Audi has unveiled the grandsphere, a concept luxury saloon showcasing future Audi technologies that the Ingolstadt-based motor manufacturer bills as a “private jet for the road”.
According to the German marque, the this concept saloon illustrates the brand’s claim that it defines the progressive luxury of the future and is becoming the trendsetter at the top of the automotive industry for technological transformation and completely new, holistic mobility offerings.
The most notable exterior design concepts are the “innovative” interpretation of Audi’s singleframe grille. Flanking the later, hexagonal item, are narrow headlamps, replete with a new daytime-running light signature. The concept saloon measures 5 350 mm long, 2 000 mm wide and 1 390 mm in height.
The heart of the grandsphere, Audi says, is the interior. According to the German manufacturer, the drive system and handling are no longer at the top of the deign specification. Instead, the starting point is the interior, the occupants’ living and experience “sphere” while traveling. The cabin comprises an array of sustainable wood and wool, synthetic textile fabrics and metal.
The doors are reversed and displays individually staged displays and ambient lighting as soon as the doors are opened. The seating positions for the driver and passenger are automatically detected. Climate control, complete with scented air, is adjusted for the individual seats. In level 4 autonomous driving, the steering wheel and pedals “disappear” for the front of the cabin to become an “actual” free space.
Regarding the infotainment system, there are no digital displays. Instead, driving information and infotainment are projected on wooden surfaces. The digital “displays” found within the minimalistic cabin become only visible before activating the driving functions.
The concept saloon is endowed with a battery module that holds “around” 120 kWh. The 800 V charging system allows for fast charging of “up to” 270 kW. Depending on the selected drive system, the grandsphere concept can travel “more than” 750 km on a single charge.