Audi Urbansphere

Concept previews a posh electric MPV with self-driving tech and innovations everywhere On sale 2025 Price from £75,000 (est)

- Charlie Martin

THE AUDI URBANSPHERE aims to be to cars what 'Dad' trainers are to fashion. You see, chunky shoes were once a fashion faux pas, but inventive designs from luxury brands such as Balenciaga have seen them surge in popularity. Now Audi seeks to inject a bit of desirability into the MPV class and perhaps make it as fashionable as it once was.

The Urbansphere's take on the genre involves a high-tech interior, self-driving technology and a huge electric range. Outside, its imposing design includes huge 24-in alloy wheels, sharp creases along the haunches and expansive colour-LED light panels at the front and rear.

These panels can be illuminated to send messages to other road users such as a red 'X' for a warning, or amber arrows to act as enormous indicators. And, if you like to make a dramatic entrance, LED lights situated underneath the car can project a red carpet onto the pavement while the doors are open.