Audi’s latest high-tech concept car is an all-electric ‘luxury coupe that turns into a pick-up’
After more than five months of previews, the high-tech 2023 Audi Activesphere concept has emerged as a cross between a coupe and a ute.
The latest instalment in the German car-maker’s ‘sphere’ range of concept vehicles, the Audi Activesphere is described as an electric “luxury coupe that turns into a pick-up”.
Designed to blend elegance with old-school versatility, the high-riding Activesphere measures 4.98m long and has Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities.
It’s underpinned by Audi’s next-generation PPE architecture and has a hypothetical driving range of more than 600km on a single charge.
At first glance, the Activesphere looks like a long and low coupe-style SUV.
But when the ‘active back’ rear-end is opened, an enclosed ute-style tub is found instead of a traditional boot, with space maximised by a power-sliding rear window panel.
Moving the panel out of the way transforms the tub from a heavy-duty boot into a genuine tray, capable of fitting bulky items like a pair of full-size mountain bikes or e-bikes.
A motorised bulkhead is deployed from behind the rear seats when the active back is in this configuration to isolate the cabin from the elements.
The set-up is otherwise like a traditional SUV when everything’s shut.
Ski holders have been integrated into the roof for snow bunnies, while Audi hasn’t neglected those who like to venture off the beaten track – the Activesphere rides on 22-inch alloys shod with generously-treaded 285/55 Pirelli all-terrain tyres to maximise versatility in conjunction with the adjustable ride height.
The default ground clearance is 208mm, but 40mm can either be added or deducted courtesy of the adaptive air suspension.
Off-road capability is aided by a 2.97m wheelbase and minimal overhangs afforded by the electric drivetrain that is based around a circa-100kWh battery and dual e-motors that develop a combined 325kW/720Nm.
The Activesphere’s 800V electrical architecture and advanced battery means it can be charged with up to 270kW of DC power. Audi claims 300km of range can be added in just 10 minutes, while the battery can be recharged from 5-80 per cent in less than 25 minutes.
Inside, occupants are met with a red interior colourway, augmented reality headsets, collapsible controls, see-through frunk and switchable glass lower door panels that become translucent when off-road in order to “dissolve the boundary between the natural world and the interior”.
Access to the rear compartment of the four-seater cabin is aided by ‘suicide’ rear doors, which negate the need for centre B-pillars.
“By combining opposites in perfect synthesis, the Audi Activesphere proves to be a versatile crosser of boundaries, with a drive system and suspension which make it equally adept on both on and off the road,” says Audi.
“As a coupe that is as elegant as it is dynamic, it features classic proportions and lines, but in just a few seconds the car transforms into a pick-up for transporting top-class sports gear.”
There’s no word yet on whether the Audi Activesphere previews a production model, but the notion of an electric Audi-badged ute isn’t far-fetched given parent VW is currently working with Ford to fully electrify the T6 platform supporting the latest-generation Volkswagen Amarok.
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Keyword: Audi Activesphere revealed as a coupe-style ute