Sony’s entry into the electric car market, the Afeela 1, is now open for pre-orders. Bookings are currently available in California, with the Origin trim starting at US$89,900 and the Signature trim at US$102,900.
This announcement was made at CES, where Sony revealed a near-final version of the car, two years after unveiling the initial Afeela prototype. The collaboration with Honda on this vehicle has been ongoing for five years.
Priced higher than mid-range EV manufacturers like Hyundai and Polestar, Sony is now competing with luxury alternatives such as the $80,000 Lucid Air and Tesla’s high-performance Model S Plaid with 1,020 hp. The Afeela 1 offers a 482 hp (359 kW) all-wheel-drive powertrain with a 91 kWh battery, providing an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles (483 km) and compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network for fast charging up to 150 kW DC.
Although not leading in performance metrics, Sony is focusing on assisted driving features and in-car technology to attract customers. The Afeela is equipped with 40 sensors and cameras for LIDAR-assisted Level 2+ ADAS functionalities, enabling features such as automated parking. The interior features AI-powered personal assistants, dashboard-length screens for maps and entertainment, and active noise cancellation for a quiet ride.
AFEELA | Concept Movie 2025
Sony claims that the Afeela’s AI processing system can handle 800 trillion operations per second, paving the way for a Level 3 ADAS functionality update in the future. This update would allow the car to manage all driving tasks, including safe overtaking, in specific conditions.
Sony Honda Mobility
The Signature model includes two screens in the rear for backseat passengers, surround sound speaker systems, Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, and Dolby Atmos.
Some features, such as the Intelligent Drive ADAS system, Personal Agent, entertainment options, interior themes, and 5G connectivity, will be locked behind a subscription package after an initial free period for buyers. This subscription model may affect resale value for outright buyers but not for lease customers.
Sony Honda Mobility
The Signature version offers 3 exterior paint options and 2 interior choices, while the Origin variant is only available in black both inside and out.
Currently, pre-orders for the Afeela are limited to California residents who can reserve their spot with a US$200 fee. Sony has not specified when bookings will open to other US residents. Shipments for the Signature model are expected in mid-2026, while the Origin model will be available in 2027. Appreciation for the design will still be crucial at that time.
Source: Sony Honda Mobility
