We were first introduced to Afeela in 2023 during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Afeela is a car brand of Sony Honda Mobility, a partnership between Honda and Sony. Afeela’s first model already looked almost ready for production two years ago, although the brand saw the 2024 CES as the ideal opportunity to show a more refined but still pre-production version of its first model. It is currently time again in Las Vegas for this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. And what does Afeela do? It is finally showing its very first production model: the Afeela 1. Afeela 1 The Afeela 1 is a 4.9 meter long electric sedan with a wheelbase of just under 3 meters. In terms of dimensions, the Afeela 1 can be compared with EVs such as the Volkswagen ID7. The Afeela has a 245 hp electric motor at the front and rear. These machines are powered by a large battery pack. The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 91 kWh. Good for a good range, you would think. According to the official specifications, the Afeela 1 can travel ‘up to 482 kilometers’ on a full charge. That doesn’t make us fall off our chairs in surprise. Fast charging is possible with 150 kW and the Afeela 1 does not blow away its competitors. Certainly not if you consider the price of the car. The Afeela 1 has a starting price of €86,380 in the United States. That price is for a version called Origin. Above it comes the Afeela 1 Signature, which costs €98,880. For comparison: a Lucid Air costs about €67,000 in the United States and already offers a range of about 600 kilometers. With subscription… The Afeela 1 is not exactly a bargain. Certainly not when you know that both the Origin and the top version, which costs almost €100,000, both offer functions that are only available if you take out a subscription. You have to pay extra for Intelligent Drive (semi-autonomous driving mode) and Personal Agent (extensive AI assistant). At least, after three years. You get a free subscription for the first three years. For whom? Afeela says she wants to redefine ‘the relationship between people and mobility’. It promises a particularly relaxing interior, a ‘unique audio system’ and treats its occupants to a colorful collection of displays. It is not yet known whether and when Afeela will spread its wings to Europe.
Source: www.autoweek.nl
