On April 19th, integrating the future design concept from the inside out, the new Audi urbansphere concept car shook the world, making a stunning appearance, focusing on China's urban transportation and insight into the future global high-end intelligent travel vision. In the bustling city, the privacy that individuals can have is often extremely limited, and the Audi urbansphere concept car has the largest interior space Audi has ever had, under the blessing of intelligent interconnection technology and digital services, bringing users a full range of sensory enjoyment and a new travel experience.
Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, which oversees the Chinese market, said: "In order to be closer to Chinese consumers, audi's design teams in Beijing and Ingolstadt have always worked closely together to create this Audi urbansphere concept car. This is also the first time that Chinese consumers have participated in the Design Process of Audi Vehicles, fully expressing their views and suggestions in the design concept of "innovation and co-creation" with Audi, so that the Audi Urbansphere Concept Car can better meet the needs of users for high-end travel.
"The Audi urbansphere concept car fully demonstrates Audi's definition of China's future urban high-end mobility blueprint," said Dr. Wen Zeyue, President of Audi China, "Through this concept car, we can see that we are constantly committed to providing Chinese users with innovative product and technology roadmap, and it will also be the first strong evidence of Audi China's enterprising 2030 strategy." ”
The stunning interior of the Audi urbansphere concept car is the result of the "innovation and co-creation" of Audi and Chinese consumers. Its spacious interior is both a mobile privilege room and a mobile office, making it a "third living space" for users on their way. Even during peak daily travel hours, the Audi Urbansphere Concept offers users a superior ride that combines high-tech cockpits with extreme privacy. Advanced autonomous driving technology has also greatly promoted the transformation of vehicle interior design. Eliminating the traditional steering wheel, pedals and dashboard, the interior layout is more open and spacious, becoming a mobile interactive space, seamlessly connecting to the digital ecosystem for an extraordinary sensory experience.
Audi Sphere Concept Car: The strongest sound in the trilogy
Audi Skysphere, Audi Grandsphere and Audi Urbansphere have launched three concept cars as four-ring brands, fully demonstrating Audi's vision of enterprising new luxury. With the Audi sphere series of concept cars, Audi is working hard to create a new and unique travel experience, so that travel is no longer just from the beginning to the end, but far beyond the driving experience itself.
The first model of the Audi Sphere concept car series, the electric roadster Audi Skysphere Concept, debuted in August 2021, represents the grand vision of the autonomous GT model, using variable wheelbase technology that can be freely switched to a sports car that can be driven by the driver himself.
Just a few weeks after the release of the Audi Skysphere concept, Audi unveiled the second model of the Audi sphere series concept car, the Audi Grandsphere concept car, at the 2021 International Motor Show in Munich, Germany. This large-size four-seater luxury sedan also fully reflects Audi's determination to define the future of enterprising new luxury.
These two concept cars have the same autonomous driving function as the Audi urbansphere and reach the level of L4 automatic driving.
Interior space: Audi's largest ever size
At the first sight of the Audi Urbansphere concept, you'll be amazed at its oversized size. The Audi urbansphere concept car is not only the largest size of the Audi sphere series of concept cars, but also the largest of all the Audi concept cars to date. With a length of 5.51 meters, a width of 2.01 meters and a height of 1.78 meters, it is undoubtedly the best in the high-end car category. The design of the Audi urbansphere concept car can be described as a fundamental break with convention and a unique vision.
The whole car is designed from the inside to the outside, with the interior space as the core, and always revolves around the needs of users. The extra-long wheelbase of up to 3.40 meters has become one of its most prominent dimensional data. The Interior Design of audiurbansphere breaks with tradition, not placing as many seats, storage and functional elements as possible in a limited space, but prioritizing the user's need for spacious space and listing it as an important consideration for ride comfort.
