Avatr 06 Electric Sedan Drops in China – Better Than a Tesla?

The all-new Avatr 06 sedan, born from the partnership between CATL, Changan, and Huawei, has officially entered its presale phase in China. With a starting price of 215,900 yuan, or about 29,750 United States dollars, this sleek electric vehicle brings some exciting options to the market. It is available in both battery electric and extended-range electric versions, giving buyers the flexibility to choose what suits their driving style best. The official sales launch is scheduled for April.

Avatr is not a new name, but it has struggled to gain traction in China despite backing from major players like Changan and CATL, with Huawei contributing its tech expertise. Since its market debut in December 2022, Avatr has sold only 91,265 vehicles, a modest number given the size of the Chinese auto market. Its current lineup includes the Avatr 11 fastback, the 12 liftback, and the 07 crossover. The Avatr 06 is the brand’s fourth vehicle and marks a bold new chapter.

Design-wise, the Avatr 06 stands out with wide fenders, a low-slung silhouette, and sharp LED running lights. Details like retractable door handles and camera-based side mirrors add to its futuristic appeal. A LiDAR sensor mounted on the roof hints at advanced autonomous capabilities.

Inside, it is all about immersion. The highlight is a massive 35.4-inch screen stretching across the dashboard, acting as the instrument panel. A separate 15.6-inch main display anchors the center stack, while side mirror cameras stream directly to displays in the console, reducing the need for head-turning. The cabin also features 25 Meridian speakers and luxurious Nappa leather seats.

Powertrain options vary. The base battery electric model uses a single rear-mounted electric motor generating 252 kilowatts or 338 horsepower. A dual-motor version provides all-wheel drive with 440 kilowatts or 590 horsepower. Both use an 82 kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery with a maximum range of 650 kilometers.

The extended-range electric version features a 231 kilowatt or 310 horsepower electric motor in the rear, with a 1.5-liter turbo engine under the hood producing 115 kilowatts or 154 horsepower. Battery options for this model range from 31.7 to 45.06 kilowatt-hours, offering 170 to 240 kilometers of pure electric driving. Air suspension adds a premium touch.

Five trim levels are available, with two extended-range versions and three battery electric ones. The entry-level extended-range electric version is priced the same as the base battery electric model. Final pricing for the other versions will be revealed in April when full-scale sales begin.