Audi Middle East has unveiled its groundbreaking Urbansphere concept at the Museum of the Future in the UAE, marking a pivotal moment in the future of urban travel. The highly anticipated debut of this cutting-edge vehicle took place on September 30th, and it promises to redefine the landscape of urban mobility with its innovative design and advanced technologies.
The Urbansphere is the latest addition to Audi’s Sphere series, which also includes the Skysphere, Grandsphere, and Activesphere concepts. This strategic partnership between Audi Middle East and the Museum of the Future offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the world of automotive innovation and gain insight into the future of transportation.
Designed on Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) technology, the Urbansphere boasts a powerful electric drive system and a remarkable battery module holding approximately 120 kilowatt hours of energy. It enables rapid charging with up to 270 kilowatts at fast-charging stations, ensuring quick and efficient refueling. With an 800-volt high-voltage system, the Urbansphere can be charged from five to 25 percent in under 25 minutes, making it always ready for action.
Inside the Urbansphere, passengers are greeted by a luxurious and personalized interior. The absence of a traditional steering wheel and dashboard creates a spacious and relaxing atmosphere. Passengers have the option to hide or display the steering wheel, pedals, and dashboard, while lounge-chair-inspired architecture and light-colored upholstery elements provide a serene journey. Advanced control interfaces and connectivity options allow passengers to work, communicate, or unwind during their travels.
The Urbansphere offers a wide range of options and digital services, providing access to services related to the traveler’s journey, from making dinner reservations to conducting online shopping. Additionally, the autonomous capabilities of the Urbansphere offer door-to-door service, autonomous parking space identification, and battery charging management. Audi also offers exclusive corporate privileges to customers, including access to premium experiences tailored to individual preferences.
On the exterior, the Urbansphere showcases a sleek and aerodynamic design, standing at 5.51 meters long, 2.01 meters wide, and 1.78 meters high, making it one of the largest vehicles in Audi’s concept car lineup. The distinctive inverted hexagonal Singleframe grille serves as a signature of the brand’s elegance and innovation. The lighting elements on the front and rear are fully digital display surfaces with versatile graphics and animations.
Audi’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the Urbansphere’s design, with many interior materials sourced sustainably. The seat padding is made from recycled polyamide, and bamboo viscose fabric is used in the armrests and the rear of the vehicle, underscoring Audi’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint.
Elmir Arnautovic, Audi Middle East Marketing and Communications Director, expressed excitement about the Urbansphere’s Middle East debut, highlighting Audi’s dedication to innovative mobility solutions and eco-friendly transportation. The concept car is now on display at the Museum of the Future as part of the ‘Tomorrow, Today’ exhibition, offering visitors a firsthand look at Audi’s vision for the future of mobility. The exhibition runs until mid-January 2024, providing ample time for enthusiasts and visionaries to explore the future of urban travel.