The model is the third of
four concepts the manufacturer is producing to show its vision for shared
motoring in 10 years’ time, with the idea that subscribers choose the car they
need for any given moment. It follows the 2017 Aicon concept, designed for
inner-city journeys and last year’s PB18 E-tron sports car. While the PB18
E-tron likely previews Audi’s future R8 successor, the styling of the AI:ME
hints at a compact crossover. The firm says that it isn’t built on a specific
platform, but at 4,300mm long, 1,500mm high and 1,900mm wide, it is similar in
size to the Volkswagen ID hatch and Seat el-Born EVs, both of which use the VW
Group’s MEB electric-vehicle platform.
Audi chief designer
Andreas Mindt said the car was styled in such a way because “urban cars all
look like telephone boxes, and we didn’t want a machine like that.” He also
added, “It’s still simple and boxy, with clear lines.” When asked whether Audi
would launch an MEB-based EV similar in size to the AI:ME, Mindt said, “We are
working on this. Let’s say there can be. I’m not allowed to say too much, but
maybe. Why not?” He added that several design elements of the concept would be
seen on Audi models in the near future. The AI:ME is designed for functionality
in tight city environments, with a compact crossover-like body intended to
maximise manoeuvrability and visibility.
Unusually, the top
section of the windows – distinguished by a distinctive line running around the
car – is wider than the bottom part, which Mindt explained is to ensure “the
widest point is where your head is, where you want the most space.” Only the
bottom half of the windows can be opened, which Mindt said is designed to
direct the air to your body rather than your face. The exterior also features
front and rear LED lights, which have been designed to send signals to
pedestrians and other vehicles through light sequences and colours. The AI:ME
has a 65kWh under-floor battery, which drives a 169hp motor on the rear axle. Since
the concept is designed to allow for Level 4 autonomy, the interior is
particularly future-focused, with a retractable steering wheel to maximise
space in autonomous mode.
There are two tables for
practicality, a food storage unit and magnetic cupholders. A large storage area
in the dashboard and the door cubbies are all open so as to reduce the chance
of leaving personal belongings in shared cars. Much of the car’s infotainment
and systems are operated through a large augmented reality display. In
autonomous mode, this display can be controlled – either by gesture or by
looking at it using built-in eye-tracking cameras. The systems can also be
operated via touch panels which are built into the doors.