Dusman, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, said: "In order to make electric mobility more attractive, our design idea is to start from the whole, from the needs of users. "It is more important than ever that it is not just the product itself that plays a decisive role, but also the entire ecosystem. As a result, Audi is actively building a fully integrated digital ecosystem that serves the entire vehicle. The Audi urbansphere concept offers a wide range of options for all occupants, with a highly personalized in-car experience and unprecedented freedom: users can flexibly switch between busy work and quiet personal privacy. As a result, the Audi urbansphere concept car has transformed from a car in the strict sense of the word into a "mobile experience terminal", only to bring an unparalleled user experience.
With Audi's own services and the integration of digital services from suppliers, Audi offers its customers endless possibilities. Users have access to a variety of services related to their current itinerary, as well as handling everyday tasks outside of travel, such as ordering food in the car or shopping online. In addition, audi urbansphere concept cars with advanced autonomous driving capabilities can automatically pick up passengers at the user's place of residence and can independently find parking lots and charging facilities.
The car also offers personalized in-car infotainment services such as seamless integration of in-car music and video streaming. Audi will also offer its customers exclusive events including concerts, cultural events and sporting events, based on their personal preferences.
Design architecture: from the inside out
The name "sphere" shows that the core of the three concept cars of the Audi Skysphere, Audi Grandsphere and Audi Urbansphere is the interior space. The basis of vehicle design and technology becomes the interior space, that is, the space where passengers live and experience during the journey.
Audi shaped the interior space, vehicle architecture and functions according to the needs and expectations of passengers. As a result of this value shift, the design process itself has also changed. The first step in the design discussion is to always focus on the interior of the car, and then the overall structure, exterior lines, body proportions, etc. With the blessing of technology, the car will become a complete work of art.
People-oriented interior design: touch, form, function
The Audi urbansphere concept car has a double door design in front of and behind the car, and the B-pillar is eliminated. When passengers get on the bus, the entire interior space is open to passengers. At the same time, the seats rotate outwards, and a beam of light is lit up like a "red carpet", full of emotional ritual.
The 3.40-meter extra-long wheelbase and 2.01-meter width give the Audi urbansphere concept a majestic momentum and luxurious stance. This, coupled with a body height of 1.78 meters and a wide glass surface, gives passengers an extremely spacious interior experience.
Two rows of four separate seats provide passengers with the luxury and comfort of first class. The rear seats are particularly spacious and feature multi-faceted adjustment options. In relaxation and entertainment mode, the backrest can be tilted up to 60 degrees and the leg rest can be extended simultaneously. The central armrests on the side of the seat and the door armrests create a high degree of security.
In addition, the seats can easily meet the diverse social needs of passengers in a variety of ways. When communicating with each other, passengers can rotate their seats and talk face-to-face. Passengers who want private space can effectively isolate themselves from other passengers next to them in the upper head area through the privacy screen behind the headrest. Each seat also has a separate sound zone with speakers on the headrest. Separate displays are also available on the backrests of the front seats.
When passengers want to share an in-car infotainment system, a large transparent OLED screen drops vertically from the roof to between the two rows of seats. Through a "cinema screen" that runs through the interior of the vehicle, the two passengers in the back row can participate in video conferences or watch movies together. The large screen can also be used in split screens. When there is no need to use the large screen, passengers can see directly and clearly ahead due to its transparent design. Passengers also have the option to fold the screen up to blend in with the glass roof.
Like the Audi Grandsphere Concept, the interior of the Audi Urbansphere Concept combines space, structure and digital technology. The line design accentuates the horizontal proportions of the interior, and the open and spacious interior layout gives a unique sense of space. During autonomous driving, the steering wheel, pedals and conventional instrument panels can be hidden, greatly enhancing the sense of space and freedom in the interior space.
Visually, the two seat cushions and backrests with integrated seat belts are separated from each other. Lower between the rear seats, there is a centre console that can be moved upwards, complete with delicate drinking equipment and glasses. This further underlines the ultimate quality of the Audi urbansphere concept car.
Display and manipulation: simplicity comes first
The Audi urbansphere concept car follows the principles of minimalist design. Before the driving function is turned on, both the round instrument panel and the black screen of the virtual driving system will be hidden.
Instead, the contoured, serene comfort zone is made of top-of-the-line materials. Wood, wool and synthetic textile fabrics are used all around the interior, seat covers and carpets, which are extremely soft to the touch.
