Audi future: These three models come electric and autonomous
These concept cars come as production cars
Audi started into the electric future
VW’s posh subsidiary Audi ventures into new spheres: Four concept cars called Sphere show the vehicle concepts for the next Stromer generation. Blick knows which of these will go into series production.
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Instead of in Geneva, Frankfurt or Detroit, as in the past, Audi is showing its electric models of the future at the Monterey Car Week in Northern California.
Wolfgang Gomoll
Classic car shows are passé – big appearances are still in vogue. Instead of showing its electric models of the future at the Monterey Car Week in Northern California, as it used to do in Geneva, Frankfurt or Detroit. It is the world’s number one event when it comes to high-priced new models and rare vintage cars – and the public is also queuing up for Audi’s concept cars.
The three studies with the sphere in their name can be seen together for the first time. Unlike many concept cars, they are more than just finger exercise, they give concrete views of the electrical plans of the VW subsidiary. With the Activesphere Concept, another one is to be added in the coming year. Audi has not yet revealed more than its silhouette, but you can already tell: an off-road coupé. It should be about five meters long.
It’s over with the classic sedan
All studies are electrically powered and should be able to handle automated driving at Level 4. It WILL be exciting to see which technical construction kit WILL be hidden under the covers. Audi and Porsche are currently developing a joint platform that will start in 2023 in the Audi Q6 SUV. A year later, the purely electric A6 follows as a sedan and station wagon with the same technology. But if possible, VW is also working in the group on its own new platform, the development of which has to be managed by many series models. There could be arguments about technology synergies in the house.
But it doesn’t matter on which platform: The electric drives bring new possibilities, because you can easily build many bodies and interiors on the same technology. The Audi product planners are assuming that the typical luxury class sedan has had its day and are therefore opening up the fan of possibilities with the Sphere studies.
Turn four into three
Only three of the four Audi studies are actually made ready for series production. The Audi Grandsphere Concept, which is to inherit the flagship A8 in the middle of the decade and which, according to Audi chief designer Marc Lichte, is “75 to 80 percent” close to series production, certainly has the best chances. However, the autonomous driving functions at Level 4 will come later. The van-like Audi Urbansphere, which was initially intended primarily for the Chinese market, also has good cards. But here a rethinking of the Ingolstadt product planners is taking place. Particularly spacious electric vehicles should also be in demand in other countries. It is quite possible that an electric van will herald the comeback of this type of vehicle in the USA – and also in Europe.
There is no question that more than one electric SUV WILL roll into the Audi range. So the Audi Activesphere Concept will also become reality. Especially since coupe-like SUVs are still in demand. The Skysphere Concept, which looks the most futuristic in appearance, also has the worst cards: Electric convertibles are far down the list of priorities. But not everywhere, as the recent open-topped Polestar 6 shows. If this first topless electric car is a success, the concept could also become an issue at Audi.