Audi's Urban Sphere study offers an enormous amount of legroom - among other things. — dpa
For the ultra rich of Asia who like to be chauffeured around in large limousines, Audi is experimenting with a new large-sized luxury van that can ferry passengers around while they kick back on wide couches offering extra legroom.
The German manufacturer is currently sounding out the market for a plus-sized sedan called the Urban Sphere, a concept vehicle with an eye primarily on the luxury class clientele in Asia.
This MPV, based on Audi's new electric platform, is clearly positioned above the Multivan from the parent company VW. The concept was designed for the motor show in Beijing but because of a new lockdown in China, Audi has now unveiled it online instead.
The luxury minivan is 5.51 metres long and despite its height of 1.78m, it still looks reasonably nifty. To make getting in and out more comfortable, the so-called suicide doors (in other words, doors hinged in opposite directions) open electrically.
Inside, there are two electrically rotating lounge couches in the second row. With a wheelbase of 3.40m, they offer more legroom than any other saloon. There is even room in the back for two emergency seats or else lots of luggage.
Up front are armchairs for the driver and front passenger. But they don't always have to be occupied, according to Audi's vision, as the Urban Sphere can drive itself, at least for certain stretches, when the controls disappear behind the dashboard.
When the car's handling the driving, the screens convert into an entertainment centre and a further gesture-controlled screen fills the entire space between the first two rows of seats. There is also a water dispenser between the rear seats.
As distant as the idea sounds, much of the technology in the Urban Sphere is near enough to production and Audi says the study uses its new PPE architecture, which will make its debut next year.
The flat car floor, the two engines with a combined output of 401 hp and the battery of around 120 kWh are all to be expected from this platform. If Audi does follow through with its van plans, it may well have enough power for up to 750 kilometres of range.
"We are looking very closely at this market and could make our contribution in four or five years," says one of the designers. – dpa
