Avatr Technology, the electric vehicle joint venture backed by Changan Automobile, CATL, and Huawei, has officially unveiled the Avatr 12 Four-LiDAR Edition, signaling a decisive step in the brand’s ambition to become a serious contender in China’s rapidly consolidating premium EV segment.
The new lineup, revealed on October 28, 2025, introduces six variants priced between 269,900 yuan and 429,900 yuan (approximately $37,800 to $60,200 USD). It brings a series of technological refinements and design evolutions aimed squarely at rivals such as Nio’s ET7, Zeekr’s 001, Xiaomi’s SU7, and Luxeed’s S7, all of which are vying for dominance in China’s high-end electric vehicle space.
Huawei and CATL Power a Technological Flagship
At the heart of the new Avatr 12 is Huawei’s ADS 4.0 intelligent driving system, supported by an advanced four-LiDAR sensor suite. The setup includes three long-range LiDAR sensors and a high-precision solid-state rear LiDAR, giving the vehicle full 360-degree environmental awareness — a key leap toward higher levels of autonomous capability.
While other automakers, such as Nio and Xpeng, have begun integrating multiple LiDAR systems, Avatr’s four-unit configuration is among the most comprehensive currently available in a production model. This system enables the Avatr 12 to execute complex maneuvers like urban navigation, highway lane changes, obstacle avoidance, and automated parking with minimal driver intervention.
Huawei’s ADS 4.0 platform, already considered one of the most advanced driver-assistance frameworks in China, has been progressively refined through the company’s partnerships under the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA). However, Avatr remains one of Huawei’s closest collaborators, giving it early access to ADS 4 integration and the new HarmonySpace 5 cockpit system, offering deep software and hardware synergy.
A Design That Embodies “Future Elegance”
The Avatr 12 continues the brand’s “Future Elegance” design philosophy — a blend of minimalism, athleticism, and digital sophistication. The car’s exterior is defined by a disc-wing front fascia, sleek surfaces, and a crescent-shaped Halo screen situated beneath the windshield, displaying dynamic light sequences that interact with the driver and pedestrians.
Unlike traditional EV designs that emphasize aggression or sportiness, the Avatr 12 projects a softer, more futuristic aesthetic. The grille-less front end, accentuated by slim LED daytime running lights and animated turn signals, reflects the industry-wide shift toward aerodynamic purity and brand differentiation through lighting technology.
Side proportions remain long and sweeping, characterized by flush door handles, frameless windows, and a tapered roofline. The car’s body profile subtly communicates luxury — a design cue targeted at customers transitioning from legacy brands like Mercedes-Benz EQE, BMW i5, or Audi A7 e-tron.
Inside the Cockpit: Technology Meets Tranquility
The interior of the Avatr 12 represents an evolution in digital luxury. A 35.4-inch 4K panoramic display stretches across the dashboard, integrating both driver information and entertainment functions. Beneath it sits a 15.6-inch floating central touchscreen, controlling vehicle systems, navigation, and multimedia features.
Avatr’s collaboration with Huawei introduces the new HarmonySpace 5.0 operating system, which builds upon the HarmonyOS architecture but tailors it for automotive environments. The interface provides multi-screen interactivity, AI-driven voice recognition, and real-time environmental adjustments — from seat temperature to ambient lighting — responding to driver preferences and habits.
A new rock brown interior color scheme joins Avatr’s lineup, combining microfiber suede, sustainable leather, and open-pore wood trims. The cabin layout is defined by minimal physical buttons, emphasizing touch and voice-based control. The atmosphere inside the vehicle has been designed to resemble what Avatr calls “a mobile lounge of the future.”
Powertrains: From Long Range to High Performance
Avatr offers two main powertrain configurations for the 12 Four-LiDAR Edition — an extended-range version (EREV) and fully electric variants.
The EREV model combines a 1.5T range-extending engine with an electric motor outputting 231 kW (310 hp). This version can travel over 245 km on pure electric power (CLTC) and achieve a total driving range of 1,155 km, addressing range anxiety among long-distance drivers while maintaining all-electric efficiency in daily use.
Meanwhile, the pure electric lineup is divided into two configurations:
A rear-wheel-drive (RWD) single-motor variant generating 237 kW (318 hp) and achieving 755 km of range (CLTC).
A dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant combining 165 kW (front) and 237 kW (rear) motors for a total output of 402 kW (539 hp), providing 705 km of range and a 0–100 km/h acceleration time under 4 seconds.
Both configurations utilize CATL’s high-density lithium-ion battery technology, offering fast-charging capabilities and improved thermal management. As CATL is one of Avatr’s shareholders, the collaboration ensures the latest Qilin and Shenxing battery chemistries are optimized for Avatr’s architecture.
Positioning and Market Strategy
With its price range of 269,900 – 429,900 yuan, the Avatr 12 Four-LiDAR Edition is strategically positioned between mainstream luxury EVs and ultra-premium electric sedans. It undercuts the Nio ET7, which starts around 428,000 yuan, while offering similar technology, range, and design sophistication.
At the same time, it positions itself above Zeekr’s 001, which appeals more to performance-oriented buyers. This middle-ground approach allows Avatr to target both tech-savvy professionals and early adopters seeking prestige and intelligence over brand heritage.
Deliveries of the Avatr 12 Four-LiDAR Edition are expected to begin in late 2025, with orders now open across Avatr’s dealer network in major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Shenzhen.
Competition Heats Up in China’s Premium EV Segment
The Avatr 12 enters one of the most fiercely contested segments in China’s EV market, where tech giants, startups, and legacy automakers are battling for share amid slowing growth.
Nio continues to bank on brand loyalty and battery-swap convenience; Zeekr, backed by Geely, is leveraging its European expansion; Xiaomi’s SU7, launched earlier in 2025, has captured younger consumers with smartphone-style integration; while Luxeed, jointly developed by Chery and Huawei, offers strong brand synergy with the Harmony ecosystem.
While Avatr enjoys direct backing from Huawei and CATL, both of which supply key technologies to rival brands, analysts note that these partnerships alone do not guarantee commercial success. As one industry observer from China Automotive Review noted:
“Avatr has access to some of China’s best automotive technology — Huawei for intelligence and CATL for energy. But technology must translate into emotional appeal, brand identity, and user trust. That’s where the real challenge lies.”