As electric vehicles continue their meteoric rise, legacy automakers and consumer tech giants alike are fiercely competing to dominate the high-end EV space. Sony turned heads when it revealed its new Afeela prototype co-developed with Honda. Targeting the Tesla Model 3, this software-focused sedan promises to bring Sony‘s consumer tech experience into the mobility era.
As an EV industry analyst test-driving the latest models, friends often ask me for car buying advice. If you’re considering an electric luxury vehicle, comparing these two top contenders can help guide your search. In this hands-on guide, I’ll compare all the key factors to consider from charging times to autonomous driving. Let‘s take a detailed look at how the Tesla stalwart and Sony newcomer compare when it comes to the features that matter most to EV drivers.
Styling and Design – Where Form Meets Function
For years, Tesla has faced criticism over Spartan interiors that favor giant screens over buttons and knobs. Meanwhile, rival luxury automakers tout more opulent cabins reflecting their premium pricing. Stepping into the Afeela interior felt like entering a concept car with its ultra-minimalist four-screen layout. Could removing what many drivers consider necessary physical controls backfire?
Touch Screens vs. Tactile Controls
- Tesla Model 3: 15in center touchscreen display
- Sony Afeela: 55in quad display with some haptic controls
To gather insight, I spoke with Cox Automotive researcher Anita Patel who studied EV consumer preferences. “Buyers rank interior layout and comfort second only to driving range when picking electric luxury models. Eliminating too many buttons many limit appeal."
However, during my Afeela demo, Sony’s focus on rethinking the driver environment sparked intrigue. Small details like smartphone taptic engine haptics integrated into side displays foster an engaging, futuristic atmosphere. As autonomous tech progresses, interiors could transform vehicles into entertainment lounges.
For now, Tesla‘s spread out cabin enhanced by an expansive glass roof provides a roomier, more practical space compared to the Afeela‘s compact footprint. The Model 3 fits 5 passengers comfortably versus only 4 in the Afeela. So buyers prioritizing space for carpooling or growing families will likely lean toward the Tesla.
Interior Dimensions
| Dimension | Afeela | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Headroom | 37 in | 39.6 in |
| Legroom | 42 in | 42.7 in |
| Shoulder Room | 57 in | 56.3 in |
| Passenger Capacity | 4 adults | 5 adults |
Performance and Powertrains – The Need for Speed
While Tesla consistently tops range and acceleration leaderboards, the instant torque of electric motors delivers lightning-quick response times across most EV models. Sony remained secretive regarding final power output and torque figures for its prototype. But here’s how prevalent dual-motor performance specs compare.
Powertrain and Acceleration
| Spec | Afeela | Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Undisclosed | Up to 518 hp |
| 0-60 mph | Est. 4 sec | 3.1 sec |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Tesla’s track record for consistent range improvements through battery tech advancements should keep it ahead here as well. Based on similar luxury EV benchmarks, expect the Afeela’s max range to fall around 250-300 miles per charge.
For my money, the near-supercar acceleration of the Model 3 Performance fits my need for speed. Reviewers consistently praise its athletic handling for an SUV of its size as well. Tesla’s years of refinement shine through in responsive steering and sure-footed cornering. Sony’s first swing at chassis dynamics remains an open question.
Charging Experience – Juice on the Go
Range anxiety plagued early EV adoption. But increased maximum charges along with widespread fast-charging infrastructure have largely quelled those concerns today. Sony has yet to detail plans for proprietary charging stations. So drivers will likely rely on sparse third-party public networks pending other partnerships.
Comparatively, Tesla’s vast proprietary Supercharger network stands as their strategic crown jewel. Over 40,000 stations worldwide provide reliable rapid juicing for road trips near major routes and crowded metro areas.
As Dan Ives, managing director of equity research at Wedbush told CNBC, “[Musk] saw early on charging infrastructure would be the key Golden Goose to driving EV adoption." (source)
Public infrastructure build-outs lag far behind overall EV sales growth in the US and Europe. Sony will need to incentivize installing of faster chargers to rival Tesla‘s convenience. Until then, Model 3 owners enjoy access to an industry-leading charging network.
Advanced Driver Assistance – Who‘s Closest to Full Autonomy?
While fans await the arrival of truly self-driving cars, Tesla and its rivals steadily enhance existing advanced driver assistance (ADAS) packages. Currently capped at Level 2 autonomy, these systems can automate select abilities like cruise control, lane centering and self-parking under ongoing supervision.
Sony however aims straight for Level 3 capabilities on its debut vehicle. Also called “conditional automation,” Level 3 permits full automated control by the vehicle itself in certain conditions and environments. The biggest differentiator over current ADAS tech is drivers can safely divert attention in Level 3 scenarios, say to check a text message or email.
Industry opinions diverge on Sony’s aggressive target as most automakers hesitate predicting full self-driving readiness before late this decade. When benchmarking autonomous tech, wide gaps exist between promises and actual capability delivered at market launch. Still, Sony’s partnership with industry leader Qualcomm and its Snapdragon auto processing platform offer hope.
During my Model 3 test drives over the last three years, continual software enhancements added more functionality without compromising safety. Legal barriers around testing and validating robust autonomous systems slow rollout. Yet Tesla’s select customer beta programs preview improvements to come.
If hands-free driving sounds enticing, I suggest buyers cross-shop Euro luxury brands like Mercedes Benz and BMW leading autonomy investments alongside Sony and Tesla. Take tech promises with a grain of salt and rigorously research real-world functionality before purchase.
Availability and Future Support
The Afeela delivery timeline stays fixed at 2026 pending any pandemic-related or supply chain disruptions. Reservations should open sometime in 2025 once manufacturing scales up. With any first model year vehicle, waiting 6-12 months allows time for improvements addressing initial quality concerns that often crop up.
In contrast, Tesla’s models see refinements iteratively through over-the-air software updates. While the Model 3 launched in 2019, continuous feature expansions and range boosts via battery tech upgrades enhance its value. Tesla also attracts a vocal community of savvy third-party developers who code customized apps adding capabilities.
Sony as an organization obsesses over regular hardware revision cycles aimed at maximizing consumer lifetime value. Applying that ethos to cars suggests they may pioneer an iPhone-like annual release schedule keeping owners engaged via leased products.
Verdict: Two Bright EV Futures, One Clear Present Value
Bottom line: Drivers that relish being first adopters, attracted to Sony’s digital-first vision and willing to overlook current gaps in charging infrastructure could wait out Afeela’s launch. Pre-order interest appears high despite many unknowns on exactly how features will function. The companies’ ambitious roadmap rightly generates excitement.
Nonetheless, Tesla’s proven execution across over three million vehicles delivered offers peace of mind to everyday commuters. Continued engineering strides through 2023 address prior reasons for hesitation, like build quality. Of course, better interiors and reduced prices from competitive brands give buyers more choice than ever.
Yet the Model 3’s blend of performance, tech and support ecosystem still lead the growing luxury EV class by a wide margin in my evaluation. Sony’s fresh approach carries risk but also hints at the potential for cars tailor-made for virtual, augmented worlds of the near horizon. Exciting times lie ahead either way for the electric mobility revolution!
I hope this detailed review guides your search for the optimal electric vehicle. Let me know any other questions on the Afeela, Model 3 or other EVs on your shopping list!
