Audi has introduced its Grandsphere concept, the second of three future-forward concepts that aim to predict the destiny of production cars. The large boat-tailed sedan has been envisaged as a successor to the A8, incorporating level 4 autonomous driving as the backbone of this electric-powered design. The Grandsphere follows on from the Skysphere concept, which was a two-seater electric roadster with an expandable wheelbase that shape-shifted depending on the driving mode. The Grandsphere limits those transformer-like qualities to the interior, as it aims to replicate the lounge-like luxury of a first-class flight.
According to Audi, while conceptualizing the “Sphere” line of concept cars, both the drive system and handling took a back seat. Instead, the starting point is the interior and its design, as the four-rings have focused on creating an “experience device” rather than an automobile. As part of the re-imagination of the interior, Audi has changed the status quo on seating. Whereas the backseats may have been considering the most luxurious option in a traditional sense, the Grandsphere’s approach ensures that the two front seats are where any multi-millionaire mogul would want to be perched. The 2+2 seating arrangement supports this, and between the front seats is an onboard cooler with two glasses and a bottle for soft drinks.
The steering wheels and pedals are hidden from sight when the Grandsphere is in autonomous mode, transforming the cabin into a lounge-like experience. There’s a heavy emphasis on the creation of a “digital ecosystem,” where occupants are free to use streaming services and read the news. The idea is to create a seamless experience, where you can pick up from where you left off with minimal effort. For instance, if you’ve been watching a video or reading a segment of news on a tablet, the car will automatically detect and display that content on the projection surface as soon as you enter the car.
The Grandsphere identifies drivers and passengers with pathway identification, opening the doors automatically and adjusting the seating and climate settings accordingly. The front seats can be tilted as far back as 60 degrees, while filtered and scented air fills the cabin. And, if you’re set on creating your own personal bubble, speakers that are inaudible to other passengers allow for a private aural zone. Described as a “reduced-design interior”, the Grandsphere lacks the usual displays and gauges you’d expect. The designers appear to have gone to every effort to rally against the trend of ever-expansive pixel panels. Instead, the Grandsphere uses innovative projections.
The wooden surface below the windshield is used as a canvas, for which the entire width of the cabin is used to project information. Audi says that this take is high resolution and precisely readable. The projections can be used as CinamaScope screens for content consumption, or for video conferencing. When it comes to interacting with the infotainment systems, the Grandsphere uses a new take on Audi’s Multi Media Interface System. Dubbed “MMI Touchless Response,” the driver can use a control near the door cut-out to haptically select various function menus via a rotary ring and buttons and click through the different levels. However, if the driver were to recline their seat, the system’s eye-tracking will automatically allow for gestures to be made without touching a thing. The car will learn the user’s preferences and frequently used menus to personalize the experience too.
At 5.35 m long, 2 m wide, and 1.39 m high, the design is described as a “dynamic monolith.” The wheelbase is longer than the current Audi A8, but the silhouette is more akin to something sporting (ala A5 Sportback), with a swooping fastback design ending in an almost boat-tail-like rump. The doors open like a medicine cabinet and there’s no B-pillar to contend with. Like the Skysphere concept before it, the Grandsphere features 23-inch wheels which, in this case, are said to be a callback to the Audi Avus concept of the 90s. The grille is a slightly different departure — a single frame hexagon that is lit from above, it lends a definite Cheshire-cat-like grin to the concept. The slender lights form a new light signature, with adjustable size of the lit area, meaning that they can be used as headlights, DRLs, or blinkers.
The Grandsphere is powered by two electric motors, one for each axle for all-wheel drive. The total combined output is 700 hp and 960 Nm of torque. A 0-100 km/h time is achieved in just over four seconds, while top speed isn’t listed, but it’s said to be limited to increase range. Although a concept, the Grandsphere is built on VW’s PPE platform. It’s the same basis that is being used for the upcoming Audi Q6 e-tron, and Porsche’s next Macan, being closely related to the J1 underpinnings found under the e-tron GT.
The Grandsphere holds 120 kWh of energy and can be charged with 270 kW at fast-charging stations thanks to the 800-volt charging technology shared with the e-tron GT. Translated, that means a recharge from 5 to 80 percent could be achieved in as little as 25 minutes. Depending on use, Audi expects the Grandpshere to achieve a range of 750 kilometres in the real world. Although based on a very real platform and designed to be a study of what a future A8 replacement could look like, Audi isn’t committing to anything just yet.
