Avatr 9-Series SUV Set for Year-End China Launch

Avatr Reveals Exterior Ahead Of Year-End Launch

Avatr Technology on Tuesday unveiled the exterior of its flagship 9-series SUV, setting the stage for a launch in China by the end of this year. The electric vehicle maker, backed by Changan Automobile, Huawei and CATL, said the vehicle was jointly designed by Avatr and Huawei Qiankun. The company released three exterior images but did not disclose the model’s official name or additional specifications. Avatr President Chen Zhuo said more information would be released in stages, leaving key details about the upcoming flagship to later announcements.

Exterior Design Highlights LiDAR Integration

The official images show a closed front grille featuring a dot-matrix pattern, split headlights and a LiDAR sensor mounted at the front of the roof. The sensor is expected to be Huawei Qiankun’s 896-channel dual-optical-path, image-grade LiDAR, which was previously used in the Avatr 07L launched last month. The SUV adopts a boxy profile with partially concealed door handles, densely spaced radial wheel spokes and a panoramic glass roof. Its two-tone exterior combines a silver upper body with a white lower section, while the rear design includes a roof spoiler and a full-width rear light bar.

Huawei Collaboration Extends Beyond Smart Driving

Avatr released its first teaser video for the vehicle on September 2, showing only the front end and its signature brand styling. The company described the vehicle as having been “a long time in the making.” Avatr Vice President Yong Jun previously said the company would launch a large six-seat SUV at the end of this year. He described it as Avatr’s “first model developed in full collaboration with Huawei in the true sense,” with Huawei technologies covering vehicle control, lighting, voice and smart driving. The broader technology scope gives the new flagship greater importance within Avatr’s partnership strategy.

Flagship Enters Highly Competitive SUV Segment

The new flagship will compete in China’s fiercely contested market for large six-seat SUVs, where it will face established products including the Aito M9, Li Auto L9, Denza N9 and IM LS9. The competitive environment means the vehicle will need to differentiate through its technology, design and overall flagship positioning. Avatr has primarily used Huawei’s smart driving and cockpit systems in its products so far, making the expanded collaboration on this model a significant step. Its positioning also places greater emphasis on how deeply Huawei’s technologies can be integrated into Avatr’s next-generation flagship vehicle.

Avatr Needs Stronger Sales Performance

The flagship’s importance extends beyond strengthening Avatr’s brand image because the company continues to trail leading electric vehicle startups in sales volume. Avatr sold 35,250 vehicles during the first seven months of this year, equivalent to an average of about 5,040 vehicles per month. That pace remained well below companies including Nio Inc and Xpeng. The upcoming SUV therefore arrives as Avatr seeks stronger product momentum and greater market visibility. Its entry into a higher-end segment could give the company another opportunity to broaden its customer base while strengthening the role of flagship products in its overall portfolio.

Avatr 07L Sets Recent Product Context

On August 8, Avatr launched the five-seat Avatr 07L SUV with a limited-time starting price of 219,900 yuan, or $32,390, after incentives. The model’s main rival is the Xiaomi YU7, placing Avatr in another highly competitive area of China’s electric SUV market. The new flagship is expected to occupy a higher price segment than the 07L, potentially improving Avatr’s product mix and profit per vehicle. That positioning could make the model strategically important even if its sales volume is lower than that of more affordable vehicles, particularly if it succeeds in attracting buyers seeking larger vehicles and advanced technology.

Hong Kong Listing Adds Financial Importance

Avatr is also pursuing a Hong Kong listing after refiling its application in late June when its previous prospectus expired. The company’s prospectus reported revenue of 25.63 billion yuan in 2025, while its net loss narrowed to 3.49 billion yuan and gross margin increased to 9.4%. These figures provide additional financial context for the upcoming flagship launch because the company is balancing product expansion with efforts to improve its financial profile. A higher-positioned vehicle could potentially support revenue quality and profitability per vehicle, although the eventual effect will depend on pricing, demand, sales performance and the company’s ability to control costs.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The flagship gives Avatr an opportunity to strengthen its position in China’s premium electric SUV market while demonstrating whether its expanded relationship with Huawei can translate into a more comprehensive vehicle technology package. Competition from the Aito M9, Li Auto L9, Denza N9 and IM LS9 will place pressure on Avatr to deliver compelling technology and value in the large six-seat segment. The higher price positioning could also support a stronger product mix if demand develops as expected. Attention will now shift toward the vehicle’s official name, specifications, pricing and launch details, as well as whether the model can improve Avatr’s sales momentum and support its broader business objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new Avatr flagship SUV launch?
The new flagship SUV is expected to launch in China by the end of this year, following the company’s exterior reveal and staged release of additional information. Avatr has not yet disclosed the vehicle’s official name or complete specifications. The model is expected to be a large six-seat SUV positioned above the recently launched Avatr 07L. It will compete against vehicles such as the Aito M9, Li Auto L9, Denza N9 and IM LS9, making its pricing, technology package and final specifications important factors when the company provides further details.