Avatr, the premium intelligent electric vehicle brand jointly backed by CATL, Changan Automobile and Huawei, has released official images of an updated Avatr 12, alongside regulatory filings in China that point to upgrades in driver-assistance hardware and the introduction of a higher-performance tri-motor all-wheel-drive variant.
The refreshed Avatr 12 has appeared in the latest catalog from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), indicating the model is nearing approval for an updated market version. The filing suggests the changes are evolutionary rather than a full redesign, with Avatr expanding both its intelligent driving capabilities and its powertrain offerings. Market pricing for the updated model is expected to start at around 300,000 to 320,000 yuan ($42,900 to $45,700).
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Exterior styling remains largely consistent with the current Avatr 12, retaining its coupe-style fastback profile and LED lighting integrated into the front bumper. One of the most notable changes is the adoption of a roof-mounted LiDAR unit, which is expected to use Huawei’s latest LiDAR technology. Two additional LiDAR sensors are mounted on the front fenders, supporting more advanced assisted-driving functions.
From the side, the vehicle continues to feature a low-slung fastback silhouette, while the door handles have been revised to a semi-hidden design. Buyers will be able to choose between 20-inch and 21-inch wheels. According to MIIT data, the updated Avatr 12 measures 5,020 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width and 1,460–1,470 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,020 mm.
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At the rear, the model keeps its enclosed rear window and electrically retractable hidden spoiler. A single-strip taillight spans the width of the vehicle, while the rear bumper adopts a sportier design with a recessed license plate area integrated into the liftback tailgate. An optional sport package adds a body-coloured rear bumper and a decorative rear diffuser panel.
The MIIT filing reveals three different electric powertrain configurations for the updated Avatr 12. The extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) version is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged range extender rated at 115 kW, paired with a rear dual-motor rear-wheel-drive setup. Each rear motor produces 200 kW, and the system is matched with a 52.01 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, delivering a WLTC-rated electric range of 261 km.
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For the pure electric versions, Avatr will offer both dual-motor and tri-motor configurations. The dual-motor rear-wheel-drive BEV uses two rear motors rated at 251 kW each. The new flagship tri-motor all-wheel-drive variant adds a front motor rated at 210 kW alongside the two rear motors, bringing combined peak output to 712 kW, or about 955 horsepower.
The updated Avatr 12 underscores the brand’s strategy of pushing into higher-performance and more technology-intensive segments of China’s premium EV market, as competition intensifies among domestic brands leveraging advanced batteries, intelligent driving systems and high-output electric drivetrains.