A High-Performance Statement From China’s Tech Elite
The 2026 Avatr 12 is no subtle update. Backed by a powerhouse alliance between CATL, Changan, and Huawei, Avatr is doubling down on performance, technology, and choice.
Fresh documents filed with China’s MIIT reveal that the updated Avatr 12 will not only gain a tri-motor, 955-horsepower flagship, but also a new EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) variant aimed at buyers who want electric driving without full dependence on charging infrastructure.
With expected pricing between RMB 300,000 and 320,000 (€36,600–€39,000), Avatr is positioning the 12 as a high-end yet aggressively priced alternative to both Chinese and European premium EVs.
Tri-Motor AWD: 955 Horsepower for the Brave
The headline act is the new Tri-Motor All-Wheel Drive Avatr 12, which pushes the brand into true hyper-performance territory.
Tri-Motor Powertrain Breakdown
| Motor Position | Output |
|---|---|
| Front motor | 210 kW (281 hp) |
| Rear left motor | 251 kW (337 hp) |
| Rear right motor | 251 kW (337 hp) |
| Total system output | 712 kW (955 hp) |
That level of power places the Avatr 12 in the same league as electric super sedans — yet wrapped in a family-sized fastback body. It’s a clear message: Avatr wants attention, and it’s not shy about how it gets it.
New EREV Version: Electric Driving Without Range Anxiety
Recognizing that not all buyers are ready for full BEV ownership, Avatr is adding a new EREV option to the 12 lineup.
How the Avatr 12 EREV Works
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Wheels are driven only by electric motors
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A 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine acts purely as a generator
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No mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels
EREV Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Generator output | 115 kW |
| Drivetrain | Dual-motor RWD |
| Rear motor output | 2 × 200 kW (268 hp each) |
| Battery | 52 kWh LFP (CATL) |
| Electric-only range | 261 km (WLTC) |
This setup delivers a strong electric experience for daily use, with the petrol engine stepping in only when needed — a formula that has proven extremely popular in China.
Pure EV Options Still Focus on Performance
The BEV lineup remains firmly performance-oriented.
Battery-Electric Variants
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Dual-Motor RWD BEV
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Rear split motors: 2 × 251 kW
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Total output: 674 hp
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Notably, Avatr appears to be moving away from single-motor versions, positioning the Avatr 12 as a performance-first model across the range.
Design: Familiar, Futuristic, and Still Polarizing
Visually, the Avatr 12 remains largely unchanged — and that’s intentional.
Key Dimensions
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Length: 5,020 mm
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Width: 1,999 mm
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Height: ~1,470 mm
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Wheelbase: 3,020 mm
The result is a low-slung, wide fastback that blends sedan elegance with SUV presence.
Design Highlights
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Coupé-like fastback profile
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No rear window, replaced by camera-based rear vision (similar to Polestar 4)
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Active rear spoiler
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Minimalist single-strip rear lighting
Advanced Sensors: LiDAR Everywhere
A major upgrade for 2026 is in the driver-assistance hardware.
Sensor Updates
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New roof-mounted LiDAR (latest Huawei generation)
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Additional LiDAR sensors on both front fenders
This setup supports advanced assisted-driving features and prepares the Avatr 12 for increasingly autonomous functionality as regulations allow.
Why the 2026 Avatr 12 Matters
The updated Avatr 12 is a clear reflection of where the Chinese EV market is heading:
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Extreme performance as a differentiator
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EREV flexibility to attract hesitant buyers
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Heavy investment in AI, sensors, and computing power
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Premium positioning without luxury-brand pricing inflation
At under €40,000 for up to 955 hp, Avatr is redefining what “value” means in the high-end EV space — at least in China.
Final Verdict: A Bold, Unapologetic Power Move
The 2026 Avatr 12 is not trying to be subtle, efficient, or conservative. It is designed to dominate spec sheets, challenge perceptions, and force both domestic and foreign rivals to respond.
Whether buyers choose the outrageous tri-motor AWD or the more pragmatic EREV, one thing is clear:
Avatr wants to be seen — and heard — in the premium EV conversation.
The 2026 Avatr 12 raises the bar in China’s premium EV segment with a 955-horsepower tri-motor AWD flagship and a new extended-range EREV variant. Combining extreme performance, Huawei-powered driver assistance, and competitive pricing under €40,000, the Avatr 12 shows how fast Chinese brands are reshaping the global electric car landscape.
