Audi Activesphere concept previews luxury off-road EV coupe

This is our first look at the upcoming Audi Activesphere concept. Following on from the brand’s Skysphere, Grandsphere and Urbansphere show cars, the new model will be officially unveiled in the first few months of 2023.

At the moment, it’s not clear whether the Activesphere previews a future production model or simply an upcoming design direction for the German brand. We’re told that the sphere ‘family’ of cars “collectively showcase the vision of the premium mobility of tomorrow”.

The Activesphere concept seems to be a high-riding coupe or saloon, which is a combination that Audi has never really explored with its production models. In 2014, the brand unveiled a TT offroad concept reportedly with a plug-in hybrid engine, but that never saw production.

Its swoopy styling is reminiscent of the Audi e-tron GT, and its sleekness would boost efficiency. We would expect any production model to look more like a conventional SUV to give extra practicality. The Activesphere’s long wheelbase would provide excellent passenger space, but the swooping roofline means headroom may be limited.

Like Audi’s previous sphere concept cars, the Activesphere will be fully electric and is intended to showcase autonomous driving capabilities. Audi tells us it is focusing on new interior designs for those on board to “use their time productively or just relax”, so expect a range of concept-car features like swivelling seats and perhaps a retracting steering wheel when the design is officially revealed.

Audi will bring the three previous sphere concepts together at the Monterey Car Week in California, which begins on 18 August.