Your autonomous premium compact people mover has arrived.
[UPDATE, April 11] A new teaser image has been added above.
The last impressive concept Audi revealed was the Q4 E-Tron electric crossover which made its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show last month. While it looked almost production ready (and will actually reach the assembly lines in 2020 or 2021), the company’s new study is far from being destined for production. It’s called the AI:me and is scheduled to be revealed during the Shanghai Motor Show on April 15.
That’s clearly not what you’d call a typical Audi. The concept, at least from what we are able to see so far from the first drawings, takes the shape of a compact people hauler with sloped roofline at the front and a more angular approach at the back. At this point, we can’t tell the exact seating configuration of the cabin, but the vehicle appears to be able to accommodate four passengers.
“Audi AI:me is the name of a new design study that the brand with the four rings will be presenting at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 15, 2019. The showcar illustrates the vision of an automated driving compact car for the megacities of tomorrow,” the automaker’s official press release says.
The single design sketch of the interior reveals an interesting layout of the dashboard with a massive screen behind the steering wheel and wood trim panels. Given the study’s self-driving nature, expect the steering column to be retractable.
More Shanghai Debuts:
As the name suggests, the vehicle will probably be demonstrating Audi’s latest artificial intelligence developments and autonomous technologies. We’ll know more on April 15 when the Shanghai Motor Show starts so stay tuned.
Source: Audi
Audi at Auto Shanghai 2019
- Audi Press Conference on April 16, 2019, at 5:00 a.m. (CEST)
- Two world premieres – Audi AI:ME and Audi Q2L e-tron
- Locally produced Audi Q3 launches on the market
Audi is starting the Auto Shanghai 2019 motor show with two world premieres and a whole series of national innovations. The brand is presenting the visionary Audi AI:ME concept car in the southern Chinese metropolis. In addition, two electric models will make their series debut in Shanghai: the Audi e-tron and the Q2L e-tron, which was designed especially for China and is built in the Foshan plant. The compact SUV, which will be delivered to the first customers in the summer of 2019, is even experiencing its world premiere in Shanghai.
Audi CEO Bram Schot: “With both the Audi Q2L e-tron and Audi e-tron electric models, we are launching a new era in China with our partner FAW. The compact SUV will be produced locally already this year and, beginning in 2020, the Audi e-tron will also be produced in China, our largest and most important market worldwide.”
The body of the Audi Q2L e-tron is 33 millimeters (1.3 in) longer than that of the basic model. The car is powered by an electric motor on the front axle that mobilizes 100 kilowatts and 290 newton meters (213.9 lb-ft). With a battery capacity of 38 kilowatt hours, it has a range of up to 265 kilometers (164.7 mi), determined according to the local homologation procedure.
The second generation of the Audi Q3, which is having its national sales launch in Shanghai, is also being manufactured in China. The family SUV not only looks more self-confident but is also roomier and more versatile. Just like the Audi top models, it features a digital operating and display concept, extensive infotainment solutions and innovative assist systems.Chinese customers can choose from three four-cylinder engines ranging between 110 and 162 kW (150 – 220 PS).
Another highlight of Audi’s presence in Shanghai is the world premiere of a visionary concept car for tomorrow’s urban mobility: the Audi AI:ME shows the ideas of Audi designers and developers for a compact car of the future. The show car offers a roomy, futuristic interior and capability for level 4 automated driving. This allows the occupants the freedom to do what they like with their time on board. The Audi AI:ME offers a broad range of high-tech features for communication, entertainment, or simply relaxation.