Audi activsphere concept_side profile

Whether it’s a first-drive feature from the sun-soaked California coast, a quick news story about an off-road pickup that may (or may not) be coming to your local dealership or a review of a hot new sports sedan, somewhere Lee Bailie is writing about cars and car culture, something he’s been doing for almost a decade. A car guy to the core, he went on his first automotive plant tour at age seven.

ASPEN, Colorado. – Audi’s latest EV concept was revealed publicly for the first time in America’s winter sports never-neverland, and it is one of the most interesting such vehicles the German premium marque has shown in years.

Much of the fascination centres on its rather unusual form factor, which doesn’t easily align with traditional automotive classifications.

Is it an SUV? Yes, but it’s also like a grand coupé / liftback, and it also possesses some pick-up vibes, especially when it’s carrying items, such as bikes.

So, the activesphere’s form factor is a bit of a mash-up of different styles, but even more intriguing than its visuals are the possibilities its tech could portend for Audi in the longer term. But I’ll get to that.

My trip to Aspen, which included taking in some World Cup Skiing, for which Audi is a long-time corporate sponsor, also included a hands-on session with the car, which proved to be more interesting than I was expecting.

For this story, I’m going to focus on hands-on impressions of the Audi activesphere, not on specifications and feature set. I wrote a <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/audi-activesphere-is-a-luxury-off-roader-that-doubles-as-a-pickup">detailed preview</a> of it back in January, so for those looking for a primer, feel free to check it out.

Walking up to the activesphere, I am struck by how much of a high-riding, off-roader aesthetic this thing has. Yes, it’s a concept, so Audi needn’t worry about trade-offs that would need to be made to suit manufacturing, at least not yet, but nothing it its current portfolio feels remotely as rugged as this.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175857" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Audi-activsphere-concept_front-3-4-profile-scaled.jpg" alt="Audi activesphere" width="2560" height="1440" />

Its massive 22-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, chunky rocker sections and rear diffuser scream trail-hunter, as does its air suspension, which both aid in off-road traversal and entry and exit for passengers. Overall, the activesphere’s clamshell lunar rover looks are futuristic to the point that if it made an appearance in a sequel to The Martian, it wouldn’t surprise me.

During the demonstration, Audi reps raised and lowered the car, which was interesting to watch, but what really got my attention was the rear cargo area, or “active back” as it’s called, an illuminated space where one can carry two e-bikes upright (with front wheels removed) or store other sports equipment.

The active back has a power-operated fold-down liftgate and retractable hatch panel that opened with the touch of a button, where the glass panel retracts upwards as the tailgate folds down – very cool, indeed.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175853" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Audi-activsphere-concept_cargo-area-scaled.jpg" alt="Audi activesphere" width="2560" height="1440" />

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175861" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Audi-activsphere-concept_Marc-Lichte-scaled.jpg" alt="Audi activesphere" width="2560" height="1440" />

Elsewhere, the presence of “suicide doors”, with no b-pillar, is impractical for a production car, but seeing them swing out wide on the activesphere enhances the concept’s futuristic appeal and provides a welcoming invitation. And because it’s an Audi, the activesphere also has intricate lighting details, including illuminated front (white) and rear (red) rings, and LED lighting arrays that had the shimmering appearance of liquid crystals.

As for the cabin, I arrived early on the morning after the reveal to the basement of the Aspen Street Lodge for a demonstration of the activesphere’s augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) tech.

Once on site, an Audi rep calibrated the demonstration software and handed me a set of AR / MR goggles that also include audio output for the stereo.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175862" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Audi-activsphere-concept_MR-goggles-scaled.jpg" alt="Audi activesphere" width="2560" height="1440" />

These goggles, which are not like a clunky virtual reality headset commonly used for gaming, are not just fancy glasses. One has to put them on and adjust them a little more deliberately. But I was told Audi hopes they’ll eventually be more like regular glasses that just slip on.

At any rate, once plugged into the demonstration, which was being run independently of the car, I was transported to a world of seemingly endless virtual possibilities. AR / MR is something one needs to experience first-hand to truly understand, but I’ll do my best here.

Not only do the goggles allow one to see a massive 3D topographical map where the centre dash layout would be – during the demo there were no physical controls of any kind, not even a steering wheel – but it also showed navigation data, POIs, and weather data.

Colours appeared to denote start and end points, along with elevation changes, trip distances, and ETAs. Audi also pointed out the goggles can work outside of the car, which can come in handy if one is golfing and wants to know the distance to the pin, along with course elevation changes.

In the headliner area I saw a superimposed series of cards for radio/satellite stations that, when I ran my finger over them, I could use to change the music. No dialing or pressing, just a simple movement of a few millimetres for my index finger.

