Discover the All-New Audi Activesphere: The SUV That Doubles as a Pickup

Audi has once again pushed the boundaries of innovation and design with the unveiling of its latest concept car, the Activesphere. This all-terrain coupe SUV is fully electric and boasts an impressive feature that sets it apart from other SUVs: it can transform into a pickup on demand. While the Activesphere is not expected to go into production as is, it serves as an exciting glimpse into the future of Audi's vehicle lineup.

Designed at the Audi Design Studio in Malibu, the Activesphere is an elegant and futuristic vehicle that incorporates a number of cutting-edge technologies. It is equipped with a motorized partition that deploys from the rear seats to isolate the cabin, while the rear window slides on the roof and the tailgate unfolds horizontally to open the load compartment. This transformation creates a dumpster that can be used to transport large items.

The Activesphere is based on Audi's PPE architecture, which integrates an 800 V charging system and a 100 kWh battery that delivers an estimated maximum range of over 600 km. Two electric motors - one for each axle - provide all-wheel drive and a combined power of 436 horsepower (325 kW) and a torque of 720 Nm. In just 25 minutes, the vehicle can go from 5 to 80% charge.

One of the most impressive features of the Activesphere is its active pneumatic suspension, which can increase its ground clearance from 208 mm to 248 mm. This makes it a capable off-road vehicle with an approach angle of 18.9° and a departure angle of 28.1°. While it is not as rugged as a Jeep Wrangler, the Activesphere is more road-going and inherits its design from the Audi Allroad of the 2000s.

Inside the cabin, the Activesphere is dedicated to autonomous driving. The dashboard, pedals, and steering wheel can retract on demand, creating more space for passengers to relax and enjoy the ride. Mixed reality controls allow drivers to operate various functions without physical contact, while virtual reality headsets provide access to personalized content without obstructing the view of those who are not wearing the headset.

The Activesphere, along with the Skysphere, Grandsphere, and Urbansphere concepts, represent Audi's vision for the future of the car. While they may never hit the roads as production models, they provide a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for the German automaker.

In summary, the Audi Activesphere is a stunning and innovative concept car that showcases Audi's commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric and autonomous vehicle technology. While it may not be available for purchase, its advanced features and futuristic design make it an impressive addition to the "Sphere" range and an exciting glimpse into the future of transportation.