Honda counters China's 'superficial' EV sedan designs with sleek Saloon

LAS VEGAS -- Honda's electric sedan concept -- with its striking wedge shape -- was created to counter the "superficial" designs prevalent on battery-powered rivals from China, the car's creator said.

The Saloon concept revealed at the CES technology show here this month previewed a model Honda aims to launch in 2026.

The production model will be "based very closely on this concept," Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe said during the unveiling of the sedan and the related Space Hub minivan concept.

The Saloon's silhouette comprises a single curved line that starts low in front of the short hood, merges with the long windshield and longer roof before sharply cutting off at the rear. The monobox proportions create a wedge-shaped look found on several 1970s sports cars.

'Wow factor'

A double-width gullwing door and a grille created by LED lights add further character. No dimensions were given but the car looked to be about the same length as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

"My styling philosophy is to create the 'wow factor.' But at the same time try to pursue something essential," Daisuke Tsutamori, creative director and general manager of Honda's e-mobility design division, told Automotive News Europe.

Smoothed-out details

The Saloon's looks sharply contrast the exterior styling found on a wave of electric sedans from China, where many domestic automakers have chosen a conventional three-box shape but with smoothed-out details.

"In China, you have seen a lot of further refinement of that kind of styling. But it is very superficial. Refined but superficial," Tsutamori said. "Honda wanted to come up with something that was simpler, more essential."

Tsutamori declined to name any rival sedans that fit his description. However, the list of Chinese electric sedans created with the currently fashionable smoothed-off three-box styling include the Nio ET7, Zeekr 007, Xpeng P7 and the IM L7 from SAIC.

Chasing SUVs

Tsutamori hopes the Saloon's striking design will lure customers away from electric SUVs, which are currently more popular than sedans despite often falling short on range due to their compromised aerodynamics.

Honda's aim with the Saloon and other vehicles on the 0 Series platform is to produce lighter electric models.

"EVs carry large and heavy batteries under the floor. As a result, the body and platform become larger and heavier to support the battery," Mibe said.

Honda plans to use a thin EV platform that allows a low floor height for better aerodynamics and increased range. The 0-Series will also have a new electric/electronic architecture that will focus on connectivity and software, Honda said.

Design inspiration

The Saloon's exterior is a reminder of the cars created by the renowned former Bertone designer Marcello Gandini.

Tsutamori said he was partly influenced by Gandini, who created iconic supercar concepts such as the Stratos HF Zero, Lamborghini Marzal and Alfa Romeo Carabo as well as best-selling production models such as the Citroen BX.

"I love and respect him," Tsutamori said, "but we wanted to reflect Honda values in a new way."

2 million EVs

Honda has said it wants to sell 2 million EVs globally by 2030, with a lineup that will include 30 electric models by that date. It intends to sell only electric and fuel cell models by 2040.

Honda in Europe recently axed its introductory electric model, the Honda E minicar, because of poor sales.

Customers were put off by the high-tech car's high price (nearly 40,000 euros) and comparatively small battery, which provided a range of just 220 km (138 miles).

Honda has replaced the model with the new e:NY1 small SUV that offers a longer range of 412 km but also a higher price of 47,590 euros in Germany.