The urbansphere concept car. Image credit: Audi
German automaker Audi has revealed a new concept car designed with future megacities in mind.
The Audi urbansphere concept car was developed with close collaboration from the automaker’s German headquarters and its Beijing design studios. Potential customers in China also contributed to the development process, as Audi envisions vehicles such as the urbansphere to be used in China’s megacities.
Urban mobility
The spacious urbansphere, which spans more than 18 feet and is nearly 6 feet high, is meant to resemble a third place while in traffic – a lounge or office on wheels. Its silhouette is distinct, but still includes signature Audi shapes and elements.
Audi describes the urbansphere as being designed “from the inside out,” with an emphasis on comfort rather than seats and storage. It can serve as an automotive assistant: making dinner reservations, shopping online, finding a parking space and charging its battery.
The urbansphere is a mobile third place
High-tech features ensure privacy on board, while level 4 automated driving technology transforms the interior into a mobile interactive space.
The EV’s interior has four individual seats and minimalist design, adding to its calming atmosphere. Many of the interior materials are sourced sustainably, reinforcing one of Audi’s guiding principles.
Ten minutes of charging time can power the urbansphere for almost 200 miles, and it can be charged from 5 to 80 percent I less than 25 minutes.
Audi also released a five-minute short film that captures the concept car in action, illustrating how it can be used for high-powered drivers who are always on the move.
The urbansphere is the third concept car recently revealed by Audi, following the skysphere and grandsphere (see story). While it is unclear if and how the concept cars will be adapted for production models, the innovative vehicles demonstrate how the automaker views the future of mobility.