HONDA CONFIRMS PRELUDE TO ARRIVE IN EUROPE EARLY 2026 – FEATURING HONDA S+ SHIFT TECHNOLOGY

New Hybrid Prelude e-HEV

Hybrid e:HEV model will join Honda’s fully electrified mainstream range in the first half of 2026
Sixth-generation Prelude will debut Honda S+ Shift technology – further advancing the ‘joy of driving’
Sports coupe marks the continuation of Honda’s 25-year hybrid heritage, following the launch of the revolutionary Insight back in 1999

Honda has announced the new hybrid Prelude e:HEV will arrive in Europe in the early part of 2026 and will debut innovative Honda S+ Shift technology to further enhance the ‘joy of driving’ offered by the brand’s latest sports coupe.

The Honda S+ Shift will simulate the sound and feel of quick automatic gear changes – helping to deliver the model’s perfect balance of exhilarating driving pleasure to a new generation of Prelude drivers.

Following its debut 46 years ago, the original model was seen as a high-performance showcase of Honda’s cutting-edge technology across five generations until 2000. Picking up where it left off, the new Prelude will offer a compelling blend of style and sophistication alongside an efficient hybrid powertrain.

Hans de Jaeger, Senior Vice President, Honda Motor Europe, said: “The Honda Prelude is an iconic nameplate, and this latest model promises to build on that heritage with our trademark hybrid performance and the latest dynamic technology. All with a view to not only delivering exceptional efficiency, but also the fun-to-drive performance for which this model is known. We are excited for its arrival in Europe following a very positive reception so far.”

This announcement comes as Honda celebrates a quarter of a century of pioneering hybrid expertise, following the arrival of the revolutionary Insight coupe as Europe’s first mass-produced hybrid model back in 1999.

Ever since, the brand has pioneered the development of petrol-electric powertrain technology, with a range of models that have helped drivers make the smoothest, most convenient, and cost-effective switch to an electrified future.

Today, Honda’s mainstream automobile range is fully electrified, with Jazz, Civic, HR-V, ZR-V and CR-V all available with e:HEV powertrains as standard. Shifting seamlessly between EV, hybrid and engine drive with no input from the driver, they all combine exceptional ease-of-use with a rewarding driving experience, alongside highly competitive efficiency and emissions.