Key Points
- A camouflaged Avatr 07 has been spotted in Canberra in recent days, as the brand tests the SUV for a future Australian launch.
- Chinese-market specifications list up to 440kW in all-wheel-drive form and up to 650km of range on the CLTC cycle.
- The 07 is expected to compete with the Zeekr 7X and Tesla Model Y, but Australian pricing, timing and a distributor are not confirmed.
A camouflaged Avatr 07 has been spotted in Canberra in recent days. The sighting suggests the Chinese premium electric SUV is being tested for a future Australian launch.
The Avatr 07 is expected to compete as a premium alternative to the Zeekr 7X and Tesla Model Y. Pricing, specifications, launch timing and a local distributor have not been confirmed.
Camouflaged Avatr 07 spotted in Canberra
The test vehicle wore camouflage, which hides the detail of its body panels. It is not yet clear which variant or powertrain the car is running.
It is not the first Avatr test car seen in Australia. It was reportedly spied testing at Point Cook in Melbourne in May.
Avatr brand background: Changan, CATL and Huawei
Avatr is a premium Chinese electric vehicle brand. Changan, which also owns Deepal, holds a 41 per cent stake. Battery maker CATL holds about 9 per cent, and the brand has close ties with technology company Huawei.
Avatr was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Chongqing. It has design and engineering hubs in Shanghai and Munich.
Avatr started producing vehicles in 2022 and has launched one new model each year since. Every Avatr is either a pure electric vehicle or an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV).
The Avatr 07 launched in China in September 2024. It starts at 219,900 yuan.
Changan reportedly confirmed last year that Avatr is coming to Australia. The distributor is unclear. Inchcape distributes Deepal in Australia, but it has not confirmed it will handle Avatr.
Avatr already builds the 07 and the larger 11 in right-hand drive for Hong Kong and Singapore. A right hand drive version of 07 is already on sale in Thailand.
Avatr 07 specs: power, range and charging
These figures are for the Avatr 07 in China. Australian specifications have not been confirmed. Overeases models have 650km CLTC range equates to around 500km on the WLTP cycle.
Specification | EV rear-wheel drive | EV all-wheel drive | EREV |
Battery | 82.16kWh LFP | 82.16kWh LFP | 39.05kWh LFP |
Motor | Single rear motor | Dual motor | Electric motor with turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder petrol engine |
Power | 252kW | 440kW | 231kW (electric motor) |
Torque | 365Nm | 645Nm | 333Nm |
0-100km/h | 6.3 seconds | 3.9 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
Claimed range | 650km (CLTC) | 545km (NEDC) | Not stated |
Electrical system | 800V | 800V | Not stated |
Weight | 2,315kg (EV, variant not specified) | Not stated | 2,225kg |
The electric versions use an 82.16kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery from CATL. Both use an 800V electrical system with peak DC charging of 420kW, with 30 to 80 per cent in about 10 minutes. Top speed is listed at 200km/h.
The extended-range version pairs a smaller 39.05kWh LFP battery with a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder petrol engine. Its electric motor produces 231kW and 333Nm.
Chassis, safety technology and interior
The Avatr 07 uses double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. It has Continental brake-by-wire technology and rides on 20 or 21-inch alloy wheels. The AWD Ultra adds automatic-levelling air suspension with continuous damping control.
Driver assistance hardware includes three millimetre-wave radars, 10 high-definition cameras and 12 ultrasonic radars. The system supports Level 2+ driving through Huawei's Qiankun ADS SE.
Inside, the 07 has:
- A 35.4-inch pillar-to-pillar main display and a 15.6-inch secondary touchscreen
- Huawei's HarmonyOS cockpit operating system
- A 16-speaker Meridian sound system rated at 1,408W
- 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation and massage
- A digital rear-view mirror, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting and 50W wireless charging
- Frameless windows and soft-close doors
It should be noted Huawei has been banned from Australia's 5G network. That raises the question of whether the 07's Huawei-developed technology needs changes for Australia.
Avatr 07 vs Zeekr 7X and Tesla Model Y
The Avatr 07 is aimed at the same buyers as the Zeekr 7X and Tesla Model Y.
The 07 is 4,825mm long, 1,980mm wide and up to 1,620mm tall, on a 2,940mm wheelbase. It is close to the Model Y in size.
Dimension | Avatr 07 | Compared with Tesla Model Y |
Length | 4,825mm | 33mm longer |
Width | 1,980mm | 2mm narrower |
Height | Up to 1,620mm | 4mm lower |
Wheelbase | 2,940mm | 50mm longer |
Avatr has not announced Australian pricing. Given it maybe positioned a premium alternative, its pricing may sit higher than both the 7x and Model Y.
For comparison, the Zeekr 7X spans $57,900 to $72,900 in Australia. The Tesla Model Y spans $58,900 to $89,400.
The segment is growing. The Zeekr 7X has been a sales success in Australia.
Denza, BYD's premium brand, began deliveries in Australia in 2026. The Mazda 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV, built by the Changan-Mazda joint venture, are also entering the market.
About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
