Sony unveils another concept car, the Vision-S electric SUV

Sony has done it again, surprising CES attendees with yet another electric concept car, this time with the Vision-S 7-seater SUV .

Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida has unveiled the Vision-S SUV prototype, a sequel to the eponymous concept car that the company unveiled at CES 2020.

Sony plans to explore whether it can enter the increasingly crowded EV market through Sony’s new operating company Mobility this spring, according to a statement. As more consumers buy electric vehicles, some automakers are expanding their share of electric SUVs and trucks.

The company, known for its TVs, speakers and cameras, boasted that its prototype provided immersive audio, gaming capabilities, a panoramic screen in the front, and rear-seat displays.

Sony is also targeting autonomous driving, according to the statement. While the Vision-S, announced in 2020, had 33 sensors, the SUV has 40. Driving assistance features are very popular in new electric vehicles. GM has Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system, in its 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, and Tesla offers what’s called a full self-driving feature that provides steering and parking assistance, among other things.

Although the Vision-S sedan and its SUV sibling are only prototypes so far, several EV concept cars have entered the market over the years. For example, the BMW iX and Cadillac Lyriq, which will arrive in the first half of 2022, were once concept cars.

Sony is currently testing the Vision-S on public roads in Europe. They do not say when or where they will test drive their prototype SUV.

Both the Vision-S sedan and SUV will be showcased at CES this week. Details on the battery type offered, range, charging options and possible pricing were not available.