Similar simple movements are used for the gesture control governing climate temperature settings and fan speed. One need only look at the centre console or the door trim, depending on where the switch is located, and then use a hand to turn a virtual knob up or down.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175858" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Audi-activsphere-concept_front-end-scaled.jpg" alt="Audi activesphere" width="2560" height="1440" />

All the while, the activesphere’s red sport-style seats holds the driver, and occupants, in snug comfort with plenty of room to stretch out for the journey. As mentioned in my preview story, the activesphere concept is autonomous, so the steering wheel folds away when not in use, creating loads of extra space in the cockpit.

As I chatted with the Audi rep after my demonstration, he was quick to stress that the tech the activesphere concept uses is not headed for production in the short term but is instead designed to show what we could see, in some form, from the company in the longer term.

Bottom line, don’t expect to be using AR / MR goggles as you pilot your new A4 or Q7 over the next few years. But a decade from now? We’ll just have to wait and see.

Hands-on with the Audi activesphere concept

Audi activesphere concept

I’ll say this for Audi concept vehicles, the German luxury marque isn’t afraid to take big swings.

Automotive concepts are inherently provocative but the last few from Audi have really pushed the limits of what these vehicles can be and what they could mean for future production vehicles.

The Audi activesphere concept, is the last of four EV “sphere” concept reveals that began with the skysphere roadster in August 2021. The grandsphere sedan followed in September 2021, and the urbansphere space concept was unveiled last April.

The Audi activesphere is, arguably, the most striking of them all. A four-door crossover coupé with a rugged, high-riding off-road stance, this is a concept built around versatility that leans heavily on digitalization and autonomous driving.

Dimensionally, the activesphere has a commanding presence. The vehicle rides on 22-inch wheels wrapped in 285/55 all-terrain tires. The wheels feature moveable segments that open for ventilation during off-roading and close on tarmac for improved aerodynamics.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174414" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/A230559_large-scaled.jpg" alt="Audi Activesphere" width="2560" height="1640" />

The Audi activesphere is built on the new PPE (premium platform electric) EV architecture Audi is developing with Porsche, which includes 800-volt fast charging technology that has already been deployed in the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/audi-winter-driving-experience-gasoline-or-electric-whats-better-in-the-snow">Audi e-tron GT</a> and <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/2023-porsche-taycan-first-drive">Porsche Taycan</a> sedans.

This system will allow for charging speeds of up to 270 kW, which means roughly 300 km of range can be achieved with about 10 minutes of fast charging, and a five to 80 percent charge takes about 25 minutes. Total range is pegged at north of 600 km. The activesphere’s propulsion comes from front and rear axle-mounted electric motors that deliver 436 hp (325 kW) and 531 lb-ft. (720 Nm) of torque.

Despite having an off-road stance, the activesphere’s body is rakishly smooth, with curved lines and a sloping rear roofline that appears drawn from a GT or sports coupe, not a crossover. In profile, the activesport appears to be two designs that have been fused into one – bottom half off-roader, top half luxury coupe.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174416" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/A230501_large-scaled.jpg" alt="Audi Activesphere" width="2560" height="1174" />

Audi has also given the activesphere a large greenhouse which extends beyond the upper windows and windscreens into the front grille area, the Singleframe, which gives passengers a transparent view of the road ahead through the frunk. Glass is also used on the lower sides of the activesphere’s doors, as is the roof to allow for natural light.

Given its intended use as an on-and off-road vehicle, the activesphere has an air suspension that can increase ground clearance from its base 208 mm (8.2 inches) ride height up to 248 mm (9.8 inches), with an approach angle of 18.9 degrees and a departure angle of 28.1 degrees. The activesphere is also fitted with electronically controlled quattro all-wheel drive and active dampers.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174417" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/A230563_large-scaled.jpg" alt="Audi Activesphere" width="2560" height="1663" />

Because the Audi activesphere is designed to accommodate various sports activities, it has an “active Sportback” hatch area designed to carry equipment such as e-bikes. This cargo area, known as the “active back” allows bikes to be carried upright with their front ends secured by brackets in the cargo floor. After the cargo area is secure a motorized bulkhead deploys to seal off the cabin from the elements. The activesphere also has a ski rack integrated into the roof’s centre structure, which extends outward when needed and folds neatly away when not in use.

Like other sphere concepts, the activesphere’s cabin is a luxury lounge focused on the needs and comforts of its occupants. The absence of a b-pillar means the doors open and close “suicide” style, allowing occupants to access the car’s four seats with ease.

The cabin itself has a minimalist design with lots of right angles and sharp lines that exude a strong futuristic feel. The seating area is bisected by a centre console that runs the length of the cabin front to back with interior trim panels that are a mix of black and red. The seats have a form-fitting sporty design and look as if they are extensions of the console.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174411" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/A230546_large-scaled.jpg" alt="Audi Activesphere" width="2560" height="1920" />

As for cockpit controls, there are none in autonomous mode, but a square-shaped steering wheel, pedals and dashboard fold out when the driver takes control. Because it’s an EV, the activesphere has extra space that can be devoted to storage and an on-board bar, which can be either cooled or heated.

