Japanese technology giant Sony and automotive stalwart Honda have almost unveiled their first joint production vehicle, an electric liftback named the Afeela 1.
We say almost because this latest version of the Afeela 1 is still not yet representative of the final production-ready version, though it’s closer than the Vision-S concept that debuted five years ago.
Sony Honda Mobility, the joint venture behind the Afeela brand, released these latest images of the 1 overnight.
The electric liftback is due to start rolling out in the US from mid-2026 before heading to Japan in right-hand drive. Australian plans have yet to be announced.
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A dual-motor powertrain sits underneath the Afeela 1, producing up to 360kW (180kW on each axle), with a 91kWh lithium-ion battery supplying energy.
Afeela claims the 1 Origin variant will have an estimated driving range of 483km on the EPA lab test cycle. It’s able to use Tesla’s latest Superchargers as it’ll be fitted with the North American Charging System (NACS) connector, allowing it to be DC fast-charged at up to 150kW.
The Afeela 1 will start from US$102,900 (A$166,000) in its initial Signature guise, first rolling out in California before becoming available in other US states.
This means it’ll be US$7910 (A$12,700) dearer than the tri-motor Tesla Model S Plaid, which can produce 760kW and drive for up to 560km on a single charge per EPA lab testing.
The less expensive Afeela 1 Origin will follow in 2027, starting from US$89,900 (A$144,200) and boasting the same power output as the Signature. That’s still US$4910 more than the base dual-motor Tesla Model S which is capable of driving almost 650km without needing to recharge.
Sony Honda Mobility has designed the Afeela 1 to not look too different to traditional sedans and liftbacks, which carries across in its overall dimensions.
It measures 4915mm long, 1990mm wide (excluding mirrors) and 1461mm tall, with a 3000mm wheelbase. With the rear seats up, it can hold 750L in the boot.
Afeela 1 Origins are fitted with 19-inch wheels, while Signatures step up to 21-inch alloys, likely bringing a reduction in driving range.
Both variants feature 40 sensors inside and out, consisting of 18 cameras, 12 ultrasonic units, nine radars and one LiDAR, which help to control the Afeela Intelligent Drive autonomous driving assist system.
While the exterior design is largely uninspiring – save for a ‘media bar’ which can externally display information – inside is where Sony’s part in the partnership is seen.
This includes two interior screens – a smaller one in front of the driver and a wide panoramic display – and a pair of screens for exterior cameras. Afeela 1 Signature variants gain two screens for rear occupants.
Like Tesla, Afeela has adopted a steering yoke.
Sony’s expertise has also been tapped for the Afeela 1’s ‘unique sound system’, which features the company’s 360 Spatial Sound Technologies and active noise cancelling.
The company claims 70 per cent of the interior surface is made from plant-derived and recycled materials. The Signature can be ordered with a black or grey interior, rather than the black-only Origin.
It’s a similar story for exterior colours with the Origin only available in Core Black while the Signature can be purchased in Calm White or Tidal Grey.
