DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, Audi Middle East has introduced the much-anticipated Audi urbansphere concept to the Middle East for the first time, showcased at the esteemed Museum of the Future in the UAE starting on September 30th. As part of the sphere series, which includes the skysphere, grandsphere, and activesphere, the Audi urbansphere is the third and largest in the lineup, promising to redefine urban transportation with its innovative design and cutting-edge technologies.
The collaboration between Audi Middle East and the Museum of the Future holds great significance. Audi has the opportunity to demonstrate its bold vision for the automotive industry's future and its unwavering commitment to sustainable mobility. For visitors to the Museum of the Future, this partnership offers a unique glimpse into the world of automotive innovation, providing insights into the advanced capabilities and designs that will shape the future of transportation.
The Audi urbansphere concept sets new standards for urban mobility, built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) technology platform with a powerful electric drive system. It boasts an impressive range and power output, with a battery module between the axles holding approximately 120 kilowatt-hours of energy. The vehicle supports rapid charging, with up to 270 kilowatts at fast-charging stations, thanks to its high-voltage 800-volt system. This enables quick charging times, allowing the urbansphere to be ready for action in just under 25 minutes, reaching a charge level of 5 to 25 percent.
Stepping inside the Audi urbansphere, passengers enter a luxurious interior designed for ultimate comfort and personalization. The absence of a traditional steering wheel and dashboard creates a spacious atmosphere, enabling passengers to relax and enjoy the journey. Passengers have the futuristic option of concealing or displaying the steering wheel, pedals, and dashboard. The lounge-chair-inspired interior, adorned with light-colored, pillow-like upholstery elements, fosters a sense of tranquility during travel. Advanced control interfaces and connectivity options seamlessly integrate technology, allowing passengers to work, communicate, or unwind during their journey.
The urbansphere offers an array of possibilities, thanks to Audi's extensive options and seamless digital service integration. These capabilities provide access to a wide range of services tailored to the traveler's current journey, including making dinner reservations and online shopping from within the vehicle. Additionally, the autonomous Audi urbansphere concept enhances passenger convenience by offering door-to-door service, autonomously identifying parking spaces, and managing battery charging independently. Audi extends exclusive corporate privileges to its customers, including access to premium experiences such as concerts, cultural events, and sporting activities, all personalized to individual preferences.
Externally, the Audi urbansphere concept boasts a sleek and aerodynamic design. Its dimensions make it one of the largest vehicles in Audi's concept car lineup, measuring 5.51 meters (18 feet) in length, 2.01 meters (6.6 feet) in width, and 1.78 meters (5.8 feet) in height. The distinctive inverted hexagonal Singleframe grille serves as a signature of the brand, radiating elegance and innovation. The lighting elements on the front and rear feature fully digital display surfaces with hundreds of triangular pixel segments, enabling versatile graphics and animations.
The Audi urbansphere concept embraces sustainable design principles, incorporating materials from sustainable sources in the interior, such as hornbeam veneers. ECONYL®, a recycled polyamide, is used for seat padding, while bamboo viscose fabric is employed in the armrests and rear of the vehicle. These sustainable choices underline Audi's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and advocating for eco-friendly solutions.
Elmir Arnautovic, Audi Middle East Marketing and Communications Director, expressed enthusiasm about introducing the Audi urbansphere to the Middle East, emphasizing the concept car's role in showcasing Audi's dedication to innovative mobility solutions and environmentally conscious luxury transportation.
Visitors to the Museum of the Future will have the opportunity to explore Audi's visionary perspective on the future of mobility and experience the seamless integration of advanced technology, sustainability, and supreme comfort. The Audi urbansphere concept will be on display at the museum as part of the 'Tomorrow, Today' exhibition until mid-January 2024.