Audi has unveiled the Grandsphere concept fastback, which it announced back in July. This is a four-door with a length of 5.35 meters, that is, it is larger than any of the company’s current cars: even the A8 L of the D5 generation stretched “only” 5.3 m.
The novelty has much in common with the fresh concept car Audi Skysphere, which debuted in August at Monterey Car Week in Pebble Beach. But if it was a coupe-cabriolet of the Gran Turismo class, then the Grandsphere is a sedan with a stake on space and comfort. The new design language of the Audi brand was tested on the car, which is characterized by a dynamic profile, narrowed lighting, a long hood and a huge “smiling” radiator grille.
In the back row, there are not separate chairs, but a solid sofa, as if taken from the lounge area. Its back seems to be monolithic, but it can be tilted up to 60 degrees.
The interior is dominated by natural materials: wood (in particular, hornbeam veneer), wool and metal. To create an eco-friendly atmosphere, a flower pot with a plant was even installed between the front seats. But even more surprising is the complete absence of displays. And this is taking into account the fact that the number of touch screens in modern Audi beats all conceivable records. Projectors are used to reproduce information. They display the picture on wooden panels.
Audi Grandsphere is built on the promising electric platform Premium Platform Electric (PPE). Two electric motors develop a total of 721 hp. and 960 Nm. The traction battery with a capacity of about 120 kWh provides a range of up to 750 km. Acceleration time 0-100 km / h - just over four seconds. Connection to fast charging stations up to 270 kW is supported. In ten minutes, you can increase the "range" by 300 km.
The sedan corresponds to the fourth level of autonomy out of five according to the SAE classification. This means that it can handle all driving situations without driver assistance.
It should be understood that the Grandsphere is only a show car, it will not go into the series. Its purpose is to show the direction in which the design of future Audi electric vehicles will develop.
Audi Grandsphere: luxury electric sedan without screens and with a plant in the cabin