At line of sight level, the interior is dominated by soft beige and grey tones. The seat shell is dark green for better eye soothing. The interior of the car gradually becomes lighter from top to bottom, creating a well-proportioned, spacious interior along with the natural light that enters the car.
With a tap of your fingertip, you can wake up the car and activate the functions at the right time, perhaps the first of which will be the projection on the solid wood panels beneath the front windshield. Under different driving modes, such as traditional manual driving mode or L4 level autonomous driving mode, projection or transverse distribution throughout the interior space of the vehicle, or displayed separately in front of the driver or co-pilot, presenting all the information required for the journey in high resolution, which is amazing.
In addition, users can quickly switch between functions such as music or navigation by using the sensing area below the projection, which will display all the activated functions and applications of the vehicle. At the same time, the icon will flash with the different function menus.
Near the inside cut-out of the door, a unique and innovative control element is installed: MMI inductive control. When the user sits up straight, at a certain distance from the control area, he can manually select various function menus through the knobs or buttons on this control element, click the corresponding interface, and the operation is simple and intuitive.
In addition, thanks to the combined operation of eye tracking and gesture control, users can still use this convenient function when the seat is fully reclined backwards. Sensors will track eye movements and identify gaze and line of sight. Users only need to make simulated hand movements similar to touch operations, without leaning over or making any contact, and can easily operate the system.
Eye tracking, gesture control, voice recognition, physical touch and more are available for all modes of operation. Audi urbansphere concept cars can understand the preferences and common functions of different users according to their needs. Based on this, the vehicle is not only able to intelligently complete basic instructions, but also provides personalized recommendations directly to the user.
Combined with innovative digital technology, the Audi urbansphere concept car can also become a mobile personal health space, which is also a large part of Audi's co-creation with Chinese consumers. Occupant stress monitoring is one of the many features that is very important – through facial interpretation and speech analysis, the car can intelligently judge the passenger's feelings and provide personalized relaxation suggestions, such as using the "meditation" app through the private audio area on the separate screen and headrest, to soothe the body and mind and heal stress anytime, anywhere.
In addition, the control panel is integrated in the armrest of the door. In this way, the car can always provide passengers with a touch screen with visual information and show its position through an optical indicator. At the same time, vr glasses are equipped with VR glasses on the armrests of the left and right doors, which can be combined with infotainment systems including Holoride.
Interior materials: Sustainable concepts are built through
Many of the materials used in the interior of the Audi urbansphere concept car are sustainable raw materials, such as goose ear trim panels. This method of selecting timber allows wood to be taken directly from near the production site, making full use of the entire trunk and not adulterating any chemicals during the manufacturing process.
The seat cushion is made of ECONYL material. This is a recyclable polyamide that can still be fully recycled after the car is scrapped. Installing the various materials separately is also more conducive to subsequent recycling, and conversely, if installed in a mixed manner, the possibility of their recycling will be greatly reduced.
Bamboo pulp fiber fabrics are applied to armrests and the rear of vehicles. Bamboo grows faster than ordinary wood, absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide during its growth, and does not require the use of herbicides or pesticides. The application of this material also fully reflects Audi's pursuit of sustainability.
Exterior Design: A space concept for future luxury
The Audi urbansphere concept car is 5.5 meters long, about 1.78 meters high and more than 2 meters wide, and the exterior design is atmospheric and determined, which is shocking at first glance. With its sleek silhouette, Audi's traditional signature design elements and shapes are also interpreted in this car: a unique one-piece grille, digitally embellished light faces, wide and dynamic, curved roof arches, sill trims that hug the position of the battery cell, and 24-inch double six-spoke wheels (inspired by the classic Audi Avus concept of the 90s).
Against the flat and wide windshield, the wedge-shaped contours of the body are visible. In the front and rear of the vehicle, there are large-area CNC lighting units, which not only become the iconic design of the body appearance, but also serve as an interactive tool with the outside world.
