The first concept car to emerge in 2026 comes from a name many motorists may still be unfamiliar with. Afeela, the electric vehicle brand created by Sony Honda Mobility, has taken the wraps off its latest prototype at CES in Las Vegas, signalling that the joint venture between the two Japanese heavyweights remains firmly committed
While the Afeela 1 electric saloon is not due to reach customers until later this year, the company has already shown what comes next in the form of an SUV-style model. Officially still a prototype, the new high-riding EV is planned for the US market, with sales expected to begin no earlier than 2028. Despite being described as an SUV, its proportions lean more towards a raised saloon rather than a traditional boxy off-roader, with a silhouette that brings to mind the Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept from 2018, though in a far cleaner and more cohesive form.
The design stays close to that of the Afeela 1, favouring a minimalist approach with smooth body panels, subtle surfacing and almost no sharp lines. Door handles are neatly hidden, adding to the uncluttered look. It may not turn heads in the way some futuristic SUVs do, but the prototype has a calm, polished presence. Those experiencing a sense of déjà vu are not imagining it, as the styling closely follows the Vision-S 02 concept Sony first revealed at CES back in 2022.
Afeela is keeping technical details under wraps for now, but the earlier concept gives a useful indication of what to expect. That vehicle measured 4,895 mm long, 1,930 mm wide and 1,650 mm tall, riding on a generous 119.3-inch wheelbase. It sat on 20-inch wheels and tipped the scales at around 2,480 kg.
With the production version still several years away, pricing remains undisclosed. Even so, the collaboration between Sony and Honda continues to attract attention, blending consumer electronics expertise with automotive know-how. Whether that partnership will be enough to win over buyers remains to be seen, especially with the SUV not expected to arrive until at least 2028, but Afeela’s ambitions at the top end of the EV market are clearly taking shape.