The "Elaine": Near-Level 4 Autonomous Driving

Both concept cars are autonomous vehicles based on "Audi AI," a system that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning methodologies to free drivers from the stresses of driving, allowing them to spend their time in the car freely. For this reason, both incorporate "ai" in their names.

The "Elaine," an SUV-type electric vehicle, achieves Level 4 advanced autonomous driving. With Audi AI, when a driver exits the car within a designated area, it can then drive autonomously to find an empty space in a multi-story car park, or locate and automatically receive services from a car wash, package pickup point, or charging station.

Audi Elaine

With dimensions of 4,900mm in length, 1,980mm in width, and 1,530mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,930mm, its body size is comparable to the Audi "A7." It shares its body lines, electric drive system, and exterior lighting with the design study "e-tron Sportback" unveiled at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show.

The drive system is a quattro setup with one electric motor on the front axle and two on the rear axle, driving all four wheels, producing 320kW (up to 370kW in boost mode). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, and its 95kWh battery provides a range of over 500km (NEDC). Charging is supported by 150kW fast charging as well as contactless charging via the Audi Wireless Charging system.

The "Aicon": Level 5, Packed with Cutting-Edge Technology

The other concept car, the "Aicon," is a luxury saloon designed for Level 5 fully autonomous driving.

Its dimensions are 5,444mm in length, 2,100mm in width, and 1,506mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,470mm. It is 240mm longer than the current flagship "A8" long version, featuring an impressive exterior with large glass surfaces front and rear, distinctive side windows, coach doors, and large 26-inch wheels.

True to its fully autonomous nature, the interior is characterized by the absence of a steering wheel, traditional instruments, buttons, or pedals.

It features four seats. The front seats can move forward by up to approximately 500mm, creating a spacious interior. They can also rotate 15 degrees outward or inward, allowing for comfortable entry and exit or a conversational seating arrangement.

The control interface is integrated into door rails that surround the cabin, allowing for operation at an optimal position relative to the user's location. Furthermore, fine adjustments can be made using voice control and eye-tracking.

This allows occupants, freed from the task of driving, to spend their time in the car as they please—working, conversing with other passengers, relaxing, or even napping. Moreover, as it is designed with the assumption of future traffic infrastructure where autonomous driving is widespread, it is free from accidents, rendering conventional seatbelts unnecessary.

The powertrain consists of four electric motors, two on the front and two on the rear axle, generating 260kW of power and 550Nm of torque. It is an electronically controlled variable quattro system where each motor drives a single wheel.

The storage unit located under the floor utilizes solid-state batteries, which have a higher energy density than current lithium-ion batteries, offering a range of over 800km on a single charge. The 800V high-voltage system allows for 80% charge capacity in under 30 minutes and also supports wireless charging. Naturally, these operations can be completed without a driver.

The "Aicon" serves as a technology demonstrator, visually expressing innovations in drivetrain, suspension, digitalization, and sustainability, alongside its futuristic interior and exterior design.