Are you ready for a car that can blur the lines between automotive segments? Look no further than the Audi Activesphere concept. This latest addition to Audi’s “Sphere” concept series combines a sleek car-like roofline with a sporty SUV stance and ride height.
Let’s dive deeper into what makes the Activesphere so unique.
Electric Powertrain
The Activesphere is an all-electric vehicle that rides on the same PPE platform that the upcoming A6 e-tron and Porsche’s electric Macan will be using. It’s powered by a 100.0-kWh battery that provides over 370 miles of range, and electric motors on the front and rear axles combine for 436 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque.
But the Activesphere’s real innovation lies in its 800-volt electrical architecture. This allows the battery to add around 186 miles of range in just 10 minutes at 270 kW, and Audi claims the battery can go from 5 to 80 percent in under 25 minutes.
Design and Features
The Activesphere is nearly as long as the gas-powered Audi Q8 but is wider, shorter, and has a shorter wheelbase. It rides on an air suspension with adaptive dampers and 22-inch wheels wrapped in 285/55 tires that are designed to handle various terrains. The wheels also have active aero, opening up when off-roading for cooling and closing when on pavement to improve efficiency.
The concept’s focus on off-road exploration led to a see-through interpretation of the “Singleframe” grille that has adorned Audis over the past two decades. The lower portions of the doors are also made of glass. The 8.2-inch ride height can be raised by 1.6 inches when leaving the asphalt, and Audi quotes the approach angle at 18.9 degrees while the departure angle is a more versatile 28.1 degrees.
One of the Activesphere’s coolest features is the “active back.” The lower section of the split tailgate folds down like a pickup truck, while the rear glass slides upwards, turning the cargo area into a small bed that can hold two bicycles. A motorized bulkhead behind the rear seats keeps the cabin enclosed, and a ski rack is integrated into the roof.
The Activesphere’s interior is where things get really experimental. The entire interior is a screen, thanks to the extensive use of augmented reality. Four headsets allow occupants to engage with the “Audi dimensions,” which layer information and controls over what you can see and physically interact with in the real world.
Vehicle status, navigation, and entertainment are all included in the augmented reality interface. Gesture control allows the user to interact with the virtual controls they are seeing like they would with a physical control, rotating to adjust a dial or tapping to click a button.
The augmented reality can also extend beyond the cabin. When off-roading, a topographical map can be projected onto the surrounding environment, while traffic information, routes, and safety warnings can also be layered onto the driver’s view of the road when commuting. Passengers can adjust their climate or entertainment settings or research restaurants or activities for the final destination.
The Future of Audi
While the Activesphere’s exterior design doesn’t look too far-fetched, the sci-fi interior is certainly years away from production. Still, the unorthodox crossover provides a look into Audi’s crystal ball, hinting at what the electrified future of the brand might look like and the technologies Audi is developing that could change the way we use our cars’ interiors.
In conclusion, the Audi Activesphere concept showcases what an all-electric crossover of the future
