Audi Grandsphere: Here's what you should know about it

Audi has unveiled the second model in its trio of 'Sphere' all-electric concepts, showcasing its capability of transforming itself into a provider of sustainable premium mobility. According to Audi, it is #FutureReady - a signal that it's not only prepared and well-planned for the future of mobility, but also enhanced and ready to target the future generation of drivers and car owners alike.

Markus Duesmann, CEO and Board of Management Member for Product Lines at Audi AG, said, "In just 12 years' time, Audi will be completely electric - an ambitious goal that makes us the industry pioneer. We are more than ready."

With the recently launched Audi Grandsphere, the carmaker is yet another step closer to achieving its vision of progressive motoring luxury. Here are several things you should know about concept vehicle.

1. It's not the only sphere in Audi's realm

The Audi Grandsphere, as aforementioned, is the second of three concept cars that Audi has planned. The first is dubbed the Audi Skysphere, a grand touring two-seater roadster, that was recently launched in mid-August of this year. The next upcoming 'Sphere'? Well that's going to be called the Urbansphere. According to Audi, we can expect to see the car some time next year.

So while the Skysphere is a sleek drop-top grand tourer and the Grandsphere here looks like a luxury sedan that's could be the next all-electric Audi A8 flagship sedan, the Urbansphere will sport a two-box design that resembles a crossover or a compact SUV.

2. The Grandsphere could well be the next Audi A8

This brings us to the possible production form of the Grandsphere. With its huge proportions and sleek four-door saloon body, the concept vehicle will likely be the next Audi A8, in an all-electric form, no less.

Based on the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) modular car platform, the Grandsphere sports a four-door tapered body work with a raked windscreen rather than just a traditional-looking three-box sedan design. If this is Audi's idea of rethinking the future of luxury cars, the Grandsphere is spot on.

3. It's not just a concept car, it's one with Level 4 automated driving

Level 4 simply means having the ability to drive automatically. As a result, not only does this change the interior space of the cockpit and passenger seats into a spacious lounge as soon as the steering wheel and pedals are reduced, it also opens up new levels of freedom for everyone else on board.

That is because the Audi Grandsphere not only frees the driver from the tasks of driving whenever possible, but at the same time also offers occupants a wide range of options to use that freedom for individually variable experiences: Communication or relaxation, work or withdrawal into a private sphere as desired.

4. It's not just a vehicle

Thus, the Grandsphere, like the other two concepts, isn't just a vehicle created to pot its occupants around. It's more than that. From its design and space to its form and function, the electric concept is supposed to be futuristic experience of progressive luxury. Sounds impossible, but it seems Audi has successfully created just that.

For instance, a combination of eye tracking and gesture control can be used inside the Grandsphere. A sensor directed at the eye detects the line of sight when the control unit is to be engaged. And the passenger only needs to make similar hand motions to a traditional car - without having to sit upright - without touching a thing.

5. It charges quickly, travels far and drives fast

Thanks to a 800V charging technology, this means the Grandsphere is equipped with 270kW DC rapid charging. According to Audi, this means just 10 minutes is enough to charge the battery to a level sufficient to power the car more than 300km. In less than 25 minutes, you can charge the 120kWh battery from 5% to 80%. In totality, the vehicle is capable of doing 750km on a single full charge.

More than just capable range, the Grandsphere has boastful performance figures, too. Equipped with two electric motors, the car shoots out a whopping 710bhp and a neck-breaking 960Nm of torque, allowing the car to hit the 100km/h line in just four seconds.