Audi Activesphere is a luxury coupe that transforms into a pickup

ABU DHABI: Audi has been producing some intriguing concept cars lately, tackling everything from a massive urban people mover to a wicked sedan with self-driving capabilities. The most recent is the Activesphere, an incredibly stylish electric luxury coupe with off-roading prowess that can also convert into a pickup truck.

Audi claims that the Activesphere is its most versatile concept car with large 22-inch wheels, a hatchback that can instantly transform into an open cargo bed, and really impressive ground clearance. This is a combined package of a rugged off-roader and a comfortable city cruiser. 

The SUV/pickup measures 4,980 mm in length, 2,070 mm in width, 1,600 mm in height, and has a 2,970 mm wheelbase. Variable ground clearance makes it perfect for off-road use. When driving on the road, it can be lowered by 40 mm and when off-roading it can be raised by the same amount.

According to Audi, the cargo bed of the EV is ideal for moving e-bikes or other outdoor equipment. Similar to the mid-gate of a pickup truck, a partition rises to divide the passengers from the cargo space in the back. It is known as the "active back" by Audi.

The Activesphere isn't just a design experiment, but it also rests on a modular electric drive platform that Audi and Porsche are jointly developing. Dubbed as Premium Platform Electric, this platform will support the brand’s high-performance future vehicles scheduled for release in 2023.

In order to support quick charging, the PPE platform will have 800-volt architecture, just like the Audi e-tron GT Quattro. This means that after just 10 minutes of charging, you might gain up to 300 kilometers.

After Skysphere, Grandshpsere, and Urbansphere, the Audi Activesphere is the fourth member of the ‘Sphere’ group. No hint on the production version but it will be interesting to have it on our roads when introduced. 

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