Sony and Honda are making a daring leap with the AFEELA 1, their breathtaking new electric vehicle that’s been in development for five years. Unveiled at CES 2025, this visionary EV is already generating excitement. Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) not only shared pre-order specifics and its striking price tag but also provided attendees a sneak peek into the vehicle’s tech-savvy interior.
We received an exclusive tour of the AFEELA 1 Signature, the premium variant priced at a substantial $102,000. Although the price might appear high, the substantial array of advanced technology and luxury attributes crammed into this EV could well validate the expense.
### A Handle-Free Entrance
One of the first aspects you’ll notice about the AFEELA 1 is its absence of conventional door handles. Rather, the vehicle uses the AFEELA app for unlocking, although there’s a manual button available as a fallback. You can also tap your phone against the door for entry. While this handle-free style is emerging as a trend in the EV sector, it remains a remarkable feature.
Enhancing the car’s distinct design, the LiDAR cameras positioned atop amusingly resemble cat ears. This quirky detail somehow fits in well, adding a touch of whimsy to the vehicle’s sleek design.
### A High-Tech Sanctuary
Once inside, the AFEELA 1 transitions from playful to luxurious. SHM’s vision for the car aims to “redefine the relationship between humans and mobility,” and the interior is a testament to that ambition. It resembles an immersive tech paradise more than a standard vehicle.
The dashboard showcases a panoramic touchscreen display that stretches the entire width, enhanced by ambient lighting along the door trims. Each seat is equipped with its own OLED screen, and the car even includes a Sony PlayStation 5 controller for gaming through PlayStation Remote Play. Yes, that controller comes with the vehicle. The touchscreen can toggle between various themes, including one inspired by Sony’s game *Ghost of Tsushima*. Meanwhile, real-time camera feeds are shown on displays located near the driver and passenger seats.
Instead of a traditional hood ornament, the AFEELA 1 features a customizable LED display, further highlighting its forward-thinking design.
### Entertainment Overload
The AFEELA 1 elevates in-car entertainment to unprecedented heights. Its audio system is so robust it might verge on a health concern. During the demonstration, SHM dialed up the volume to blast music and even stream an episode of *Solo Leveling* on Crunchyroll. The car is also pre-loaded with applications like Zoom, TikTok, and YouTube, transforming it into a mobile entertainment powerhouse.
### AI with Personality
SHM has introduced an AI assistant, referred to as an “AI Agent,” intended to serve as a cheerful companion for drivers. However, due to connectivity challenges at the convention, the AI’s features weren’t fully showcased. For the time being, we’ll just have to trust SHM on its capabilities.
### Autonomous Ambitions
Although the AFEELA 1 wasn’t demonstrated in action at CES, SHM emphasized its Full Self-Driving functionalities. Currently classified at Level 2+ on SAE International’s automation spectrum, the vehicle provides semi-automated driving that still necessitates some driver involvement. SHM aspires to achieve Level 4 autonomy, where the car could operate independently, but that level of automation is still under development. For context, Mercedes-Benz became the first car manufacturer to offer Level 3 autonomous vehicles in the U.S. in 2024, thus Level 4 is still on the horizon.
### Price and Availability
The AFEELA 1 Signature is tagged at $102,900, while its more economical version, the AFEELA 1 Origin, will be priced at $89,900. Pre-orders are currently restricted to California, thanks to the state’s advanced EV infrastructure. The Signature model is anticipated to ship in mid-2026, with the Origin set to follow in 2027.
### Final Thoughts
The AFEELA 1 Signature is undoubtedly striking, even for those who don’t drive or find its six-figure price out of reach. With its advanced design, technology-laden interior, and ambitious features, it’s a bold declaration from Sony and Honda. While we still need to see how the car performs on the road, the AFEELA 1 has certainly left a lasting impression at CES 2025.