Sony Honda Mobility showcased the AFEELA 1 electric vehicle at CES 2026, emphasizing polish and usability rather than groundbreaking new features. The vehicle continues to blur the line between automotive and entertainment technology, positioning itself as a premium, rolling entertainment hub. While many aspects remain familiar from last year’s reveal, the focus has shifted toward delivering a smoother, more refined user experience.
A Mobile Entertainment Space
Sony Honda Mobility’s vision centers on “mobility as creative entertainment,” prioritizing the time spent inside the vehicle. The panoramic dashboard display remains central, serving as the primary interface for navigation, media, and applications. This underscores a trend in automotive design toward treating the car as an extension of the digital lifestyle – a place for work, play, and connection beyond simply transportation.
Expanding the AFEELA Lineup
Alongside the AFEELA 1, a new SUV prototype – dubbed AFEELA Prototype 2026 – was also on display. Production of this model is projected for 2028 at the earliest. The introduction of an SUV variant highlights Sony Honda Mobility’s intention to expand beyond a single vehicle offering, recognizing the broader consumer demand for versatile electric vehicles.
PlayStation Integration and AI Assistance
The AFEELA 1 boasts PlayStation Remote Play, allowing PS5 owners to stream games to rear-seat displays using a DualSense controller. While requiring existing PlayStation ownership, this integration demonstrates the growing convergence of automotive and gaming ecosystems. The AFEELA AI assistant, powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI, functions as a standard in-car assistant, capable of handling basic tasks such as app launching and destination setting. Although competent, its functionality remains unremarkable compared to other advanced voice assistants on the market.
Prioritizing Comfort and Stability
Improvements extend to fundamental usability. The interior now operates more smoothly, with faster screen responses and fewer software glitches. Cabin noise has also been reduced, reflecting a deliberate shift toward comfort and stability. This suggests Sony Honda Mobility is prioritizing core driving experience over experimental features, a practical step as the vehicle nears its California launch.
Productivity Features and Price Point
The AFEELA 1 supports productivity apps like Zoom for in-car video calls, though camera positioning may be less than ideal. The vehicle comes at a premium, with a starting price of $89,900 and higher trims exceeding $100,000. This pricing positions the AFEELA 1 firmly within the luxury EV segment, demanding high expectations for functionality and build quality.
The AFEELA 1’s latest iteration demonstrates a move toward practical refinement rather than radical innovation. By focusing on core usability and expanding its product line, Sony Honda Mobility is preparing for a real-world launch in California. The vehicle’s success will depend on whether its entertainment-focused approach justifies the high price tag for discerning luxury EV buyers.
