The Chinese electric vehicle market is full of innovation, with new players emerging all the time. While established names like BYD and Nio are already familiar to car enthusiasts, Avatr Technology, a joint venture between Huawei, Changan Automobile, and CATL, is poised to make its mark. Its latest offering, the Avatr 12 (Avita 12), is a luxury electric sedan that promises to challenge Tesla’s dominance and go toe-to-toe with European luxury brands.
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Unveiled in late July, the Avatr 12 follows the Avatr 11 SUV and demonstrates the company’s commitment to a diverse electric lineup. Inspired by designs such as the Polestar 4, the Avatr 12 boasts a sleek and futuristic aesthetic. At nearly five meters in length and more than two meters in width, it stands up to established competitors such as the Tesla Model S and the BYD Seal. The minimalist front design features a full grille flanked by dramatic C-shaped headlights that flow down to the bumper. Aerodynamics are a clear priority, with a large air intake integrated into the lower bumper.
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The Avatr 12’s profile is elegantly elongated, while the rear bears a striking resemblance to the Porsche Panamera. Prospective buyers can choose from large 20-inch or 21-inch wheels, and for those seeking a touch of added efficiency, rear-view camera mirrors are available to slightly improve drag coefficient and potentially extend range, although the exact range figure remains undisclosed.
While details about the interior are scarce, it’s expected to be a spacious haven brimming with technology. A generous 3.02-meter wheelbase promises plenty of legroom for passengers, and multiple screens are likely to be integrated, showcasing the HarmonyOS infotainment system. Advanced driver assistance systems are also on the agenda, with the Avatr 12 expected to feature L2+ Huawei ADS 2.0, offering a semi-autonomous driving experience aided by a LiDAR sensor.
Performance should be another strong point for the Avatr 12. Offered in two variants, buyers can choose between a rear-wheel-drive version with 313 horsepower or a more potent all-wheel-drive option with a staggering 578 horsepower, putting it in direct competition with the likes of the Porsche Taycan 4S. The battery, designed by CATL, comes in two capacities – 90.4 kWh for the rear-wheel drive variant and a whopping 116.8 kWh for the all-wheel drive variant. This translates to a claimed range of 800 kilometers according to the Chinese CLTC cycle, which is roughly equivalent to 680 kilometers based on the WLTP standard. Specific charging details regarding power output and charging times have not yet been revealed.
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The Avatr 12 is expected to carry a price tag between 38,000 and 55,000 Euros when it arrives in Europe, putting it in competition with rivals like the Nio ET7 and Mercedes EQE. While the Chinese market price seems reasonable, expect a potential increase upon European release. The official launch date remains under wraps, but a recent sighting of the Avatr 12 undergoing testing on French roads suggests a European debut could be imminent.