View Audi AI:ME Concept Photos

We're told that it is designed to drive "predominantly between 12 mph and 43 mph"; it may not sound like much, but we can think of plenty of urban areas where such speeds would already be regarded as an achievement.

The suspension includes active dampers, and the body shell is said to be made from steel, aluminum, and plastic.

While Audi says there are no plans to produce the AI:ME, its existence shows a clear intention to produce a smaller EV, with Volkswagen Group's MEB compact electrical architecture giving the clear possibility of doing so.

Oh, and Audi's fortune-telling exercise isn't quite over yet; we're told that there will be a fourth of these future-looking concepts at the Frankfurt auto show in September.

The topless steering wheel retracts into the dashboard, and the pedals disappear when they're not being used. As the official release puts it: "When the pedalry is not needed, drivers can rest their feet on the supports under the dashboard, such as on an ottoman." What's left is a fascia that looks like a wooden picnic table (which we imagine a relaxing non-driver might use for that purpose).

Unlike in some far-future autonomous concepts, the front seats don't spin around to allow for face-to-face interaction with anyone in back, but the cabin is clearly designed for lounging.

The AI:ME is also looking to a future where fewer cars will be owned outright but will instead be shared or rented short-term. Audi says its concept will allow drivers to customize numerous options including interior lighting colors and even seating configuration, with the rear seats capable of being powered away.

The brand says that autonomous operation also raises the prospect of cars being able to deliver themselves to a location when required, or to go away when not needed. It's a bit like Total Recall's Johnny Cab, only without the backchat.