Updated Sony Afeela EV Prototype Revealed at CES 2024

Sony Honda Mobility has displayed the updated version of the Afeela EV prototype at CES 2024

Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) has used the CES 2024 main stage to reveal the latest and updated version of its first EV model, the Afeela sedan. Unlike the previous versions previewed beforehand, this new, near-production prototype features some minor design tweaks and a slew of updated equipment.

Starting with the front part, the new Afeela prototype adopts a new front bumper design plus a more protruding front nose that houses a unique digital display panel flanked by its LED headlights. Above the latter two lies a full-width LED light bar that acts as the car’s main DRL unit.

Some changes can also be seen on the Afeela’s derriere, as the sleek EV saloon gets thicker C-pillars, a revised rear bumper design, as well as a slimmer LED taillight bar that spans across its width. From the side, you’ll also notice that the new Afeela prototype now comes with physical side mirrors instead of the digital camera units we saw on the previous prototype.

More importantly, this new prototype is also bigger than its predecessor, now measuring 4,915 MM long, 1,900 MM wide, 1,460 MM tall, and a wheelbase of 3,000 MM. With a 20 MM increase in length, we’d reckon most folks won’t notice its size increment over the previous prototype.

Inside, the updated Afeela prototype gets a slew of new and updated equipment

This minor design tweak can also be seen as we get inside the new Afeela prototype, although most of the parts here are carried over from the previous version. Key new pieces of equipment present here include the revised central console area featuring two wireless chargers, as well as the redesigned steering wheel with a half-circle, semi-yoke design.

Besides the minor equipment update, SHM has also announced the integration of Microsoft Azure OpenAI for Afeela's central infotainment system. Though not many details were revealed regarding this integration, the firm aims to offer an “advanced voice-enabled system that delivers seamless communication with natural language and conversation-like interactions.”

In terms of powertrain, SHM revealed that this new prototype gets a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) setup with a total system output of 483 HP (360 kW). Juice is sourced from a sizable 91-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that supports both DC 150 kW and AC 11 kW charging capacities. SHM, however, has yet to reveal both the acceleration performance and estimated range figures for the Afeela EV.

The new Sony Afeela EV sedan is set to enter production later in 2025, ahead of its deliveries in 2026

The Sony Afeela EV is set to enter production later in 2025, with first deliveries expected to commence later in the first half of 2026 for the North American market, followed by Japan in the second half of the year. With its production set to take place at least another year in time, perhaps we can expect to see more updates for the Afeela EV in the months to come.

Fortunately, thanks to SHM’s partnership with renowned gaming production firm Polyphony Digital, we will soon be able to drive the Afeela EV virtually in the Gran Turismo 7 racing simulation video game, which will be added later this year.