Sony Honda Mobility (SHM), the joint venture between Sony and Honda, unveiled their latest electric vehicle prototype at CES 2026 in Las Vegas: the Afeela Prototype 2026. This marks the second model in the Afeela lineup, following the Afeela 1 sedan (set for US deliveries later in 2026), and it’s positioned as a luxury electric SUV with a production version potentially launching as early as 2028 in the United States.
Design and Features
The prototype adopts a sleek, fastback-style crossover design—think of it as a high-riding sedan with SUV practicality, offering more interior space and accessibility compared to the Afeela 1. It emphasizes SHM’s vision of “Mobility as a Creative Entertainment Space,” integrating advanced AI, entertainment tech (like custom PlayStation themes), and autonomous driving capabilities. Key tech highlights include:
- Powertrain: Dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) for enhanced performance and handling.
- Platform: Built on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis for advanced computing and connectivity.
- Sensors: LiDAR technology for improved autonomous features.
- Entertainment: Ties into Sony’s ecosystem, potentially turning the vehicle into a mobile entertainment hub with high-end audio, visuals, and gaming integrations.
Detailed specs like battery size, range, horsepower, or pricing remain under wraps for now, as this is still an early-stage prototype. SHM describes it as blending minimalist styling with premium EV architecture, aiming to appeal to a broader audience seeking luxury and versatility.
Public Reaction on X
The reveal has generated buzz on X, with users sharing videos and first impressions from CES. For instance:
- Tech analysts like @prabhu_ram highlighted its 2028 US availability and posted a video walkthrough.
- Attendees such as @DavidMoss shared live footage of the unveiling, noting its concept status.
- Outlets like @engadget critiqued it as a familiar SUV spin on the existing sedan design.
- Enthusiasts like @cole_marzen emphasized its tech stack, including LiDAR and AWD.
Overall, reactions focus on its futuristic appeal and Sony’s entertainment edge, though some note the design’s beige, understated vibe. If you’re interested in more specifics, like videos from the event, I can pull those up too.