Is this future of its Sportback models? Audi has unveiled the fourth iteration of its concept series Sphere. The ActiveSphere is the most adventurous of all, taking the previously featured functions of lounging whilst driving… offroad. “This is a new type of crossover”, says Chief Designer Gael Buzyn.

After the roadster Skysphere, the sedan Grandsphere and the MPV Urbansphere Space Concept, Audi has taken its Quattro technology to the fortune teller. The Activespehere takes future technology, in all its forms, off the beaten track, though it’s unlikely to be the brand’s weapon in next year’s Dakar rally.

Pick-up or SUV?

Like some of the other Spheres, the latest sibling combines more than one vehicle form. But it is not about longer or shorter wheelbases this time but the choice between an SUV and a pick-up. Just push a button – virtually, of course – and the crossover’s rear transforms into a docking bay for e-bikes. Mountainbikes, that is. That load bed sits cleverly hidden under a moveable screen, making a place for objects that stick out.

The Activesphere makes an impressive appearance thanks to 22-inch wheels, which tilt up the PPE architecture (Platform Premium Electric)  that Audi is currently codeveloping with sister brand Porsche. The ground clearance is variable. The body’s shape is very dynamic and slim, reminiscent of the five-door shape of Audi’s current Sportback models.

“Suitable terrain”

A 100 kWh battery sits between the axles, using all the space available to make it as flat as possible. There’s not much future as far as electrons are concerned because, just like the Audi e-tron GT, it can charge at 800 volts with a peak power of 270 kW. That’s today’s technology. Output is 442 hp, and torque peaks at 720 Newton meters.

Steering is not something you need to do by yourself in the Activespehere, though the choice is offered. Entering the ActiveSphere through the opposite opening doors grants you the view of a steering wheel. Still, as with its predecessors, it can retract together with the pedals and dashboard so that you can enjoy a relaxing journey across desert plains, over rocks, or another exotic territory. Well, as far as it is “suitable terrain”, says Audi.

Wood as speakers

On the inside, four individual seats are suspended, and a wood-clad dashboard doubles as a sound bar and an air vent. The occupants can use mixed reality glasses and personalize the content they want to see or manipulate. Basically, this is a virtual layer that is superimposed over the interior and only visible through the glasses.

Finally, the SUV-pick-up duality of the Activesphere reveals the idea’s origins. Audi’s creative design studio in Malibu was responsible for the design.