Sony and Honda have announced the start of sales for their Afeela 1 electric vehicle, initially unveiled at CES 2025. This high-tech car comes with a premium price tag and an unconventional approach to feature access via a subscription model.
Afeela 1: Performance and Features
The all-wheel-drive Afeela 1 is powered by an electric motor with 482 horsepower and a 91 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 483 kilometers (approximately 300 miles). It supports 150 kW fast charging and is compatible with Tesla Supercharger stations.
Key features include:
- ADAS Level 2 "autopilot" with lane-keeping assistance, collision avoidance, and automated parking
- Planned software update to Level 3 autonomous driving
- 40 sensors and cameras combined with lidar
- AI assistant for navigation and entertainment
- Active noise cancellation
Configurations and Subscription Model
The Afeela 1 will be offered in two configurations:
- Origin (Base): Starting at $89,900, with a black interior and exterior.
- Signature: Starting at $102,000, with a choice of three exterior colors and two interior options, plus additional rear screens, Sony 360 Reality Audio, and Dolby Atmos sound.
It's important to note that some features will be available only through a monthly subscription, which activates three years after purchase. These subscription-based features will include:
- ADAS functionality
- AI assistant features
- Custom themes for the interior
- 5G connectivity
- Certain entertainment apps
Availability and Pricing
The Signature version of the Afeela 1 will be available in mid-2026, while the base Origin model is scheduled for release in 2027. The starting price for the Origin version is $89,900, compared to the Tesla Model S starting price of $73,490. Pre-orders are currently only available for residents of California.
