Audi Middle East Brings Vision of the Future with First-ever Regional Display of grandsphere Concept at Museum of the Future
- A unique futuristic fusion of autonomy lounge experience with the reimagined passenger compartment.
- Audi displays their 10th concept car so far at the Museum of the Future.
- A holistic digital ecosystem seamlessly integrated with advanced electric mobility, offering fast charging and long-range capabilities.
- The Middle East uniquely hosted all 4 spheres, highlighting Audi’s vision for future mobility.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (29 July 2024)
Audi Middle East, in partnership with the Museum of the Future, has unveiled the Audi grandsphere concept for the first time in the Middle East. This luxury electric sedan epitomises the future of mobility, marking another milestone in the partnership between Audi and the Museum of the Future. The arrival of the grandsphere underscores both parties’ commitment to innovation, sustainability, and advanced automotive technology. The technologies and design features assembled in the grandsphere are set to reappear within a few years in future Audi models.
The Audi grandsphere concept is a groundbreaking model that redefines the traditional driving experience. At 5.35 metres long, it merges the luxury of private travel with a first-class onboard experience, making the concept an ideal case study for a private jet on the road. With Level 4 automated driving capabilities, the grandsphere transforms its interior into a spacious, immersive environment, without a steering wheel, pedals, or conventional displays. The front seats convert into a first-class lounge, offering maximum space, unobstructed views, and access to a holistic digital ecosystem.
As one of Audi’s “sphere” concept cars alongside the activesphere, urbansphere, and skysphere, all of which have been displayed at the museum, the grandsphere showcases technologies and design features destined for future Audi series. This would be the 4th sphere to come to the Museum of the Future, underscoring Audi’s ambition to lead technological transformation in the automotive industry, setting new standards for holistic mobility solutions.
The Audi grandsphere’s interior concept is remarkable, offering free space in the front row, transforming it into a lounge where passengers can relax, work, or enjoy entertainment. The vehicle’s digital ecosystem integrates a wide range of services, from designing scenic routes to managing restaurant and hotel reservations. The grandsphere’s autonomous capabilities extend to everyday tasks such as parking and charging, enhancing passenger convenience.
Personalised infotainment options abound, seamlessly integrating streaming services and offering exclusive content such as concerts or sporting events. This focus on personalised, high-class experiences aligns with Audi’s vision of progressive luxury combined with digitalisation.
The Audi grandsphere’s design prioritises the interior experience, reimagining the passenger compartment as the focal point. The absence of traditional controls and the expansive, open cabin create a feeling of freedom and space. Innovative features, such as pathway identification and personalised comfort settings, enhance the user experience from the moment passengers enter the vehicle.
Externally, the grandsphere is a dynamic monolith. Its sleek, GT-like silhouette, combined with traditional Audi design elements, creates a striking visual impact. The vehicle’s proportions, facilitated by its electric drive system, offer both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits, including enhanced legroom and spatial comfort.
The grandsphere is built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), designed exclusively for battery-powered vehicles. Its 800-volt charging technology enables rapid charging, significantly reducing downtime. A mere 10-minute charge can power the vehicle for over 300 kilometres, with a full charge offering a range of more than 750 kilometres. This capability ensures the grandsphere is suitable for long-distance travel, matching the convenience of traditional combustion engines.
Performance-wise, the Audi grandsphere excels with a total output of 530 kW and a torque of 960 Newton metres, achieving acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just over four seconds. The vehicle’s air suspension and active chassis systems provide exceptional comfort and dynamic handling, making it a true luxury touring sedan.
Majed Al Mansoori, Deputy Executive Director of the Museum of the Future, commented: “Our partnership with Audi Middle East brings to life a visionary blend of innovation and excellence. The unveiling of the grandsphere concept aligns perfectly with the UAE’s aspirations for advanced mobility. This revolutionary vehicle is not just a showcase but an invitation to witness the future of premium transportation.”
Rene Koneberg, Managing Director of Audi Middle East, remarked: ” Collaborating with the Museum of the Future highlights our dedication to pioneering sustainable and connected mobility solutions. We are proud to have brought all four sphere concept cars to the region, demonstrating the importance of the Middle East for Audi as we continue showcasing our vision for the future of mobility. The Audi grandsphere concept embodies our vision of redefining luxury through technological advancement. This concept car is a testament to our goal of creating an integrated, sustainable driving experience for the future. We are excited to continue our journey with the Museum of the Future, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive industry.“
The partnership between Audi and the Museum of the Future continues to grow stronger, entering its third year with the unveiling of the grandsphere. This collaboration symbolises a shared commitment to innovation and a forward-thinking vision for the future of mobility. Together, Audi and the Museum of the Future are dedicated to showcasing groundbreaking technologies and setting new standards in the automotive industry.
Visitors to the Museum of the Future can explore the Audi grandsphere as part of the ‘Tomorrow, Today’ exhibition, running until February 2025. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience Audi’s vision for the future of luxury mobility first-hand, highlighting the strong bond between Audi and the Museum of the Future in driving innovation and excellence in the automotive industry.
