Following the unveiling of the Audi Audi Skysphere concept earlier this year, the German auto giant has now unveiled the new Grandsphere concept for the world as it takes a step further towards an electrified future. The new Audi Grandsphere concept has been unveiled just days before the IAA Auto Show in Munich scheduled later this month and this four-door electrified promises a completely modern design, futuristic cabin and up to Level 4 autonomy. Audi calls the Grandsphere a "private jet for the road." And we see their point.
Also Read: Audi Reveals Skysphere Concept
With Level 4 autonomy, the Audi Grandsphere concept gets a lounge-style concept for its four occupants
The Grandsphere concept looks sharp with the long and flowing lines, extended tail, and suicide doors that are a massive step-up from anything in the company's stable right now. It's massive too measuring 5350 mm in length and 2000 mm in width. It's distinctively an Audi, however, with the signature single-frame grille coupled with the slim LED headlamps. But it's the rear that gets a completely new rear that stands out on the concept. The flowing coupe-roofline blends seamlessly into the fastback-styled rear that also sports a massive diffuser and slim LED taillights.
The fastback roofline looks sharp while the elongated rear looks stunning on the concept
The new Audi Grandsphere concept previews a vision of a spectacular automatically driving GT that will transform into a self-driving sports car. Much like the Skysphere concept, it's the Level 4 autonomy that's at the core of the "sphere" concept cars. Audi says it's working with CARIAD, the Volkswagen Group's software think tank, toward introducing that technology in the second half of the decade.
Level 4 autonomous driving liberates more cabin space on the Audi Grandsphere. The model gets a spacious lounge-style cabin as the steering wheel and pedal space is reduced. At the same time, the driver is free to do other tasks in place of actually driving the car. The automaker says the concept has a wide range of options onboard that offer different experiences for communication or relaxation that owners will have in the future.
The Audi Grandsphere Concept promises a range of 750 km on a single charge with a 120 kWh battery pack
The concept promises customised infotainment options such as seamless integration of onboard streaming from music and video providers that have been used previously. Audi will also keep personalised and exclusive options available in the future such as concerts, cultural events, or even sporting events that customers are invited to.
The Audi Grandsphere concept is underpinned by the Volkswagen Group's Premium Platform Electric (or PPE) architecture, which will make its way to the A6 E-Tron, Q6, and the Porsche Macan EV in the future. The concept gets a 120 kWh battery module, which combined with the two electric motors, one on each axle offers about 710 bhp and 960 Nm of peak torque. The concept can sprint from 0-100 kmph in just over 4 seconds.
Audi says the Grandsphere concept will be able to travel up to 750 km on a single charge and will be able to recharge up to 300 km in just 10 minutes thanks to its fast charging capabilities thanks to 270 kW compatibility. Charging from 5-80 per cent will take about 25 minutes, says the automaker.
The Audi Grandsphere concept is underpinned by the Volkswagen Group's Premium Platform Electric architecture
Other notable bits that make it to the Audi Grandsphere concept include rear-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension setup, both of which come standard. But it's the ability to adjust within milliseconds that stands out, to help control pitch and body roll. The concept also gets a front-facing camera to help the adaptive suspension adjust proactively depending on the conditions ahead. The Audi Grandsphere and the Skysphere will be joined by the third of the sphere concepts - Urbansphere - later in the year.
