Sony’s Debut Electric Vehicle is Priced at $89,900 and is Set to Launch in Mid-2026

Sony’s entry into the electric car market, the Afeela 1, is now available for pre-order. Reservations are open in California, with the Origin trim starting at $89,900 and the Signature trim priced at $102,900.

The company made this announcement at CES, showcasing a nearly finalized version of the car, two years after first revealing the Afeela prototype. It has been collaborating with Honda on this vehicle for the past five years.

Sony Targets the Luxury EV Market with the Afeela 1

With the Afeela 1’s pricing set relatively high, Sony is positioning itself above mid-range EV makers like Hyundai and Polestar, competing instead with luxury models such as the $80,000 Lucid Air and Tesla’s high-performance, 1,020 hp Model S Plaid. For its price, the fastback sedan offers a 482 hp (359 kW) all-wheel-drive powertrain, paired with a 91 kWh battery that provides an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles (483 km). It will also be compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network and support 150 kW DC fast charging.

Sony Focuses on Driving Experience and Technology with the Afeela 1

Although it may not outperform its competitors in terms of raw performance, Sony is focusing on an enhanced driving experience and advanced in-car technology to attract customers. The Afeela 1 features 40 sensors and cameras supporting LIDAR-assisted Level 2+ ADAS capabilities. A simulation video demonstrates how the car can identify available parking spaces and park itself autonomously.

Additionally, you’ll be able to interact with an AI-powered personal assistant, view maps, stream entertainment on the dashboard-length screen, and enjoy a serene cabin with active noise cancellation.

Sony claims the Afeela’s AI processing system can perform 800 trillion operations per second, laying the foundation for a future update to Level 3 ADAS functionality. This would allow the car to take full control of driving, including executing safe overtakes, under certain conditions.

The Signature variant also includes two screens in the back for rear passengers to enjoy their preferred content. The speaker system is optimized for surround sound, featuring Sony’s 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos.

Subscription-Based Features May Affect Resale Value

However, certain features—such as the Intelligent Drive ADAS system, the Personal Agent, various entertainment options, interior themes, and even 5G connectivity—will be locked behind a subscription package. Original buyers will receive these features free for the first three years. While this won’t affect leaseholders, it may impact the resale value for those who purchase the car outright.

The Signature model offers three exterior paint choices and two interior options, while the Origin is available only in black both inside and out.

Currently, only California residents can pre-order an Afeela, with a $200 reservation fee required online. Sony has not announced when it will open bookings for the rest of the US. Additionally, there’s a waiting period: the Signature version won’t be available until mid-2026, and the more affordable Origin will debut in 2027. Hopefully, buyers will still find its design appealing by then.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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