The landscape of the automotive industry shifted once again in Las Vegas as Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) took center stage at CES 2026 to unveil its latest vision for the electric era. In a highly anticipated press conference, the joint venture between the Japanese technology and automotive titans introduced the AFEELA Prototype 2026, a sleek, high-riding electric SUV that signals the brand’s aggressive expansion into the competitive crossover market. This surprise reveal marks the second major milestone for the AFEELA brand, building upon the foundations of the AFEELA 1 sedan, which is now transitioning from concept to reality.
The AFEELA Prototype 2026 represents a strategic evolution of SHM’s design philosophy, embracing a minimalist, "polyhedral" aesthetic that prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency and digital integration. While technical specifications for the SUV remain closely guarded, the prototype is built on the same high-performance platform as its sedan predecessor. Industry insiders expect the SUV to feature the same robust dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system capable of delivering roughly 400 horsepower, powered by a 91-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Chairperson and CEO Yasuhide Mizuno confirmed that the production version of this SUV is slated for a United States launch as early as 2028, offering significantly more interior volume and spatial flexibility to cater to the North American market's preference for versatile utility vehicles.
Beyond the hardware, the announcement highlighted the "Mobility as a Creative Entertainment Space" initiative. This vision transforms the vehicle into a mobile living room through a deep collaboration with Sony’s entertainment ecosystem. Future owners will be able to stream PlayStation games directly to the car’s panoramic dashboard via PS Remote Play, utilizing a DualSense controller during charging sessions or while the vehicle is parked. The interior experience is further personalized through the AFEELA Co-Creation Program, which allows developers to design custom digital themes and e-motor sounds, with initial offerings inspired by iconic franchises like Gran Turismo and Astro Bot.
The road to the consumer is also becoming clearer. The AFEELA 1 sedan, which entered its pre-production phase at Honda’s dedicated facility in Ohio, is on track for its first customer deliveries in California in late 2026. Priced between $89,900 for the base model and $102,900 for the flagship trim, the sedan serves as the vanguard for SHM’s technological prowess. It features a sophisticated sensor array, including a roof-mounted LIDAR pod, and utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon Digital Chassis to power its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Through a partnership with Microsoft, the vehicle also debuts an interactive AI personal agent powered by Azure OpenAI, enabling natural, human-like conversations to manage everything from navigation to in-car ambiance.
By merging Honda’s legendary engineering reliability with Sony’s world-class digital expertise, Sony Honda Mobility is not just launching a car; it is proposing a new lifestyle. As the AFEELA 1 prepares to hit California roads this year and the new SUV prototype gears up for a 2028 debut, the joint venture is making a definitive statement that the future of transport lies at the intersection of intelligence, emotion, and entertainment.
Post Comment
Be the first to post comment!
