Audi connected mobility concept premieres in Beijing

Audi’s connected mobility concept aims to tackle dense traffic and road restrictions. The concept car is developed at Audi Research & Development, Beijing, where it’s also making a premiere at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show. Based on the Audi Q3, it’s tailored to markets with growing urbanisation such as China and focuses on young drivers.

The key unique feature that the Q3-based concept car possesses is the electrically-powered 1,050 mm multifunctional longboard, that’s made out of carbon-fibre and aluminium. Said longboard is integrated into the rear bumper for storage. When stowed in here, the device is charged automatically.

The longboard has a battery range of over 12 km and can reach a top speed of 30 km/h. It has three riding modes – scooter mode, allows for a phone to be clipped to the unfolded handlebar to display directions, while speed is adjusted via a remote control on the right handlebar grip. Here, a backpack can also be clipped to the steering rack.

In sport mode, the handlebar is folded down and the rider controls the speed with the remote in his hand. The final mode allows for the board to be turned into a transport device for luggage or shopping bags. Connected wirelessly to a smartphone or smartwatch, the board is able to follow its owner automatically.

Meanwhile, another nifty feature that stems from the connected mobility concept is the use of the car’s infotainment system, which is also linked to the smartphone calendar of the user/driver. The system can calculate the fastest way to get to a destination (either by car or longboard) based on real-time traffic data.

Should the longboard be the faster way to get there, the system will then recommend a parking space nearby for the driver to park their vehicle, therefore allowing them to commute to their destination via the longboard. Switching mobility methods, the driver-turned-rider will be guided to their destination with their smartphone as Audi MMI connect App automatically syncs navigation information.