Look out Denza, you’re about to get some Chinese prestige competition in Australia from an EV brand called Avatr Technology.
Yes, Avatr, not Avatar, although that’s the way it is pronounced.
Avatr is a joint-venture between its primary shareholder Chinese state-owned auto giant Changan and the battery maker CATL with Huawei supplying advanced safety and infotainment tech.
Changan already sells its Deepal brand in Australia via the automotive distributor Inchcape Australasia, so its interest in this market is established.
But Avatr would be a step up in terms of price and expectation, lining up against two key Chinese rivals – BYD’s Denza prestige brand and MG’s new local spin-off IM.
Then there’s the established prestige and luxury players including Benz, BMW, Audi and Lexus to consider as well as would-be contenders such as Lexus and Cadillac.
The intention to bring Avatr to Australia was confirmed to Ev Authority by one of the most senior executives of the China Changan Automobile Group, general manager Zhao Fei.
“We plan to bring Avatr to the Australian market,” he confirmed shortly after presenting during Changan’s Munich motor show press preview.
“Last week I went to the Chengdu consulate of Australia and I talked to the consul general and we are talking about how we are going to bring Avatr to the Australian market.
Please stay tuned, thank you,” he added, before moving away.
Contacted for comment, an Inchcape spokesperson gave little away in an emailed reply to questions:
“I can confirm Inchcape has no announcements to make at this time regarding the distribution of Avatr in Australia.
“We will continue to explore product opportunities that deliver value for Australian consumers.
“Changan’s innovation and global growth is inspiring, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.”
Avatr first went on-sale in China in 2022 and has launched four models since then; the medium 11 fastback crossover, the large 12 liftback and the medium-sized 07 SUV and 06 sedan (pictured top), which are Tesla Model Y and 3 rivals respectively.
All four offer both battery electric and range extender petrol-electric powertrains, all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. Basic specs for all four models are at the bottom of this story.
Pricing in China starts at the equivalent of $44,000 for the cheapest 06 and climbs as high as $90,000 for the most expensive 11 and 12.
The arrival of Avatr in Australia is not a great surprise as Changan has been steadily adding export markets since 2024.
As part of a wider entry into Europe, Avatr intends to launch in the UK right-hand drive market by the end of 2025 with the BMW X5-sized 11 SUV, which will be built in a new plant in Thailand.
The 12 saloon and 07 SUV will also be assembled in Thailand from knock down kits.
This surely makes all these cars logical candidates for Australian sale.
In Munich, Avatr showed off the extravagant 5.8m long Vision Xpectra concept car complete with large glass cabin and rear-hinged doors.
A true concept car as opposed to a production vehicle with big wheels, the Xpectra presented an Avatr exterior design language called ‘The Energy Force’.
Inside the four-seater cabin the centrepiece was an AI-powered object called ‘the Vortex’ that connects with the driver via advanced ambient lighting.
The Xpectra is a guide to the future of Avatr as it plans to launch 17 new models by 2030.
Avatr model specifications:
Avatr 06
Length/width/height (mm): 4855/1960/1467-1450
Wheelbase (mm): 2940
REEV power/torque: 231kW/367Nm
REEV battery: 31.7/45.06kWh LFP
CLTC REEV EV range: 230-330km
CLTC REEV total range: 1190-1250km
EV power/torque: 252kW/365Nm (RWD) 440kW/645Nm (AWD)
EV battery: 72.88kW LFP
CLTC EV range: 650km (RWD) 600km (AWD)
Avatr 07
Length/width/height (mm): 4825/1980/1610 – 1620 – 1635
Wheelbase (mm): 2940mm
REEV power/torque: 231kW/367Nm (RWD) 362kW/629Nm (AWD)
REEV battery: 39.05kW LFP
CLTC REEV EV range: 220-230km
CLTC REEV total range: 1050-1100km
EV power/torque: 252kW/365NM (RWD) 440kW/645Nm (AWD)
EV battery: 82.16kW LFP
CLTC EV range: 650km (RWD) 610km (AWD)
Avatr 11
Length/width/height (mm): 4895/1970/1601
Wheelbase (mm): 2975
REEV power/torque: 231kW/367Nm
REEV battery: 39.05kW Li-ion phosphate
CLTC REEV EV range: 225km
CLTC REEV total range: 1065km
EV power/torque: 237kW/396Nm (RWD) and 402kW/687Nm (AWD)
EV battery: 116.79kW Ternary lithium
CLTC EV range: 815km (RWD) 760km (AWD)
Avatr 12
Length/width/height (mm): 5020/1999/1450-1460
Wheelbase (mm): 3020
REEV power/torque: 231kW/367Nm
REEV battery: 39.05kW
CLTC REEV EV range: 245km
CLTC REEV total range: 1155km
EV power/torque: 237kW/396Nm (RWD) 402kW/687Nm (AWD)
EV battery: 94.53kW
CLTC EV range: 755km (RWD) 705km (AWD)
