Audi has given the latest peek into its vision for an autonomous, electrified future with the reveal of its Activesphere concept.

The Activesphere can switch from luxury coupé to a pickup with an open cargo bed at the touch of a button

It’s the final entrant in a quartet of crystal gazing concepts that also include the Skysphere roadster, Grandsphere GT and Urbansphere MPV.

Conceived and designed at the Audi Design Studio in Malibu, right by the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s focused on those seeking a vehicle to keep up with their active lifestyles, as denoted by the name.

The Activesphere can switch from being a luxury coupé to a pickup with an open cargo bed (“active back”) at the touch of a button. Perfect for lobbing your e-bike or SUP in.

It’s built on the brand’s new electric drive system – the Premium Platform Electric, or PPE for short – which will underpin its future EVs.

The powertrain for the concept uses electric motors on the front and rear axles, giving all-wheel drive and a total output of 442hp and 720Nm of torque on paper, enabling 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds. It also features Audi adaptive air suspension with adaptive dampers.

Its 100kWh battery enables a 372-mile range and the concept also showcases Audi’s plans for all future PPE-based models to have 800V charging technology, capable of charging at up to 270kW. Such tech can facilitate charging times that come close to a conventional refuel for an ICE car. Some 10 minutes is enough time to charge the battery to a level sufficient to power the car for more than 186 miles while a total of 25 minutes gives a 5-80% charge.

The Activesphere also uses self-driving features capable of Level 4 autonomy. Engage autonomous mode and the dashboard, steering wheel and pedals fold away, leaving a wide space for the driver.

It also does away with a conventional dashboard, instead using the Audi Dimension operating concept and mixed-reality headsets to merge views of the local environment and route with 3D content and interactive elements.