The 2023 Frankfurt Auto Show witnessed an automotive revolution as Audi’s groundbreaking AI: Trail quattro concept car took the stage, leaving attendees in awe with its unparalleled spectacle. This futuristic marvel redefined the boundaries of automotive design and technology, captivating enthusiasts and experts alike.

As the spotlight shifted to the Audi booth, a hushed anticipation filled the air. Then, with a dramatic flourish, the curtains unveiled the AI: Trail quattro concept car, an embodiment of innovation and elegance. Its sleek, aerodynamic lines exuded a sense of dynamic motion even while stationary, foreshadowing the performance prowess that lay beneath the surface.

The concept’s exterior was a masterclass in avant-garde design, seamlessly blending form and function. Sharp LED headlights illuminated the path forward, their futuristic appeal hinting at the cutting-edge technology within. The frameless gullwing doors added a touch of drama as they opened upwards, inviting visitors to explore the interior that resembled a luxurious cocoon of comfort.

Inside the cabin, a symphony of high-tech features and luxurious materials awaited. The minimalist dashboard hosted a widescreen infotainment display powered by an advanced AI interface, which responded intuitively to both touch and voice commands. The seating boasted adaptive ergonomics, embracing passengers in a blend of opulence and support. Transparent panels in the roof offered an expansive view of the world outside, seamlessly integrating the surrounding landscape into the driving experience.

However, it wasn’t just the aesthetics that left a lasting impression. The AI: Trail quattro concept car was an embodiment of Audi’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Beneath its stunning façade lay an all-electric powertrain capable of delivering both power and efficiency. Cutting-edge battery technology provided an impressive range, ensuring that this vision of the future was not just for show, but for real-world application as well.

The audience watched in fascination as the concept car’s wheels, equipped with advanced adaptive suspension, seemed to glide effortlessly over rough terrain, emphasizing its quattro all-wheel drive heritage. The AI-driven semi-autonomous capabilities showcased the potential for safer and more intuitive driving experiences.

As the curtains drew to a close and the crowd erupted into applause, it was evident that Audi’s AI: Trail quattro concept car had left an indelible mark on the Frankfurt Auto Show. This was not just a car; it was a statement of Audi’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation, design, and sustainability. With this unparalleled spectacle, Audi had not only taken waves at the auto show but had also ushered in a new era of automotive excellence.

The “Trail” part of the name evokes the idea of exploring nature. That is why there are no big screens onboard for streaming TV series or videoconferencing; instead, broad glass surfaces provide a clear view of the surroundings.Audi AI: Trail quattro concept car takes waves at the Frankfurt auto show with unparalleled spectacle

Marc Lichte, Audi’s Head of Design, describes the concept car: “With the AI:Trail, we are showing an off-road concept with an emissions-free electric drive for an innovative driving experience away from paved roads. Consistent with this, we designed a monolithic basic vehicle body with maximum glazing to create an intense connection to the surroundings. A concept for sustainable mobility on demand.”

With an exterior length of 4.15 meters (13.5 ft) and a width of 2.15 meters (7.05 ft), the Audi AI:Trail’s potential away from paved roads is apparent. The roof height of 1.67 meters (5.5 ft) and the 22-inch wheels with 850 mm (33.5 in) tires hint at the vehicle’s off-road capabilities even when it is standing still. With a ground clearance of an impressive 34 cm (13.4 in), it can ford through water more than half a meter (1.6 ft) deep.Audi AI: Trail quattro concept car takes waves at the Frankfurt auto show with unparalleled spectacleAudi AI: Trail quattro concept car takes waves at the Frankfurt auto show with unparalleled spectacle

On rough, rocky terrain, this architecture provides agility without the battery unit integrated in the floor coming into contact with the ground.Audi AI: Trail quattro concept car takes waves at the Frankfurt auto show with unparalleled spectacle

The cabin itself is a glazed space surrounded by polygonal shapes, with room for up to four people. One special feature is the protruding ridge halfway up the side windows. This line continues to both the front and rear and acts as a waistline uniting the entire body in one monolithic whole. With the electric drive system arranged around the axles and the battery in the floor, there is no need for overhanging sections or separate attachments for the motor or batteries.Audi AI: Trail quattro concept car takes waves at the Frankfurt auto show with unparalleled spectacle

The body of the Audi AI:Trail is made of a mixture of high-tech steel, aluminium and carbon fibre. It weighs 1,750 kilograms (3,858.09 lb) with the high-capacity battery.Audi AI: Trail quattro concept car takes waves at the Frankfurt auto show with unparalleled spectacle

The interior of the Audi AI:Trail is spacious, and it has just a few visible control elements. There are two seat shells in the front row, both equipped with four-point seat belts. Light colors dominate the upper interior area down to the level of the seat cushion and the low dashboard.Audi AI: Trail quattro concept car takes waves at the Frankfurt auto show with unparalleled spectacle

The instruments and controls are reduced to a minimum: pedals, a yoke for a steering wheel, a few buttons, and a smartphone attached to the steering column as a display and control center for vehicle functions and navigation.

Like in previous concept cars, the Audi designers also use recycled materials in the AI:Trail. The carpet is made of reprocessed wool with recycled leather, both of which are sustainable and durable, and feature excellent acoustic and climatic properties.Audi AI: Trail quattro concept car takes waves at the Frankfurt auto show with unparalleled spectacle

There is storage space between the seats and also under the windshield. Tensioning straps secure any stowed objects, which can also be loaded from the outside through the upward-folding windshield. Seat belt retractors ensure that the tensioning straps always have optimum tension.Audi AI: Trail quattro concept car takes waves at the Frankfurt auto show with unparalleled spectacle

The Audi AI:Trail is intended for use in areas without charging infrastructure, the range is 400 to 500 kilometers (248.5 to 310.7 mi) on roads or easy off-road terrain (in line with the WLTP). On rough ground, where the energy consumption is higher, the limit is 250 kilometers (155.3 mi).Audi AI: Trail quattro concept car takes waves at the Frankfurt auto show with unparalleled spectacle

To meet these requirements, the vehicle is designed to reach a maximum speed of 130 km/h (80.8 mph) on the road.

The Audi AI:Trail is equipped with four electric motors installed near the wheels, each of which propels one wheel directly so the off-roader has quattro all-wheel-drive. The maximum system output is 320 kilowatts and the maximum torque is 1,000 Nm (737.6 lb-ft).