Audi’s latest idea is an autonomous, electric luxury sedan.
Last month, Audi presented its autonomous concept for an electric convertible called the Skysphere. Its next version of a future car is the Grandsphere, which was unveiled Thursday. A third and final “sphere” concept car will roll out in 2022.
Like the Skysphere, the car is Level 4 autonomous-optional, meaning it can switch to autonomous mode and the driver doesn’t have to pay attention to the road or be ready to take over the wheel. The wheel and pedals on the driver side retract.
While in autonomous mode, the car shines as a luxury space, becoming something of a living room or lounge.
There’s no pillar between the front and back door, so the interior really opens up. The glass roof and windshield form an expansive space above the vehicle.
Credit: Audi
The front seats can tilt back up to 60 degrees for relaxing while the car drives in autonomous mode. The driver and passenger can use gesture control (or voice commands) to change the hidden electronic displays that emerge on the wood paneling.
The seats adjust upright for regular driving mode with the driver completely in control of the vehicle. (The steering wheel and pedals return from hiding.)
Credit: Audi
The battery of the all-electric sedan sits on the floor of the car between the wheels and is similar to the Audi E-tron GT with fast charging. The 800-volt system takes the car from 5 percent to 80 percent full in about 25 minutes. The battery range is 466 miles, notably more than the real, existing performance electric Audi’s 238 miles.
Audi’s Skysphere concept convertible features retractable steering wheel
As this is just a concept, there’s no price for the sedan. But Audi’s existing E-tron GT starts at just under $100,000 to give you an idea. And remember, that car doesn’t have the Grandsphere’s elaborate autonomous features.
