Audi activesphere concept hints at Ingolstadt's off-road future

Following on from the Audi skysphere roadster in 2021, and the carmaker's grandsphere sedan and urbansphere space concepts in April 2022, the fourth model in the series is the Audi activesphere concept. 

It’s a 4.98m long, 2.07m wide and 1.60m high four-door crossover coupé concept that is very much like the Audi Allroad series, but for the future.

High ground clearance and 22-inch wheels shod with 285/55 rubber speak to its off-road prowess. The ground clearance is also variable thanks to air-spring suspension and can be increased by 40mm from the basic height of 208mm. 

The Audi activesphere’s approach and departure angles are rated at 18.9 and 28.1 degrees, respectively.

The rear of the activesphere can turn into an open cargo bed at the touch of a button. Audi says this is perfect for carrying recreational equipment such as e-bikes or water and winter sports gear.

The fully electric concept car doors are attached to the A and C pillars at the front and rear. With no B pillar in sight, they open in opposite directions to reveal a cabin with four individual seats and a wheelbase stretching 2.97m for good legroom for passengers.

Hi-tech headsets provide a view of the real environment and the route, while simultaneously displaying 3D content and interactive elements — individually configurable for drivers and passengers.

When the Audi activesphere concept is driving in autonomous mode, the dashboard, steering wheel and pedals disappear from the driver’s view.

The dashboard itself works like a soundbar, and if the driver wants to take over the wheel the dashboard, along with the steering wheel, swivels out from its flush position below the windshield. 

Autonomous chauffeuring is also possible on suitable terrain thanks to the new display and operating technology where the physical and virtual worlds mix by displaying digital content in the occupants’ fields of vision in real time.