Typically, a concept vehicle serves as a preview of forthcoming product developments for the brand, and highlights certain technological or even philosophical approaches. And, with the prior two sphere-monikered Audi concepts, the skysphere concept and grandsphere concept, we indeed have seen Audi's futuristic take on the two-door roadster and four-door grand tourer respectively.
Audi has now unveiled the third and final sphere concept model that showcases its vision of premium mobility of the future - the urbansphere concept. And while it is most certainly a technological showcase, there's perhaps never been a concept model that's been so specifically conceptualised and designed for one specific market in mind - China.
The urbansphere concept has massive proportions - the 5,510mm length and 3,400mm wheelbase ensure maximum interior space In fact, the phrase "for the Chinese market" was uttered at least six to seven times during the media preview of this model, and this urbansphere concept was slated to make its world debut at the Beijing Motorshow (now postponed due to COVID-19). The urbansphere concept was also developed in close collaboration with Audi's design studios in Beijing, and with input from potential customers in China as well.
First and foremost, the shape of the grandsphere is unlike anything Audi has ever made before - a massive people-carrying MPV (or at least that's the most tangentially recognisable body shape). This is because the concept was designed from the inside out, with a priority being a spacious and luxurious cabin. The urbansphere concept's almost out-of-this-world dimensions, 5,510mm long, 2,010mm wide and 1,780mm tall and with a 3,400mm wheelbase, means that there's a voluminous interior space to work with.
The seats can swivel or recline to suit the varying needs of the occupants The meticulously designed interior, accessed via counter-hinged doors, features four individual seats in two rows, with each seat offering an array of customisable adjustments. In Relax and Entertain modes, the backrest can be tilted up to 60 degrees, while leg rests extend at the same time. The seats are also able to cater to changing social needs. They can be swiveled for passengers to face one another while conversing, or alternatively use a privacy screen to conceal the head area of any passenger than wants some privacy and seclusion.
For the maximum lounge-like experience, there is a large transparent OLED screen that pivots vertically from the roof area, which can be used to watch movies or take part in a video conference. And, split-screen use is also possible. There are also individual monitors built into the back of the front seats, and each seat has its own sound zone with speakers in the headrest area.
The MMI touchless response allows you to access the system without any actual tactile interaction The urbansphere concept also emphasises luxury and simplicity. Wood, wool and synthetic textile fabrics make up the material composition of the cabin, and any necessary displays (such as when driving) are projected onto the wooden surfaces only when required. Another innovative control element is the MMI touchless response. The rotating ring allows the passenger to physically select various menus while the seat is upright. However, when reclined, a combination of eye tracking and gesture control still allows the control unit to be engaged without any actual tactile interaction.
Taking centrestage on the exterior of the urbansphere concept is the huge Singleframe grille, which actually serves as a digital canvas on which dynamic lighting effects can be executed. The illuminated surfaces can also change adaptively to give the front of the car a different 'look', depending on the situation. This dynamic lighting is also featured on the rear of the car as well.
A red carpet projected onto the ground is perhaps the ultimate display of luxury The use of light also extends beyond the physical surface of the car. When entering or exiting the cabin, the doors fold outwards, the seats swivel to face outwards, and a red carpet is projected onto the ground - the ultimate expression of first-class luxury.
Like the grandsphere concept, the urbansphere concept also uses the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform, with a 120kWh battery and two electric motors to deliver 295kW and 690Nm of torque. The 800V architecture also means that the battery can be charged with up to 270kW, ensuring a short charging time. Audi also quotes a range of up to 750km, plenty considering this model is conceived primarily as a city-dwelling car doing short distance trips. The urbansphere concept will also have Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, which frees the driver from the burden of driving whenever possible, and thus allows everyone on board to either work on the move, or fully soak in the soothing luxury on offer.
The Audi grandsphere concept is a seemingly direct response to the demands of the Chinese market The urbansphere concept is a lavish and luxe take on the the future of premium mobility, melding futuristic technologies and digital services with a interior designed to deliver a first-class experience. It is also Audi's response to the growth of megacities where personal space will be in short supply, thus focusing on offering an interior that is not just large and grand, but also functional and adaptable.
But perhaps most significantly, this urbansphere concept is also a recognition of the power of the renminbi, and the fact that China is largest EV market in the world. And while the technologies and features witnessed in the urbansphere concept may eventually make their way into Audi cars of the future, the specific execution of this concept model, with its lavishness and extravagance, is aimed squarely at a specific customer profile - the wealthy Chinese buyer.
Audi has now unveiled the third and final sphere concept model that showcases its vision of premium mobility of the future - the urbansphere concept. And while it is most certainly a technological showcase, there's perhaps never been a concept model that's been so specifically conceptualised and designed for one specific market in mind - China.
First and foremost, the shape of the grandsphere is unlike anything Audi has ever made before - a massive people-carrying MPV (or at least that's the most tangentially recognisable body shape). This is because the concept was designed from the inside out, with a priority being a spacious and luxurious cabin. The urbansphere concept's almost out-of-this-world dimensions, 5,510mm long, 2,010mm wide and 1,780mm tall and with a 3,400mm wheelbase, means that there's a voluminous interior space to work with.
For the maximum lounge-like experience, there is a large transparent OLED screen that pivots vertically from the roof area, which can be used to watch movies or take part in a video conference. And, split-screen use is also possible. There are also individual monitors built into the back of the front seats, and each seat has its own sound zone with speakers in the headrest area.
Taking centrestage on the exterior of the urbansphere concept is the huge Singleframe grille, which actually serves as a digital canvas on which dynamic lighting effects can be executed. The illuminated surfaces can also change adaptively to give the front of the car a different 'look', depending on the situation. This dynamic lighting is also featured on the rear of the car as well.
Like the grandsphere concept, the urbansphere concept also uses the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform, with a 120kWh battery and two electric motors to deliver 295kW and 690Nm of torque. The 800V architecture also means that the battery can be charged with up to 270kW, ensuring a short charging time. Audi also quotes a range of up to 750km, plenty considering this model is conceived primarily as a city-dwelling car doing short distance trips. The urbansphere concept will also have Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, which frees the driver from the burden of driving whenever possible, and thus allows everyone on board to either work on the move, or fully soak in the soothing luxury on offer.
But perhaps most significantly, this urbansphere concept is also a recognition of the power of the renminbi, and the fact that China is largest EV market in the world. And while the technologies and features witnessed in the urbansphere concept may eventually make their way into Audi cars of the future, the specific execution of this concept model, with its lavishness and extravagance, is aimed squarely at a specific customer profile - the wealthy Chinese buyer.
