The new Prelude is pricier than a BMW 2-Series in the UK and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds | Carscoops
Prices for the new Prelude in Great Britain start at $53,895, including taxes, making it a bit pricier than the German coupe.
The European version of the Prelude produces less power than its American counterpart, limited to 181 hp. Honda has equipped the new Prelude with the same hybrid system found in the Civic, and it utilizes suspension components directly from the Civic Type R.
While Honda has not disclosed the pricing for the new Prelude in the United States, it recently announced the prices for the front-wheel drive hybrid in the UK, which may disappoint those hoping for a more affordable sports coupe. The revived Prelude has entered the premium market, sharing a starting price with the base BMW 220i Coupe.
Currently, the Prelude is offered in a single UK specification known as the Advance, starting at £39,595 (approximately $52,055 based on current exchange rates) or £40,995 ($53,895) when including applicable fees and taxes.
Although this is significantly less than the locally available Civic Type R, which began at £51,905 ($68,238) before being discontinued earlier this year, the Prelude still does not come cheap.
Potential buyers in the UK will need to rationalize paying more for the Prelude compared to a basic 2-Series, which sells around 3,000 units annually in Britain. While the 2-Series is not hybrid, it could be considered the Prelude's closest rival in essence.
The entry-level BMW 220i M Sport Coupe is currently priced from £40,415 ($53,100), including fees and taxes. Although the German coupe, produced in Mexico, may not be as visually appealing as the Honda, it boasts a slight edge in power at 184 hp and uses a traditional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic, achieving a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 7.5 seconds.
In contrast to the Prelude's complex hybrid system, which features a synthetic S+ Shift gearbox driving the front wheels, the BMW transfers power to the rear wheels as well.
Interestingly, the European Prelude's performance specifications are lower than those of its North American counterpart, delivering 181 hp (184 PS / 135 kW) and 232 lb-ft (314 Nm) of torque, compared to the US version’s 200 hp (203 PS / 149 kW) while retaining the same torque.
How significant the difference of 19 missing horsepower will be is yet to be determined, but on paper, the European model takes a leisurely 8.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph), which is about 0.7 seconds slower than the BMW according to manufacturer claims.
Considering the price, the 2026 Prelude may not achieve high sales in Great Britain. Only time will tell if it lives up to its esteemed predecessors, but it certainly has some advantages.
Notably, Honda has outfitted the Prelude with similar suspension parts as the Civic Type R, which should enhance its handling. It also comes with adaptive dampers and Honda’s Agile Handling Assist, which promises quick steering response and increased vehicle stability. Additionally, Honda is asserting that its custom Brembo brakes offer "unrivaled stopping power and pedal feel."
As previously reported, Honda has yet to confirm the pricing for the new Prelude in the US. However, it is expected to be positioned between the $32,295 Civic Sport Touring and the $45,895 Civic Type R, potentially falling in the range of $38,000 to $42,000.
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The new Prelude is pricier than a BMW 2-Series in the UK and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds | Carscoops
In Great Britain, the starting price for the new Prelude is $53,895, tax included, which makes it a bit more costly than the German coupe.
