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

Sony Honda Mobility used CES 2026 to tease a second electrical car below its Afeela model, signaling plans to develop 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 the USA.

The businesses confirmed what they referred to as a pre-production model of the Afeela 1, which seems to be very very like the manufacturing autos which are priced at $102,900 for the Signature mannequin. A lower-priced Origin model, beginning at $89,900, will supposedly comply with in 2027. Although the sedan has not but reached prospects, 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 is 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 automotive’s infotainment system stays a clearly emphasised function. Visually, the SUV takes on an analogous look to the sedan however with a taller experience 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 Stage 4–equal autonomous driving for the “driverless” atmosphere that locations a concentrate on 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 spread of as much as 300 miles (482.8 kilometers), the Afeela 1 is considerably pricier than opponents like BMW’s upcoming iX3, which is predicted to supply better vary at a lower cost. Consequently, Sony Honda Mobility may 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.