Prices in Great Britain for the new Prelude start at $53,895 including taxes, which makes it slightly more expensive than the German coupe
Honda is still keeping tight-lipped on how much the new Prelude will cost in the United States, but it has just announced prices for the front-wheel drive hybrid in the UK, and it’s not good news for those hoping for an affordable sports coupe.
In fact, the revived Prelude lands in premium territory, carrying the same starting price as a base BMW 220i Coupe.
Read: We Asked Honda If The Prelude Will Really Start At $38,000
The Prelude has been announced in a single specification for the UK. Known as the Advance, this model starts at £39,595 (equal to $52,055 at current exchange rates), or £40,995 ($53,895) when you factor in applicable fees and taxes.
Although that’s a fair chunk cheaper than the Civic Type R that started at £51,905 ($68,238) locally before it was axed earlier this year, the Prelude is by no means a bargain. Quite the opposite, in fact.
How Does It Stack Up?
British shoppers interested in getting behind the wheel of the new Prelude will have to justify somehow spending more for it than a basic 2-Series. The 2-Series sells around 3,000 units a year in Britain and, while it isn’t a hybrid, it’s arguably the Prelude’s nearest rival in spirit, without being a direct one.
Currently, the entry-level BMW 220i M Sport Coupe is available from £40,415 ($53,100) including fees and taxes.
Admittedly, the German coupe that’s built in Mexico is not as attractive as the Honda, but it has a smidge more power at 184 hp and relies on a traditional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic offering a 0-62mph (100 km/h) time of 7.5 seconds.
Unlike the Prelude’s intricate hybrid system with a synthetic S+ Shift gearbox that drive the front wheels, the BMW also sends its power to the rear wheels.
Performance Figures
Interestingly, the European Prelude is rated lower than the North American model, with 181 hp (184 PS / 135 kW) and 232 lb-ft (314 Nm) of torque, compared with the US version’s 200 hp (203 PS / 149 kW) while maintaining identical torque.
More: New Prelude Does 0-62 In 7.2 With Launch Control Trick, Still Loses To Civic
How much of a difference those 19 missing horses will make remains to be seen, but on paper, the European car takes a leisurely 8.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph), about 0.7 seconds slower than the BMW according to manufacturer figures.
Can It Live Up to the Name?
Given the price point, we suspect the 2026 Prelude won’t be a big seller in Great Britain. Only time will tell whether it lives up to its memorable predecessors, but at the very least, it has some things going for it.
Most notably, Honda has equipped the Prelude with similar suspension components to the Civic Type R, so it should handle well. It also features adaptive dampers and the firm’s Agile Handling Assist function, offering quick steering response and “enhanced vehicle stability.” Honda is also promising its bespoke Brembo brakes provide “unrivalled stopping power and pedal feel.”
As we recently reported, Honda has not yet confirmed prices for the new Prelude in the US. What we do know is that it will slot between the $32,295 Civic Sport Touring and $45,895 Civic Type R, leading to suggestions it could fall somewhere between $38,000 and $42,000.
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Brad Anderson’s lifelong affair and fascination with cars started young. Before even graduating high school,… Read full bio
