Described as a "visionary mobility concept for the megacities of the future," or whatever that means, Audi's new AI:ME looks to be the quintessential millenial-mobile.
Complete with a "scandi" wood grain interior, a benchtop-looking centre console, and a world's first trellis sunroof — the AI:ME will feel more like dining in a cafe than riding in a car.
Though they aren't features of the car, the launch renderings show smoothies, berry bowls, and an iPhone X, cementing this millennial stereotype.
Looking past the interior luxuries, the AI:ME is powered by a 126kW electric motor that's connected to a 65kWh battery, and is located on the rear axle. Audi hasn't mentioned any range figures, but stated that because it is a city car, these figures are irrelevant. Alongside range figures, the German manufacturer left acceleration and top speed figures out of the release for the same reason.
Measuring 4.3 metres long, 1.9 metres wide, and 1.5 metres high, the electric car is only slightly bigger than Audi's current city car — the A1. The AI:ME makes the most of its size through utilising a reasonably long wheelbase of 2.77 metres, and maximising interior space with small overhangs.
You'd expect a car that has AI in its name to be completely autonomous, and the AI:ME is almost there. Though it comes with a steering wheel and pedals, it is driven by a Level 4 system that can drive itself in most situations.
Looking at the exterior, Audi has kept the futuristic theme going with almost every aspect. The colour-changing LED headlights look like something right out of the movie Tron, and the light-embedded body panels are extremely intriguing.
There's no word as to when the AI:ME is going to release, but with the current pace that electric vehicles are moving, we wouldn't be surprised to see something of the sort in the early 2020's.
