Following a $90K sedan, Sony Honda believes that what America currently requires is another expensive electric SUV | Carscoops

Following a $90K sedan, Sony Honda believes that what America currently requires is another expensive electric SUV | Carscoops

      A new electric SUV has just been introduced with significant technological promises, but a launch scheduled for late 2028 and its modest specifications could diminish the initial excitement.

      Sony Honda Mobility showcased the Afeela Prototype 2026 crossover at CES in Las Vegas, alongside a nearly production-ready version of the Afeela 01 sedan. The new crossover, which is taller and more upright than its predecessor, is expected to be available on American roads in 2028.

      The two models share a mechanical platform and design elements, featuring broad LED light strips at both ends, a display panel integrated into the front, and sleek bi-tone bodywork. They both express their technological ambitions, although their overall appearance remains somewhat conventional rather than daring. Nonetheless, they represent a visual advancement from earlier prototypes, the Sony Vision-S 01 and Vision-S 02, revealed at CES in 2020 and 2022.

      Inside, the crossover's interior is similar to that of the sedan, boasting a dashboard with multiple displays and two additional screens in the rear for PlayStation gaming. The vehicles' technological foundation is Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon Digital Chassis, combined with a sophisticated AI agent developed in partnership with Microsoft.

      The increased height is anticipated to provide improved interior space, particularly for families or those frequently transporting passengers. With LiDAR modules and cameras integrated into the roof, both Afeela models aim for Level 2+ autonomy at launch, with built-in potential for Level 4 as regulations and software evolve.

      Details regarding the crossover's technical specifications remain largely undisclosed, but it is expected to be similar to the sedan in performance and features.

      Pricing for the crossover variant, set to debut in 2028, has not yet been announced. However, the pricing of the related sedan can offer some insight. The Afeela 01 sedan will initially launch in a high-spec Signature version priced at $102,900 in late 2026, followed by a more affordable Origin base model at $89,900 in 2027. Notably, although production will take place in the US, the first deliveries are planned for Japan in the first half of 2027.

Following a $90K sedan, Sony Honda believes that what America currently requires is another expensive electric SUV | Carscoops

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Following a $90K sedan, Sony Honda believes that what America currently requires is another expensive electric SUV | Carscoops

A new electric SUV has just been introduced with significant technological claims, but its scheduled launch in late 2028 and unremarkable specifications could dampen the excitement sooner than expected.