Chinese newcomer Avatr announces European debut at 2026 Paris Motor Show
News
A UK arrival could be on the cards, too
GE
George East
12 October 2026 · 3 min read
Premium Chinese manufacturer Avatr has confirmed that it will make its official European debut in 2027 at this year’s Paris Motor Show.
Founded in Chongqing in 2018, Avatr is a joint venture between state-owned Chinese carmaker Changan, battery giant CATL, and tech company Huawei. Norway and Spain will be Avatr’s initial launch markets in mainland Europe during the first half of next year, with others following suit shortly after.
Given that Avatr initially planned to go on enter the UK in 2025, a UK debut could still be part of its plans.
The UK’s status as a non-European Union member state means it is not required to impose the EU’s import duties of up to 45% on Chinese cars. Avatr will also launch in Australia during the second half of next year, making right-hand-drive (RHD) cars easy to introduce to the British market.
Avatr’s initial European models are confirmed as the 06T sports saloon and the 07L SUV. While full technical details are yet to be announced, the Euro-spec 06T is reported to be offered with a tri-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) system producing up to 938bhp.
Meanwhile, the 07L is aimed squarely at the likes of the Volvo EX60, the BMW iX3, the Polestar 3, and the Mercedes GLC Electric. Once again, final battery specifications are yet to be confirmed, but we do know that it runs on 800V electrical architecture.
By 2030, Avatr will introduce a total of six models “spanning mid-sized SUVs, large SUVs, and shooting-brake body styles.”
Like Zeekr, BYD, and Xiaomi, Avatr will adopt a Euro-centric approach to its vehicle line-up. The brand has a Global Design Center in Munich, Germany, that works alongside its Shanghai design bureau to develop its futuristic, “Emotive Luxury” aesthetic, which seeks to bring together “design, intelligence, and human emotion”.
Moreover, Avatr’s chief designer, Nader Faghihzadeh, previously served as the design director for BMW’s electrified i brand, where he worked on the i3 and the iX. He left BMW for Avatr in 2019.
Avatr also introduced its T09 SUV concept in the French capital, which promises to be its range-topping SUV. Part of Avatr’s new ‘Flagship’ range of vehicles, brand chairman, Chen Zhuo, said that the Flagship line-up will be “defined by respectful luxury, prestige, and a commanding presence.”
The T09 features several design language elements borrowed from the Vision Xpectra concept car. This includes a front-end comprising 362 distinct Avatr logo elements of various shapes and sizes, while Avatr’s triple-screen setup dominates what appears to be a well-appointed interior.
Under the skin, the T09 is powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain comprising a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, three electric motors, and a 71.24kWh battery. This translates into 986bhp and 248 miles of electric-only range on China’s generous CLTC efficiency cycle.