Jackson Chen

Tech

Audi’s new EV concept uses VR and self-driving to tackle megacities

The EV concept is packed to the brim with high-tech features like Level 4 autonomous driving, a transparent OLED screen stored on the roof, and VR glasses in the armrests.

Audi

Audi is setting a new bar for luxury electric vehicles with its Urbansphere concept car.

Audi

Audi’s latest concept comes from its design studios in Beijing and Ingolstadt, Germany. The German carmaker said the Urbansphere was designed specifically for the Chinese market and its dense cities.

Audi

Even though it’s giving off serious minivan vibes, the Urbansphere is classified as a four-door sedan. It’s certainly much cooler since it has suicide doors and the largest interior space of any Audi to date.

Audi

The roomy interior also makes room for a ridiculous number of features.

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So. Many. Features.

Audi

Audi

Audi focused on the passenger experience:

- Level 4 autonomous driving that can pick up passengers and find its own parking space

- Swiveling rear seats with extendable leg rests and headrests that recline up to 60 degrees

- A massive, transparent OLED screen that pivots down from the roof

Audi

The Urbansphere also includes:

- A passenger center console that comes up to reveal a water dispenser and glasses

- An adaptive program that uses facial scans and voice analysis to see how passengers are feeling

- Integrated control panels on the armrests that can detect gesture controls

- VR glasses that can be used with the infotainment system

Audi

Audi said the Urbansphere’s battery can be charged from 5 percent to 80 percent in less than 25 minutes. You’ll be able to drive for about 180 miles with just 10 minutes of charging, too.

Audi

The conceptual design behind the Urbansphere is giving us a lot to look forward to with Audi’s EV, even if this one never makes it to market.

It feels like Audi is trying to see just how far they can elevate the riding experience for its passengers, almost to the point where we forget we’re driving at all.

Audi

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