Audi has introduced a Grandsphere concept electric sedan that uses Level 4 self-driving to help users avoid driving "whenever possible."
When activated, the driverless mode and the Grandsphere will 'reduce' the wheel and pedals to make it clear you're supposed to relax. The displays are really projections on wooden surfaces that adapt based on whether or not you're driving — you can watch media or participate in video conferences.
Users can use eye-tracking and gestures to navigate the infotainment system while reclining with the Audi’s familiar MMI controls are available in an upright seating position and the VR glasses in the armrests help users immerse themselves in entertainment during their commute.
Audi is promising extensive personalization that would refine the interior, ranging from basics like climate control to the media services last used. The car would even display the news being read on the user's phone, according to the company.
The design itself is a large "2+2" seater with a grand tourer-like profile but a wheelbase longer than the stretched version of the A8. Like Mercedes' EQS, you won't be hurting for range — Audi is claiming 466 miles of driving with the 120kWh battery. An 800-volt charging architecture can give customers 186 miles of driving in ten minutes, and bring the Grandsphere from a five percent charge to 80 percent in 25 minutes. It's not the fastest vehicle with a 0-62MPH time of "just over" four seconds, but customers clearly wouldn't buy this to win drag races.
It won't be shocking if some of the features or design cues make their way into production cars, however, and there's little doubt that many car brands will have to rethink their designs when manual driving becomes more of an exception than the rule.
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