The Grand Sphere is a stunning luxury EV packing 1,150 HP, aiming to replace the A8 as Audi’s flagship.
Here comes another concept car design from a legendary automaker, Audi, in the form of the Grand Sphere. Notably, Audi’s Artemis team constituted in 2020 for rapidly developing next-gen vehicles developed the sizeable all-electric sedan. Aiming to replace the Audi A8, the Grand Sphere’s virtual design looks like an Avant (wagon) with long and low surface profiling. Artemis’ idea is a vehicle that’s an integral part of a person’s life to work, entertain, or relax—much more than a mere A to B means of transportation.
The Grand Sphere is a member of three upcoming concept cars, including the Sky Sphere and Urban Sphere. The Grand Sphere will be unveiled at the IAA Munich Motor Show, taking place this September. Meanwhile, the Sky Sphere, a sleek electrified coupe, will debut at the Monterey Car Week at Pebble Beach. Finally, the Urban Sphere, an SUV for urban landscapes, will arrive at the Shanghai show next year.
Audi is yet to reveal the production name of the Grand Sphere, but the final version should rival the BMW i7 and Mercedes EQS.
“We designers always dream about proportions. This means short overhangs, the wheels in the corners, big wheels, and long wheelbase,” said Audi’s head designer Marc Lichte while explaining the new design language.
“As a designer, there has never been a time as exciting as today. Right now is the best time to rethink and reconfigure automobile design. For the past 100 years, interior design has focused on the driver. If that is no longer the case, we have an opportunity to create an entirely new cabin. This will be a third living space alongside your work and home,” Lichte added.
The Grand Sphere will be one fast luxury car. Notably, the elegant-looking two-seater will reportedly feature an 800v electrical system and generate 1,150 hp. Though Audi is reluctant to share any details on the battery and range, estimates suggest it could travel beyond 450 miles on a single charge.
Project Artemis will also bring next-level autonomous technology to the Grand Sphere. Indeed, it will initially be a “Level 2+ self-driving” vehicle, meaning it can control the steering, accelerator, and brakes under specific conditions. Afterward, Audi plans to increase the self-driving capability to “Level 4,” where the vehicle can drive itself on most roads.
The best thing about this concept vehicle is that Audi already confirmed that the Grand Sphere would enter production and go on sale in 2025. This announcement will usher a new competition among other EV makers to challenge Audi.
To be continued.
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