An Audi electric ute? Could the Activesphere Concept become a real-world car?

Audi has revealed an off-road electric car concept called the Activesphere, completing the set of four concepts the brand hopes will point to the future of mobility. 

The four-door fastback-shaped Activesphere not only seems to have rugged styling and a high-ground clearance, but it also has a rear ute-style tray reminiscent of the Tesla Cybertruck.

Despite being marginally less real than the off-roading Tesla, the Activesphere has been announced with some basic specification information and a detailed description of how the Ingolstadt brand developed the concept.

The fully-electric Audi Activesphere is designed to seat four in comfort, with doors that open saloon style from the b-pillar, and are separated through the centre by a long console.

For the ute-like practicality, Audi says the rear features an active compartment which can either be part of the interior, or separated from the cabin by a motorised rear window while the tray opens up to allow loading, with brackets for securing equipment like bikes.

Audi Design Studio manager Gael Buzyn says the Activesphere concept isn’t just meant to look rugged, but it’s also intended to be functional as an off-road vehicle.

"The activesphere is unique. It is a new type of crossover that cleverly combines the elegance of an Audi Sportback, the practicality of a SUV and true off-road capabilities."

While it’s unlikely to become a reality in its concept form, Audi’s ‘Sphere’ models are intended to estimate what the brand thinks mobility could look like in the future, and the brand has even given it some basic drivetrain details.

With a range of more than 600km and an 800-volt infrastructure to allow high-speed charging, a real version of the Activesphere would be well suited to real world adventure trips, though some charging stations in places like the Simpson desert might need to pop up first.