Avatr 07L News

Avatr has confirmed that the 07L electric vehicle (EV) will not be the only new model that the brand is preparing for Australia next year. The large-sized SUV rival to the popular Zeekr 7X will also be joined by the 06T mid-sized wagon, and that’s set to launch several months after the 07L’s second quarter arrival, probably towards the end of 2027. While no pricing or specification details have yet to be revealed, both models will feature an elevated level of technology and features expected by buyers in Australia. The Avatr 06T is the wagon – or shooting brake – version of the 06 four-door mid-sized luxury sedan released in China last year. Already sprung in Australia and exposed on various social media platforms, the five-door model mirrors its fastback counterpart by offering EV and range-extender EV hybrid powertrains. In the EV models, the base model features a rear-mounted electric motor with rear-wheel drive, while more money buys all-wheel drive, courtesy of two additional motors (two on the back axle, one over the front axle). In China, the most powerful of these makes 712kW of power and 996Nm of torque, for a 0-100km/h sprint time of under 2.8 seconds. Just as impressively, if range is your thing, Avatr claims the most efficient is capable of averaging a staggering 741km, though that is using the more-lenient CLTC, not WLTP, methodology. According to Changan Automobile Australia Head of Brand and Marketing, Andrew Haurissa, both the 06T wagon and closely related 07L SUV will position the Chinese brand directly against premium and luxury offerings. Along with Zeekr (part of Geely), these include Denza (part of BYD), Wey (part of GWM), IM (part of MG), Tesla and others, like BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. “Definitely in the premium segment to begin with (is our goal),” Haurissa said. “So, the Germans (definitely)… and we’re coming in as an emotive luxury proposition for Avatr. “I would like to think (it will sit higher than Zeekr… but) the public will decide. The kit itself is there. It has all the pedigree to compete.” Expect the 07L (pronounced Zero Seven L – and L is for long wheelbase) to mirror the 06T by offering single-motor rear-wheel drive and tri-motor all-wheel drive guises, as a laser-focused alternative to the 7X. Looking beyond next year, Avatr is set to offer up to five different models in Australia by the end of 2028, though what they are remain a tightly guarded secret. “The indication we’re getting right now, is that… a lot of the products coming out of Avatr moving forward will be a new generation. Because Avatr has been around for five years now," said Haurissa. “We’re planning four to five models. There’s a lot in the pipeline that needs to be decided. For right-hand-drive (RHD) markets, it needs to be decided cohesively with other RHD markets, similarly to the other Chinese brands coming in. Along with the Nevo mainstream brand that is also coming next year, Changan is aiming to launch with up to 50 dealers around Australia, with around 10 of these dedicated Avatr outlets in line with luxury consumer expectations.