Audi Grandsphere points to next A8
Striking electric flagship introduces new design language
AUDI has unveiled its Grandsphere concept, an all-electric luxury four-door saloon that previews design and tech details that could make it to the next-generation A8 limousine.
The Grandsphere is the second car in Audi’s trio of fully electric ‘sphere’ concepts and has been designed as a study for the future of luxury automotive travel.
As such, the concept features what Audi calls a new approach to interior design, made possible thanks to Level 4 autonomous driving technology.
The 5.35-metre-long saloon’s steering wheel and pedals retract into hidden compartments in the dashboard and floor in fully autonomous mode, while a new infotainment system projects a full-width image onto the wooden surface under the windscreen in Level 4 mode. When the driver takes control these displays are segmented for the driver and passenger.
The projection surface can be used for playing films or even video conferencing on the move, while a sensor bar is integrated under the projection surface to switch between menus and content. It works with Audi’s newly developed MMI touchless response system.
Physical control knobs for the climate and multimedia settings have been moved to the doors and, together with eye-tracking technology, the system recognises gestures, with users able to make a rotating motion with their hand to either increase or decrease the temperature, for example. The knobs can be controlled physically too, and provide haptic feedback. The Grandsphere’s new tech focuses on comfort in the front seats rather than the rears. The 2+2 GT-style car’s front seats can be reclined by up to 60 degrees, while the headrests can deploy scented air and be angled by up to 15 degrees.
The concept is based on Audi’s PPE platform, which means the battery can offer ‘around 120kWh’ of energy and feeds a pair of electric motors offering
“A pair of electric motors offer a total of 710bhp, 960Nm and a claimed range of more than 465 miles“
a total of 710bhp, 960Nm of torque and a claimed range of more than
465 miles. Audi has not released performance figures.
The Grandsphere’s 800v architecture allows for 270kW DC rapid charging, which means the battery can be recharged from five to 80 per cent in less than 25 minutes; Audi claims 10 minutes of rapid charging will add more than 186 miles of range.