever comes to Europe, the European WLTP range should exceed 500 km.

Compared to the Lucid Air, which manages 406 miles (650 km) for $78,900, and the Tesla Model S, which achieves 402 miles (645 km) for $73,490, the Afeela 1 is already lagging behind its much older rivals. Both models also charge faster than the Afeela’s maximum of 150 kW.

Top-level autonomous driving and infotainment?

However, Sony wants to differentiate the Afeela 1 with its technology, not its technical specifications. It features 45 sensors for autonomous driving, an AI-powered ‘Afeela personal agent’, and a powerful infotainment system with entertainment options from Sony’s music, movies, and video game content library. But there’s another catch: the autonomous driving and personal agent require a subscription, and you only get three years of the service included with the car…