In terms of digitalization, the activesphere uses mixed reality (MR) headsets, that look like designer sunglasses, that are available for each of the car’s occupants. These glasses offer a wide array of digital content and functions, including gesture control to adjust climate and stereo functions, and augmented reality (AR) technology which can superimpose virtual content into the real world.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174412" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/A230547_large-scaled.jpg" alt="Audi Activesphere" width="2560" height="1920" />

Occupants need only to look at the control they wish to interact with and adjust it with their hand virtually which then inputs the change as if it was being made with a conventional knob.

The activesphere is the first Audi concept to utilize this technology, which can also be used in off-road settings to display 3D topography, along with navigation directions onto the car’s windshield and cockpit area, or traffic and road conditions when driving on road.

Audi Activesphere is a luxury off-roader that doubles as a pickup

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Evan is an East Coast based automotive journalist and a Certified Engineering Technologist. He is an avid autocrosser, hack mechanic, and a member of AJAC. If you don't find him driving or writing about cars, you'll probably find him in the garage breaking one.

BMW M3 CS Limited special

BMW just announced the M3 CS. A lighter and more powerful M3, it offers 543 hp from its 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six and comes with an eight-speed automatic. CS stands for Competition Sport, and that helps explain why it has 40 hp more than the M3 Competition. The car gets new engine mounts, sharper chassis and steering settings, and the AWD system has a rear-drive mode with extra oil for the center diff to make sure it is up to track use. A new grille that looks like the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/track-tested-2023-bmw-m4-csl">M4 CSL's</a> makes the car stand out, along with yellow running lights. More carbon fibre body panels, M Carbon seats, and a titanium muffler all help to trim 75 lbs from the car. BMW says it will be built in "limited numbers," starting in March. Canadian pricing starts from $148,000.

Activesphere concept

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174348" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/news-1-30-1.jpg" alt="Audi Activesphere" width="2500" height="1670" />

Audi revealed a concept that was part SUV and part pickup truck. It's a new look for the company, called the Activesphere concept. The fourth in Audi's line of "Sphere" concepts, this one has what the company called an "active back" cargo area. The rear glass slides forward and a bulkhead moves up behind the rear seats to create an open and plastic-lined pickup truck bed. The vehicle was also a showcase for advanced VR and gesture control tech. Using special goggles, driver and passenger could reach out and turn virtual controls for audio, climate, and other functions instead of having actual buttons. Designed to anticipate autonomous driving, this allows Audi to make a much cleaner cabin when the wheel and pedals are retracted.

More range and power for Polestar 2

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174351" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/news-1-30-4.jpg" alt="Polestar 2 updates" width="2500" height="1406" />

Polestar is giving the Polestar 2 EV a big update for 2024, including giving it more range and moving the single-motor model from front-drive to rear-drive. A new nose hides more sensors and the company says it "reflects the high-tech nature" of the company's cars. Two new generation motors and inverters boost efficiency and performance. The new single-motor car makes 299 hp up from 231 and 361 lb-ft up from 243. Along with a slightly larger battery (up from 78 to 82 kWh), range grows 50 km to an estimated 483 km. Dual-motor cars keep the same 78 kW battery but get 421 hp and 546 lb-ft up from 408 and 467. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Mercedes EQE pricing

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174350" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/news-1-30-3.jpg" alt="Mercedes-Benz EQE" width="2500" height="1667" />

Mercedes-Benz announced pricing for the 2023 EQE electric sedan. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan will start from $85,600 in Canada for the 288 hp EQE 350 4Matic, with a $95,000 402 hp EQE 500 4Matic coming and a $121,500 617 hp AMG model. The first two will arrive next month, the AMG a bit later. Range for the new models is an estimated 418 km for both EQE 350 and EQE 500, and 362 km for the AMG.

Ranking driver assistance systems

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174352" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/news-1-30-5.jpg" alt="Bluecruise ranking" width="2500" height="1667" />

Consumer Reports has just announced <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/active-driving-assistance-systems-review-a2103632203/">its latest rankings</a> of advanced driver assistance systems. Ford's BlueCruise hands-off system took the top spot this year, while Tesla's Autopilot slid down the rankings. The tests measured capability and performance, ease of use, how they kept the driver engaged, handled unresponsive drivers, and made it clear when the system was safe to use. GM's Super Cruise came second with Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Toyota's latest finishing out the top 5. Why was Tesla's system seventh? "After all this time, Autopilot still doesn’t allow collaborative steering and doesn’t have an effective driver monitoring system. While other automakers have evolved their ACC and LCA systems, Tesla has simply fallen behind," said CR.

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Hands-on with the Audi activesphere concept

Audi Activesphere is a luxury off-roader that doubles as a pickup

News Roundup: BMW M3 CS, Polestar 2 updates, More