CES 2022: All we know about Sony Mobility and its conceptual EV Vision-S SUV

Back at the CES of 2020, Sony announced "VISION-S," an initiative aimed at contributing to the evolution of mobility and also exhibited a prototype vehicle, the Vision-S 01 sedan. ‍

To demonstrate this concept in the real world, Sony started public road testing in Europe in December of the same year and started verification tests of the safety and user experience of the imaging and sensing technology installed inside and outside the vehicle, and the human-machine interface (HMI) system.

Fast forward to 2022 and Sony has announced a follow-up to that Vision sedan that we first saw at CES 2020. Here is everything we know from Sony’s CES announcement. ‍

The launch of Sony Mobility ‍

What we did find surprising was the launch of Sony Mobility, the company’s all-new electric car division, with both the Vision-S sedan and Vision-S SUV as its first working prototypes. Sony Mobility is officially launching this Autumn. The new electric automaker plans to work with other automakers to incorporate its numerous advances in mobility while working on its own prototype EVs.‍

Sony has gained a head start on Apple‍

In addition, Sony has gained a head start to Apple and the Cupertino-based tech company’s much-awaited Apple Car. According to Sony CEO, Kenichiro Yoshida, the imminent launch of Sony Mobility is a “bold step into the future,” and the company is relentlessly exploring the commercial launch of Sony-branded electric vehicles. Kenichiro adds that Sony’s EV division is proof of “how a creative entertainment company” can redefine the concept of mobility.‍

VISION-S concepts prioritises sensor technology‍

When Sony’s first-ever Vision-S 01 sedan debuted two years ago, the company didn’t mince its words when talking about its proprietary sensors and remote operation technology. 

Sony claims its Vision-S prototypes have high-sensitivity, high-resolution, wide dynamic range CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image and LiDAR sensors that “accurately sense three-dimensional space”.

Moreover, Sony’s Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors support gesture and voice commands while offering monitoring functions for drivers and passengers. Meanwhile, owners can synchronise vehicle settings, user settings, and security features to the cloud via 5G communication, enabling over-the-air (OTA) software updates.‍

Cars with more tech ‍

Lest you forget that Sony is a “creative entertainment company,” we expect the Vision-S EVs to come standard with top-of-the-line audio systems (and possibly gaming consoles for rear passengers?). The seats will have built-in speakers to simulate a three-dimensional sound with the help of 360 Reality Audio streaming services. 

Sony added that the Vision-S will come with “Bravia Core for Vision-S” services that allow shared or individual video playback on the massive front screen and rear entertainment displays.