- Deliveries of Afeela 1 will finally begin later this year
- A new 100% electric SUV is planned for 2028
- Sony and Honda say it will appeal to a wider range of users
Sony Honda Mobility likes to use CES as a platform to showcase its highly anticipated Afeela 1 electric vehicle, so much so that rolling it on stage has become an annual tradition.
This year, the two revealed what they described as a “pre-production model” that is essentially the same as these $102,900 vehicles expected to be delivered in the coming months.
But although it has yet to hand over the keys to customers, Sony Honda Mobility is already showing off an SUV variant that it says will offer “greater spatial flexibility and accessibility” while attracting a wider range of users.
It builds on the same fundamental principles as the Afeela 1, meaning it will feature the same personal agent that leverages the Microsoft Azure OpenAI service for natural dialogue between man and machine.
There’s also a Snapdragon digital chassis which the company says helps it deliver “next-generation AI-centric mobility experiences”, while the ability to play PlayStation 5 directly on the vehicle’s infotainment system will remain a key draw for potential punters.
Picture 1 of 6
Sony Honda Mobility also remains discreet on the details of the largest SUV, whose launch in the United States is planned for 2028.
We only know that it looks strikingly similar to the sedan, albeit with a raised ride height, and that it most likely features the same suite of sensors that allows Afeela 1 to offer advanced levels of autonomous driving.
The company says it aims to achieve autonomous driving capabilities equivalent to Level 4 in the future, transforming the in-vehicle space into a “driving-free” environment where occupants can ostensibly enjoy entertainment.
A bumpy road ahead
It feels like the Afeela 1 has taken a very long time to develop, with Chinese tech brands like Xiaomi and Huawei launching and selling a number of highly advanced electric vehicles in their domestic market in the time it took Sony Honda Mobility to get to a pre-production stage.
Additionally, the Signature version that will be delivered starts at $102,900 (around £77,000 / AU$155,000), with the “cheaper” Origin at $89,900 (around £67,000 / AU$135,000) not arriving until 2027. That’s a lot of money for an electric vehicle that can only offer up to 300 miles of range on a single charge.
Just across the road from the Las Vegas Convention Center, BMW was showcasing its upcoming iX3 model, which is expected to start at around $60,000 (around £45,000 / AU$90,000) and is expected to travel up to 400 miles on a full charge.
While there is no word on pricing, the upcoming SUV will likely follow a similar pricing strategy and could potentially cost even more than the Afeela 1 sedan.
Sony Honda Mobility might need a little more than a digital license plate and an in-car PlayStation to convince customers to part with that much cash.
TechRadar will cover this year’s events extensively THESEand will bring you all the big announcements as they happen. Visit our CES 2026 News for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from wireless TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets and the latest in AI.
And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok And WhatsApp for the latest news from the CES show!
