After the Skysphere and Grandsphere, Audi is unveiling its Urbansphere concept, an electric and autonomous limousine designed for megalopolises.
For several years now, Audi has been giving us many concepts, drawing the contours of its future and prefiguring new models or technologies. Last year, the Ingolstadt firm notably started an unprecedented trilogy of prototypes, announcing its future electric range but above all, exploring the possibilities in terms of autonomous driving. The goal ? Announce the models of tomorrow, as well as the innovations that may be found in other electric cars in the catalog.
We remember in particular the Audi Skysphere concept, the first of this line, which took the form of a large convertible with a variable wheelbase unveiled last August. A few months later, the manufacturer with the rings lifted the veil on the Grandsphere, its future flagship, which is none other than a large luxury sedan, which should eventually replace the current Audi A8 – which should then make its farewell in the next few years.
A very big concept
Today, the ring firm gratifies us with a third concept from this trilogy. Called Urbansphere, it takes the form of a slightly raised limousine, 5.51 meters long, 34 centimeters longer than an Audi A8. And yet, Audi is targeting large cities, particularly in China, for use cases. The style remains in the same vein as the previous concepts, while the cabin is very spacious and comfortable.
But in addition to being well settled, passengers can take advantage of many services, such as streaming of exclusive programs and several entertainment offers. That’s not all, because it is also possible to rest or chat while the car is driving, thanks to its autonomous driving technology as well as the swivel seats. Films are broadcast on a large OLED screen integrated into the ceiling.
Autonomous and electric
Taking advantage of a level 4 autonomous driving system, this Audi Urbansphere is in the idea able to sneak into the streets of big cities without driver intervention. The concept is also able to park itself, while the steering wheel and pedals can even retract, to leave room for the legs of the passengers. Eventually, Audi hopes to be able to offer this technology in its production vehicles in the coming years.
The concept, which should not see the light of day as it is, is based on the PPE platform developed jointly with Porsche. This then incorporates an electric motor on each axle, for a total power of 401 horsepower and 690 Nm of torque. The 120 kWh battery would allow it to travel up to 750 km on a single charge.
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