Originally named Changan Nio, Avatr is a joint venture company between Changan, Huawei, and the world’s largest EV battery maker CATL.
Huawei’s CEO of the Intelligent Automotive Solutions Business Unit Jin Yuzhi and the chairman of Avatr Technology Wang Hui said on Tuesday that they test-drove the third generation of the 12 sedan.
For the 2026 model year, the brand will drop the 318-horsepower single-motor variant from the 12 lineup, replacing it with a 673-horsepower dual-motor version as the new entry point.
The company will also introduce a tri-motor flagship producing 955 horsepower — nearly triple the outgoing base model.
The first iteration of the Avatr 12 was launched in 2023 with the brand launching new updated versions in both 2024 and 2025.
It will become the first model launched after the upgrade of the two companies’ strategic partnership to version 2.0.
The test drive was announced by Yuzhi on his Weibo account on Tuesday.
Yuzhi confirmed that the new iteration of the luxury grand coupé will be equipped with Huawei Qiankun’s four-LiDAR system, delivering major advances in “chassis control, safety performance, and the intelligent driving experience.”
“It will once again redefine the benchmark for intelligent, design-driven, premium domestically produced electric vehicles,” the Huawei executive emphasized.
Yuzhi also corroborated that the new AVATR 12 will feature the anticipated “smart driving blue indicator light”.
Avatr 12 Gen-2 Specs
The model is available in pure battery-electric (BEV) and extended-range (EREV) versions, with six different variants: Max EREV Edition, Ultra EREV Edition, Max EV Edition, Ultra EV Edition AWD, Master EV Edition AWD, and Royal Edition.
With a wheelbase of 3,020 mm, the model measures 5,020 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width, and 1,450 to 1,460 mm in height, depending on the configuration.
Equipped with a battery capacity of up to 52.01 kWh for the EREVs and 94.53 kWh for the BEVs, the model can achieve a maximum CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) electric range of 755 km, or 469 miles.
Specifically, the BEV trims of the Avatr 12 feature a tri-motor setup, also offering a dual-motor variant also available).
Additionally, the model is equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR), providing optional elements, such as an in-vehicle ETC unit, a sport package, and two-tone body paint.
The model is priced from 269,900 yuan – equivalent to $38,700.
Avatr Background
Avatr was founded in 2018 as a joint venture between the Chinese automaker Changan Automobile, CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology), and Huawei.
Changan holds a 40.99% stake at Avatr, corresponding to the largest shareholder, followed by the Chinese battery manufacturer, with a 14.1% stake.
The Chinese automaker is responsible for Avatr‘s production, while CATL contributes to its battery technology.
Meanwhile, China’s telecom company provides intelligent components, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) algorithms and intelligent cockpit solutions.
Avatr aims to become “a global leading high-end SEV company in 2030”.
