Avatr, the Chinese automotive joint venture comprising Changan, CATL, and Huawei, marked its European market entry by unveiling the Avatr 12, a cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV). The presentation took place in Munich, Germany, showcasing the brand’s expansion beyond its domestic market.
The Avatr 12, pronounced “one two,” offers a unique blend of design and technology. While resembling a sedan, it conceals a hatchback at the rear and boasts a distinctive Halo Display on the hood—a black panel LED display facilitating communication between the vehicle and those outside.
Measuring 197.6 inches (5,020 millimeters) in length, 78.7 inches (1,999 mm) in width, and 57.4 inches (1,460 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 119.2 inches (3,030 mm), the Avatr 12 is available in two powertrain options, both powered by CATL cell-to-pack ternary lithium-ion battery packs.
See also: Avatr 11 launches in China with a range up to 422 miles and starts from $51,800
The rear-wheel drive variant employs a 230-kilowatt (313 horsepower) electric motor, while the all-wheel drive version features a dual-motor setup by Huawei, delivering 425 kW (578 hp). Both models draw energy from a 94.5-kilowatt-hour battery, offering an estimated driving range of 403 to 434 miles (650 to 700 kilometers). However, the specific test cycle used for these figures, whether WLTP or CLTC, remains undisclosed.
The Avatr 12 follows a design trend similar to the Polestar 5, omitting a rear window in favor of a video camera that provides a live feed to a digital rearview mirror.
Nader Faghihzadeh, Chief Design Officer at Avatr, remarked, “In a world where products are mere objects, Avatr is a friend—a mirror to your aspirations, a vessel for your essence, and a partner for your journey.”
Inside, the Avatr 12 boasts an extended dashboard with floating elements, evoking a sense of a futuristic spaceship with expansive wings extending between the front doors. A wide-band screen spans the width of the dashboard, functioning as a “digital window,” while the central touchscreen houses all apps and settings.
An electrochromic glass roof, switchable between opaque and transparent states, enhances the cabin experience. The vehicle incorporates invisible air vents and zero-gravity seats for added comfort.
In terms of safety, the Avatr 12 incorporates an extensive suite of 29 sensors, including three Lidar sensors, supported by a high-performance central computer constituting the Huawei Advanced Driving System (ADS) 2.0 assistance suite.
Founded in 2018, Avatr introduced its first model, the Avatr 11, in China in 2022. The company’s foray into the European market with the Avatr 12 underscores its commitment to innovation and expansion in the global EV landscape.
