Audi Urbansphere

Into the Urbansphere

Audi addresses the drawbacks of city life with a car that serves as a living space during the daily commute.

Whiling away the hours in lengthy traffic jams is never an appealing prospect, particularly when time could be better spent elsewhere, but for those living in major metropolitan centres, being bumper-to-bumper is very much a reality. In order to make the daily commute a little more enjoyable, Audi has revealed its vision for the future of urban travel.

Initially developed for the Chinese market – where congestion is amongst the worst in the world – the Urbansphere is a spacious concept car that goes beyond the purpose of getting from A to B, acting as a third living space that sets a benchmark for the passenger in-vehicle experience.

As the largest in the Sphere family – at 18ft-long and 6.6ft wide – the new model breaks with convention, prioritising space above all else to create a lounge on wheels. Automated driving technology transforms the interior in which a steering wheel, pedals and displays are notably absent, while seating is flexible dependent on needs. In relax mode they recline by 60-degrees; for social settings they swivel to face one another; and for privacy, a cocooning screen extends from the headrest.

The innovation continues with a transparent OLED screen that pivots vertically from the roof, creating a cinema set-up to stream entertainment and music. And thanks to the integration of technology, the vehicle takes care of everyday tasks such as making dinner reservations and shopping online. It also has the capability to collect passengers direct from their door, tracks down parking spaces and knows exactly when to charge its battery.

Designers have considered lighting and the use of materials too, opting for upholstery and surfaces that are natural, sustainable or recycled; the seat padding is made from Econyl for example, and bamboo viscose is used in the armrests.

The Audi Urbansphere was first on show at Milan Design Week, where a collaboration with Poliform saw the Italian furniture manufacturer present its vision for the interiors, bringing its signature style and handcrafted details to the automobile sector. So whether it’s used as an office space or a wellness hub, the Audi Urbansphere might just make the daily commute a time to cherish.