Although the Beijing Auto Present has been postponed because of rising coronavirus circumstances, Audi continues to be revealing its new idea that was imagined to make an look in China. Urbansphere follows the gorgeous Skysphere and Grandsphere from final yr and serves as a window into the corporate’s design language. Whereas the previous ideas took the form of a two-seat roadster and a swoopy sedan, the brand new showcar appears to have a minivan-esque form.
The 4 Rings have been tight-lipped in regards to the Urbansphere, however we do know it is tailor-made to “meet the wants of shoppers in Chinese language megacities.” Curiously, the Ingolstadt-based marque says it has designed the idea automobile from the inside out as the corporate’s first automobile to “replicate the desires and experiences of Chinese language prospects.” It may have the roomiest cabin of any Audi mannequin thus far, besting the likes of the three-row Q6, an upmarket VW Atlas for the world’s most populous nation.
Not that we’re stunned, however Audi mentions the Urbansphere has been imagined with a completely autonomous driving mode. With no steering wheel and pedals to get in the best way, the inside is shaping as much as be impressively spacious. From what we have seen in teaser photos to date, the showcar could have suicide doorways offering entry to a lounge-like cabin with heaps of legroom.
As with the Skysphere and Grandsphere ideas, the brand new Urbansphere is greater than only a fancy idea since design cues will likely be adopted by manufacturing vehicles within the following years. Being conceived strictly with an electrical drivetrain, the third “sphere” idea goes to have a very flat ground, quick overhangs, and a protracted wheelbase.
The adjoining teasers reveal screens constructed into the backrests of the entrance seats, a rising heart console for rear passengers, and a wraparound display/projector serving because the digital instrument cluster and infotainment. Audi has developed the Urbansphere as a four-seater idea with particular person rear seating and a number of the most refined ambient lighting we have ever seen.
It stays to be seen whether or not the corporate will confer with its shiny new idea as a minivan or the advertising and marketing group has provide you with a unique time period. It’s value noting the household hauler continues to be a preferred physique model in China, a lot so there are luxurious minivans just like the Buick GL8 and Lexus LM. It will be attention-grabbing to seek out out if Audi has plans to affix the premium MPV sport.
The livestream begins at 11 AM GMT.
