Another DOA from Afeela…

Another CES show in Las Vegas, and another Sony/Honda prototype. This time, an SUV version of the Afeela sedan was introduced earlier.

A prototype version of the Afeela sedan was first introduced at CES back in 2020. That’s right, 6 years! Back then, it was called the Sony Vision S concept. While not very exciting looking, it was clean and somewhat futuristic.

3 years later, they introduced a “prototype” version of that sedan. Which was basically an even more boring and soulless version of the first concept. As well as the new “Afeela” name. This year, we have the production version of the sedan and a concept version of an upcoming SUV. That SUV looks even worse than the lifeless-looking sedan.

I wrote about the Afeela sedan a few times before. I even got to experience it in person. It is a bit impressive in person, mostly due to its size. And the overly simple design almost works. However, you do still wish for more personality, and the whole thing still feels like a giant appliance.

The interior is well-made and high-end. but also ridiculous. Since the whole experience seems to be based on video games and various Sony content.

Specs are also pretty terrible for a car that will cost around $100,000. A 300-mile range and a charging speed of 150 kW is just not acceptable for this price these days.

There is also not much reason to pick the larger and probably even more expensive future SUV since the hatchback sedan is already very roomy and practical (bottom image).

I personally think the whole brand is DOA. As usual, it will take Honda years to admit it. Unless they pull a ZDX on us and cancel it after less than a year, like the GM-based Acura EV. The idea that great brands like Sony and Honda could even be involved in such a losing proposition boggles the mind…

Here is a short film of my personal experience with the Afeela sedan: