Audi’s Grandsphere Concept Car Is Another Five-Star Hotel Suite on Wheels

At the IAA Mobility 2021, Audi is presenting the Audi grandsphere concept study. Like a first-class flight, the 5.35 m (17.6 ft.) long elegant sphere sedan combines the luxury of private travel in the most outstanding comfort with a comprehensive onboard experience.

Level 4 automated driving makes new dimensions of freedom possible: in this mode, the interior turns into an enormous sphere of expertise without a steering wheel, pedals, or displays. And the front seats become the first-class lounge with maximum space, more accessible views, and access to all the functions of a holistic digital ecosystem that the Audi grand sphere is integrated into.

As the second of three “sphere” concept cars from the brand with the four rings, the Audi grandsphere has a special place. That is because the technologies and design features assembled in it will turn up again within a few years in the future Audi series. The Audi grandsphere concept illustrates the brand’s claim that it is becoming the trendsetter at the top of the automotive industry for technological transformation and completely new, holistic mobility offerings.

The electrically driven roadster Audi sky sphere concept debuted in August 2021 – it was a spectacular vision of an automatically driving GT that transforms into a self-driving sports car with a variable wheelbase. These two concept cars and the Audi urban sphere, which will appear as the third part of the trio in 2022 – are linked by their overall concept, which is derived from their ability to drive automatically at level 4. Audi is working with CARIAD, the Volkswagen Group’s software think tank, toward introducing that technology in the second half of the decade.

Level 4: not only does it change the interior space of the traditional driver-oriented cockpit and passenger seats into a spacious lounge as soon as the steering wheel and pedals are reduced. At the same time, it opens up new levels of freedom for all the passengers.

That is because the Audi grandsphere frees the driver from the tasks of driving whenever possible and offers everyone onboard a wide range of options to use that freedom for individually variable experiences: communication or relaxation, work or withdrawal into a private sphere as desired. The Audi grandsphere concept transforms from being strictly an automobile into an “experience device.“

Thanks to Audi’s services and the ability to integrate digital services, the possibilities are nearly endless. These can be used to access a variety of service options related to the current trip – such as designing a spectacular scenic route, as well as restaurant or hotel options.

The vehicle also takes care of everyday tasks that go beyond the ride itself. For example, the autonomous Audi grandsphere concept picks up passengers with information about their current destination and independently handles parking and charging.

Customized infotainment options are also available, such as seamless integration of onboard streaming from music and video providers used previously. In an additional step, Audi will keep personalized and exclusive options available in the future – concerts, cultural events, or even sporting events that customers are invited to.

The Audi grandsphere concept illustrates the brand’s claim that it defines the progressive luxury of the future: for Audi, that includes the option of new high-class experiences, enabled by digitalization, as well as a holistic approach to sustainability with the goal of carbon neutrality shortly along the entire value chain.

NEXT UP IN NEWS

• Electromobility To Become a Core Business and CO2-Free Mobility a Growth Area, Says Expert
• Motoring Money Pits: The Fastest Depreciating Cars Revealed
• 40% Of Uae Drivers Believe That Country’s Infrastructure Is Rapidly Moving Towards Being More Suitable for Electric Vehicles, Survey Says
• Aston Martin Vantage Joins Dubai Police Fleet of Luxury Patrols
• How Young Drivers Can Save On Their Car Insurance