Audi Grandsphere concept looks like a private jet on the road

KUALA LUMPUR: Audi is working on the three revolutionary concepts - Skysphere, Grandsphere, and Urbansphere, each meant to represent the future of Audi design with a special focus on autonomous driving. The Ingolstadt-based automaker unveiled the Skysphere concept on Pebble Beach last month and now it pulled the wraps off the Audi Grandsphere concept ahead of the Munich Auto Show, scheduled to be held in Germany between September 7- 12, 2021.

Portraying a private jet on the road, the 5350 mm long Grandsphere sedan “combines the luxury of private travel with the greatest comfort and a comprehensive onboard experience,” says Audi. The concept also has a Level 4 automated driving mode that turns the interior into a spacious sphere without a steering wheel, pedals, or displays. It converts the front seats into the first-class lounge.

To access the ultra-high-end cabin, there are reverse-opening doors along with an innovative feature. The Audi Grandsphere identifies its passengers with a pathway identification that opens the doors and welcomes them with individually staged displays and ambient light. Their seat adjustments and desired temperatures are also set automatically according to the prefixed modes. The infotainment unit can also access the occupants’ last used services and resumes them inside the car. 

The much sleeker and streamlined aesthetic exterior design of the Grand Sphere boasts a  signature Singleframe grille, ultra-slim headlights short hood, and front overhang, and a distinctive fastback-styled rear end decked up with a red Audi badge and thin lights.

Speaking about the technical specification, the Grandsphere concept houses two electric motors that together churn out a system output of 711 hp and a peak torque of 809 Nm. The battery pack of 120-kWh is placed between the two axles for a flat floor. It supports 800V charging at up to 270 kilowatts that can charge the EV 80% in less than 35 minutes. The cruising range is rated at 750 km on a single charge.

Audi claims that this concept will be a trendsetter in the automotive industry “for technological transformation and completely new, holistic mobility offerings.”

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