
After a 25-year hiatus, Honda has reintroduced one of its most celebrated nameplates – the Prelude – to Europe. The all-new Honda Prelude e:HEV sports coupe combines elegant design, hybrid performance and a renewed focus on driver engagement, marking a bold new chapter in Honda’s electrified future.
Blending the brand’s engineering excellence with over 25 years of hybrid heritage, the Prelude brings back the joy of driving with the perfect balance of style, performance and sustainability.
The sixth-generation Prelude’s exterior takes inspiration from the sleek lines and aerodynamic elegance of modern gliders, evoking both grace and athleticism. Its wide, low stance enhances stability and agility, while a sophisticated suspension setup – featuring technology from the Civic Type R, adaptive dampers, and Honda’s Agile Handling Assist (AHA) – ensures the ideal combination of comfort and control.
Inside, the cabin echoes a glider’s cockpit with a focus on simplicity, visibility and craftsmanship. Premium materials, ergonomic design and Honda SENSING driver-assistance technology create a refined, connected environment that’s both exhilarating and practical.
Hans de Jaeger, Senior Vice President, Honda Motor Europe, said:
“The Honda Prelude’s return has been eagerly anticipated by driving enthusiasts around the world since we first exhibited the concept model back in October 2023. This nameplate has always been a showcase for cutting-edge and innovative engineering, and this latest iteration is no exception. With its graceful design, innovative Honda S+ Shift and cutting edge full-hybrid powertrain, both drivers and passengers will never want their journey to end.”
A highlight of the new Prelude is the debut of Honda S+ Shift, an innovative system that simulates the sound and feel of rapid automatic gear changes, heightening driver engagement. Building on Honda’s Linear Shift Control, it works alongside Active Sound Control (ASC) to synchronise engine tone, revs and speed for a natural and exhilarating acceleration experience.
The system creates a virtual eight-speed transmission, controlled via steering wheel paddles, allowing drivers to “shift” as if using a manual gearbox. When downshifting, Honda S+ Shift adds a realistic engine braking effect and throttle ‘blip’ – enhancing control and connection between car and driver.
Drawing on more than two decades of hybrid expertise, the Prelude features Honda’s full hybrid e:HEV powertrain. Combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine with lightweight dual electric motors and automatic transmission, the 184PS (135kW) system delivers responsive power, exceptional efficiency and refined performance.
Drivers can select from four distinct drive modes – Comfort, GT, Sport, and Individual – each optimising powertrain, suspension, and steering characteristics to suit their preferred driving style.
Engineered for agility and balance, the Prelude uses multi-link suspension, adaptive dampers, and Civic Type R-inspired tuning to offer superb ride quality and dynamic handling. The result is a sports coupe that feels equally at home on twisty backroads or smooth urban streets.
Inside, a 10.2-inch driver display with Prelude-specific graphics changes theme with each drive mode, while the intuitive nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.
Despite its sleek coupe profile, the Prelude offers seating for four, plus a large hatchback tailgate providing up to 663 litres of luggage space – making it both stylish and practical. Customers can choose from four exterior finishes: Moonlit White Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and Racing Blue Pearl.
Safety remains central to the Prelude’s design. The latest Honda SENSING suite has been precisely tuned to complement the car’s sporty dynamics. Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and the Road Departure Mitigation System have all been refined to provide intuitive and responsive support on every drive.
With its blend of hybrid innovation, refined performance, and timeless style, the all-new Honda Prelude e:HEV marks the return of an icon – reigniting the spirit of the classic sports coupe for a new generation of drivers.
At Western & Barnetts Honda, we’re thrilled to welcome back this legendary nameplate. Stay tuned for updates on availability and be among the first to experience the return of the Prelude.