CES 2026: Sony And Honda Trace At Bigger Afeela Electrical SUV

Sony Honda Mobility used CES 2026 to tease a second electrical automobile beneath its Afeela model, signaling plans to increase past the upcoming Afeela 1 sedan. Whereas buyer deliveries of the Afeela 1 are scheduled to start later in 2026, the corporate revealed that it’s already engaged on a bigger all-electric SUV focused at a wider vary of customers. A deliberate launch as early as 2028 in america.

The businesses confirmed what they referred to as a pre-production model of the Afeela 1, which appears to be like very very similar to the manufacturing autos which might be priced at $102,900 for the Signature mannequin. A lower-priced Origin model, beginning at $89,900, will supposedly observe in 2027. Although the sedan has not but reached clients, the just-teased SUV is positioned as providing extra inside area, flexibility, and accessibility whereas sharing the identical technical base because the Afeela 1.

It’s going to additionally seemingly boast Sony Honda Mobility’s Private Agent, an AI concierge that leverages Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service for pure voice interplay, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis, which the corporate touts helps AI-centric mobility experiences. Gaming with a PlayStation 5 built-in into the automobile’s infotainment system stays a clearly emphasised function. Visually, the SUV takes on an identical look to the sedan however with a taller journey peak, whereas it most definitely will share the equivalent sensor suite that permits superior driver help together with future autonomous performance.

Sony Honda Mobility has outlined Degree 4–equal autonomous driving for the “driverless” atmosphere that locations a deal with leisure and in-car experiences as its long-term goal. Competitors is rising, nevertheless, particularly from Chinese language producers Xiaomi and Huawei, which have already launched a number of home superior EVs.

Issues stay round pricing and worth. With a variety of as much as 300 miles (482.8 kilometers), the Afeela 1 is considerably pricier than rivals like BMW’s upcoming iX3, which is predicted to supply larger vary at a lower cost. Because of this, Sony Honda Mobility might have greater than digital options and leisure integrations to justify its premium positioning.

Filed in Transportation. Learn extra about Autonomous Cars, Cars, CES, CES 2026 and Electric Cars.