The Audi Grandsphere concept has been revealed as an idea of what you can expect the brand’s future luxury offerings to look like. The German company says that the goal for this design was to create the feeling of a private jet for the road.
Measuring 5 350 mm long, 2 000 mm wide and 1 390 mm tall, the Audi Grandsphere concept offers an impressive 3 190 mm wheelbase which makes it even longer than the current long-wheel base Audi A8. The key design features of the exterior is the removal of the B-pillar to create a seamless open space when the windows are rolled down and the large 23-inch alloy wheels that are a tribute to the 1990s Audi Avus concept.
Being a luxury car, the focus of the Audi Grandsphere concept design is within its cabin where a 2+2-seater –inspired configuration has been applied. An upholstered, two-person bench with an armrest that goes around the side is integrated as a seating option in the back, while both front seats are designed with comfort and space in mind.
Interestingly, upholstery for the cabin of the Audi Grandsphere concept consists of wood, wool, synthetic textile fabrics and metals which are sustainably grown or recycled. The touchscreen infotainment system has also been discarded for a projector that shines the display onto a wooden surface.
This system can be used as a CinemaScope screen for infotainment content or as screens for video conferences. In addition, a sensor bar is integrated under the projection surfaces for quick switching between content such as music or navigation. It shows all the functions and applications that are active in the car while icons flash for the different menus. Operation of this system is done entirely via gesture control when autonomous driving is active. When manually piloted, a rotary ring and buttons is used.
Control panels are integrated into the armrests of the doors as well. With this, the car offers passengers invisible touch surfaces using an optic indicator to show its position. At the same time, there are VR glasses in the armrests on the left and right doors that can be used in conjunction with infotainment options.
Using the Premium Platform Electric architecture, the Audi Grandsphere concept makes use of a 120 kWh battery back that delivers 530 kW and 960 N.m of torque to two electric motors that form an all-wheel drive system. A 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just less than four seconds has been quoted.
The front wheels are connected via a five-link axle, specially optimised for electric vehicles. The rear sports a multi-link axle that, like the front, is made of aluminium. For improved comfort levels, an advanced air suspension has been supplied.
