The Audi grandsphere concept made its digital debut today, ahead of the official unveil at the 2021 IAA. The electric sedan is built on Audi’s new PPE platform and features Level 4 autonomous driving features. At 5.35 m (17.6 ft.) long, 2 m (6.6 ft.) wide, and 1.39 m (4.6 ft.) high, the Audi grandsphere concept somewhat reminds us of the A6’s size. Design wise, the minimalistic approach delivered fastback-like lines with a focus on aerodynamics.
Audi says the design was done from “inside out” and the focus was placed on the driver. The Audi grandsphere concept has wrap-around cockpit designed to change the interior space of and passenger seats into a spacious lounge as soon as the steering wheel and pedals are retracted. Neither batteries of dial instruments nor black screens for virtual display concepts are visible before activating the driving functions.
The Audi grandsphere is a 2+2-seater. An upholstered, two-person bench with an armrest that goes around the side is integrated as a seating option in the back, while both front seats are designed for first class comfort and space. An extremely innovative control element is located near the door cut-out on the interior cladding: the MMI touchless response. If the driver is sitting in the active position behind the steering wheel, far toward the front in the interior, they can use that control to haptically select various function menus via a rotary ring and buttons and click through the different levels.
The new electric concept has a battery with a capacity of 120 kWh delivering a claimed WLTP range in excess of 750 km (466 miles). Charging can be done at up to 270 kW by using the 800 V tech from Porsche. You can recharge 300 km (186 miles) in 10 minutes, and from 5 to 80 percent in 25 minutes. The two electric motors produce 530 kW (710 hp) and 960 newton-meters (708 pound-feet) of torque. The standard sprint 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) is rated at 4 seconds.
Performance is also pretty good – Audi says the dash to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just over four seconds, while its unspecified top speed is limited in order to increase range. Motivation comes from two electric motors that together produce 530 kW (710 bhp) and 960 newton-meters (708 pound-feet) of torque.
The Audi gransphere concept will make its public debut at IAA Mobility 2021 on Monday, September 6th.
