No, folks, that’s not a spelling mistake. Chinese carmaker Changan’s luxury sub-brand Avatr is not spelled like the movie ‘Avatar.’ With the release of the Avatr 11, the luxury Changan has made its debut in Thailand. Avatr, which began as a joint venture with battery maker CATL, intends to take on well-known luxury EV manufacturers like Tesla, Nio, and Zeekr. And from what we are hearing the model looks like going on sale in Malaysia with the next 12 months.
The Standard Range and Long Range Avatr 11 models are offered in Thailand. With pricing in Thailand ranging from 2,099,000 baht (about RM268k) to 2,299,000 baht (about RM291k), both of which are considerably more than the Kingdom’s price for the Tesla Model Y.
Both versions employ a single electric motor that exclusively powers the rear wheels. Both versions have the same 313 horsepower and 370 Nm rear motor, although their performance numbers varied slightly. The Long Range jumps from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, compared to 6.9 seconds for the Standard Range variant. The top speed of both variants is 200 km/h.
The main distinction between the two is the sustained output capacity of their batteries. With a 90.38 kWh battery pack, the Standard Range model can travel 575 km according to its claims, while the Long Range variant’s larger 116.79 kWh pack can travel 680 km.
The NEDC cycle, on which these numbers are predicated, is renowned for being more forgiving than actual driving regimes. As a result, in regular use, expect a range of at least 10% less than the figure stated. The Avatr 11 has a 750 V architecture that enables DC fast charging up to 240 kW.
This means that the Standard Range variant can be quickly recharged from 30% to 80% battery capacity in just 15 minutes, while the Long Range variant can do it in 25. Even though the 11 kW AC charging is the maximum, it is still more powerful than many other Chinese EVs.
From the outside, the Avatr 11 stands out thanks to its unique style, which veers away from the conventional SUV profile. A low-slung roof, an unusual rear window design, and a separate back door define the car’s overall look. Intriguing design cues include full-width taillights, an active rear spoiler, an upward-sloping window line and C-shaped headlights. The Long Range version has 22-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, while the Standard Range type gets 21-inch two-tone alloy wheels.
The Avatr 11’s interior has a sleek, contemporary style that is highlighted by a sweeping dashboard, four “bucket” seats with a lie-flat functionality, and ottomans for the front two seats. To highlight its upscale nature, a panoramic sunroof is combined with seats covered in Nappa leather.
With three displays—a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch centre touchscreen, and an extra 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger—the Avatr 11 boasts a hi-tech dash. The operating system for Thai devices is still unknown, although the Chinese market version runs Huawei’s Harmony OS.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
This 11 is certainly a sharp-looking SUV that, at first glance at least, appears to employ a mixture of styling cues from Maserati and Honda influences. So it looks pretty dashing. And yes, with specs and pricing like this, the Avatr 11 does seem to be directly challenging Tesla.