Audi unveiled the third entry in its Audi Sphere concept. The previous two concept vehicles shown in 2021 were a GT sports car and a luxury sedan. This third entry looks like a stylish minivan called the Audi urbanspace concept. As with the other two Audi Sphere concepts, the goal of these vehicles is to maximize interior comfort in the future of autonomous traffic. The Audi urbanspace concept is a six-seat people carrier with the interior space of a mobile office or living space during long commutes. In the future, traffic may no longer be a daily inconvenience but an opportunity to catch up on work, personal time, or sleep while the car drives itself.
The urbanspace offers three rows with two business-class-sized buckets in the second row. These luxury captain’s chairs can expand, slide, and recline to the occupant’s needs. Moreover, they feature headrests with integrated private sound zone speakers. In addition, the second-row seats can swivel 25-degrees to face the doors for easy entry.
We would describe the Audi urbanspace concept as a slicked-back minivan in terms of styling. At the front, its prominent fascia operates like a digital billboard called the Light Canvas. It can project warnings, intentions, and more to promote pedestrian safety. However, one thing press photos fail to capture is the concept vehicle’s size. For comparison, the urbanspace is longer than a 2022 Toyota Sienna by over 12-inches. But, while it may look like it’s ready for school drop-offs in the near future, the Urbanspace features a dual-motor layout producing 396-hp and 509 lb.-ft of torque. Its power is produced by a 120-kWh, 800-V battery pack claimed to offer over 460 miles of range (based on the WLTP cycle). It also features rear-wheel steering to maneuver its size through and around tight parking spaces or changing lanes in traffic jams.
Audi has Level 4 autonomous driving with the urbanspace concept. The interior does feature a steering wheel and pedals. However, the idea foreshadows a possible future where the electric van can drive and drop off passengers, park, and even charge itself. The traffic of the future may increase, but at least it’ll be more comfortable.
For more from Audi, check out the Audi A6 Avant e-Tron Concept.