The Audi urbansphere concept car boldly breaks through the definition of traditional car categories, while at the same time, it still maintains the pure dna of the Audi brand. In the two models of the Audi urbansphere concept car and the Audi grandsphere concept car, the overall design of the body is similar, and the clear outline and rounded shape of the wheel arch are also complementary. The wheelbase of more than 3 meters, combined with the short front and rear overhangs, fully highlights the characteristics of its electric vehicles. Although the Audi urbansphere concept car has a larger size, its design language that coexists with elegance and vitality is in line with the Audi grandsphere concept car.
Visualization technology: Unique lighting effects
In the front part of the car, an octagonal one-piece grille is innovatively adopted, which shows the true color of Audi. Although the heat dissipation mesh is no longer required in the front of the body, the Audi's signature one-piece grille design is still retained. The digital light panel is located behind a light-colored transparent panel that covers a large area of the front face. The upper and lower edges of the integrated grille are still made of aluminum alloy and connected vertically by LED lights.
The light surface inside the integrated grille resembles a stage or a canvas (as it calls the "Audi Light Canvas"), with unique interactive features that provide a clear signal to other vehicles or pedestrians through dynamic lighting effects, improving driving safety. The rear of the car also has a matrix LED glossy surface with a similar function.
The light cluster above the left and right sides of the integrated grille looks slender and narrow, like a glowing "eye". Also known as the "Audi Eye," these digital lighting units echo the four-ring brand identity – they amplify lighting or separate the intersection of the two rings to act like "pupils", forming a new, digital light label.
The lighting area can be adjusted according to traffic conditions, environment and user feelings. For example, when used as a running light during the day, the light can be focused and dispersed, just like the "pupil" changes in size under adjustment.
If necessary, the digital strip can also be used as a dynamic turn signal, further highlighting the car's safety excellence due to its extremely high visibility and easy identification.
Advanced power system and charging technology: efficient travel, abundant battery life
The Audi urbansphere concept car is based on a PPE platform that focuses on electric drive systems, taking full advantage of the platform's technical advantages. The core component of the PPE platform is the battery module between the axles, and in the Audi Grandsphere concept car, the capacity of the battery module is as high as 120 kWh. Since Audi uses an integral body baseplate between the axles, the battery module can be arranged in a flat manner.
The Audi urbansphere concept has a total output of 295 kW and a torque of up to 690 Nm, while the Audi urbansphere concept is also equipped with an electric quadtro four-wheel drive system: the front and rear axles are equipped with a motor, which enables four-wheel drive by electronic control if necessary, maintaining the perfect balance between driving dynamics and energy economy.
An innovative design related to this is that the Audi urbansphere concept car can optionally deactivate the front axle motor as needed to reduce friction during coasting and effectively reduce energy consumption.
At the heart of the Audi urbansphere concept drive system is 800-volt charging technology. Thanks to this technology, in fast charging stations, the vehicle can reach a charging power of 270 kilowatts, charging the battery in the shortest possible time. In this way, the charging time is as fast as that of traditional fuel vehicles, only ten minutes of charging, which is enough to increase the cruising range of more than 300 kilometers. Charge the battery from 5% to 80% in just 25 minutes. This means that according to the Global Uniform Test Procedure for Light Vehicles (WLTP), the total cruising range is expected to reach 750 km. Even in energy-intensive urban areas and short-distance driving, it is often possible to avoid the hassle of half-way parking and charging.
Air suspension: smooth and comfortable
The Audi urbansphere concept features a five-link suspension structure optimized for electric vehicles at the front and a multi-link structure at the rear. The front and rear axles are made of lightweight aluminium alloy. Despite a wheelbase of up to 3.40 meters, its rear axle with steering function ensures excellent handling.
One of the commonalities between the Audi urbansphere concept car and the Audi grandsphere concept car is the use of Audi adaptive air suspension, that is, an air suspension system with semi-active damping control. Thanks to this, the vehicle can provide superior driving comfort on the highway, and even if driving on bumpy and potholed urban roads, the body will not appear obviously shaky, the state is stable, and the comfort is still the same.