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First, the Chinese manufacturers vied for Australian consumers within the price range ute and small SUV segments. Now, they’re taking over established premium manufacturers.
Chinese automotive big Changan is launching the premium Avatr model in Australia, with the big Avatr 07L electrical SUV to steer the cost.
It follows the 2024 launch of Geely’s premium Zeekr model, and the 2025 launch of BYD’s posh Denza offshoot, with one other Chinese luxurious model – FAW’s Hongqi – as a result of arrive within the coming months.
The Avatr 07L will probably be out there for pre-order earlier than the tip of 2026, with first buyer deliveries focused for the primary half of 2027.
Avatr was established in 2018 and began producing its first autos in 2022, and has launched a brand new mannequin annually since – all with both pure-electric (EV) or extended-range electrical (EREV) powertrains.
It entered its first right-hand drive market, Thailand, late in 2024.
The 07L was revealed earlier this 12 months as a long-wheelbase model of the 07, which has a sleeker, extra coupe-style rear-end. The 07, 07L and 11 coupe-SUV are all at the moment inbuilt right-hand drive, with the smooth 06T wagon additionally spied in RHD guise.
The firm hasn’t detailed pricing or specs for the 07L, other than the very fact it makes use of an 800V electrical structure.
The five-seat massive SUV measures 4910mm lengthy, 1980mm large and 1650mm tall on a 2990mm wheelbase.
In China, it’s provided completely with an 89.33kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery sourced from CATL.
Rear-wheel drive variants have a single 305kW/435Nm electrical motor and provide 725km of CLTC vary and a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds.
The all-wheel drive 07L makes use of one 210kW/246Nm electrical motor up entrance plus two 251kW/375Nm motors on the rear for complete system outputs of 712kW and 996Nm. It has a 0-100km/h time of three.7 seconds and affords 650km of CLTC vary.
The 07L options double-wishbone entrance and multi-link rear suspension, with Continuous Damping Control customary and ‘Magic Carpet’ air suspension non-obligatory. It rides on both 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, there’s a pillar-to-pillar 35.4-inch digital show and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, in addition to a panoramic glass roof, 16-speaker 960W Huawei sound system, and heated, ventilated, massaging and power-adjustable entrance seats.
Available options embody digital rear-view mirrors, a wise in-vehicle cooler/hotter, and a 25-speaker Huawei Superior sound system with a 2080W amplifier.
A full suite of energetic security and driver-assistance know-how is customary, with Chinese-market 07Ls utilizing a LiDAR unit amongst their array of three radars, 11 high-definition cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
Australian-market 07Ls will swap Huawei sound methods for Meridian models, with additional specification particulars to be introduced nearer to launch.
The 07L may also include Avatr OS, which the model says is localised for Australia “with the local experience designed around Australian customers, digital services and market requirements”.
Avatr says it’ll provide “emotive luxury, intelligent technology and progressive design”.
“Australia is entering an important new era of automotive choice. Customers are increasingly looking for vehicles that combine premium design, advanced technology, electrification, performance and compelling ownership experiences,” the corporate explains in its launch underneath the headline, ‘Why Australia. Why Now’.
“At the same time, the traditional definition of luxury is evolving. The next generation of premium customers expects more than a badge. They expect innovation, individuality and experience. This is where Avatr sees an opportunity.
“Australia will be one of the markets where Avatr’s vision of Emotive Luxury comes to life.”
Changan has a 40.99 per cent stake in Avatr, with battery big CATL being the second largest shareholder with a 14.1 per cent stake.
The luxurious model counts Huawei as a “strategic partner”, supplying superior driver-assistance methods (ADAS) and in-car know-how.
Avatr made no point out of its Huawei connection in its press launch. The Australian Government banned Huawei from supplying 5G cell community infrastructure in 2018 as a result of nationwide safety issues, although different merchandise from the Chinese tech big can be found right here.
The luxurious model has been busily increasing its international presence. Its design studio relies in Germany, with Nader Faghihzadeh serving as its design boss since 2019 after 17 years at BMW.
Previous job listings on LinkedIn have indicated Changan can also launch its namesake, mass-market model right here. The small Changan Nevo Q05/E06 electrical SUV has already been confirmed for right-hand drive markets similar to Thailand and the UK.
Technically, there are already Changan autos provided right here underneath the Deepal model, which additionally sells the E07 from the Changan Nevo sub-brand. However, Deepal is at the moment distributed by Inchcape, which additionally handles Subaru and Foton right here.
“We can confirm there are no plans for Changan to take over the distribution of Deepal vehicles in Australia from Inchcape,” a spokesperson for Inchcape Australia informed CarExpert in August.
“Inchcape remains focused on continuing to grow Deepal’s presence in the Australian market, supported by Changan as Deepal’s parent company.
“We can not touch upon the precise phrases of our business agreements, however our focus stays firmly on persevering with to develop Deepal’s presence in Australia,” the Inchcape Australia spokesperson said when asked when the company’s existing distributorship arrangement will expire. It was appointed by Deepal in September 2024.
Since then, the Deepal brand has gotten off to a sluggish start. The Deepal S05 has been repeatedly delayed, leaving just the E07 and the S07 – the latter of which is still being offered in model year 2024 (MY24) guise.
While Avatr and Deepal are only young brands, they fall under the umbrella of a company with a long history.
Founded in 1862 as a military supplier, Changan started producing off-roaders in the 1950s, before it began manufacturing civilian vehicles – Suzuki models built under license – in 1984.
State-owned Changan subsequently established joint ventures with Suzuki, Ford and Mazda, though only the latter two survive today. The Changan Mazda joint venture produces not only vehicles for the Chinese market, but the new Mazda 6e and CX-6e EVs offered in Australia.
MORE: Explore the Deepal showroom
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