Avatr’s 9-series flagship SUV, jointly designed with Huawei Qiankun, is scheduled to launch by the end of 2026. Credit: Avatr.
- Avatr has revealed the exterior of its flagship 9-series SUV, setting the stage for a launch by year-end.
- A company executive described the large 6-seat SUV as Avatr’s first model developed in full collaboration with Huawei.
Avatr Technology on Tuesday unveiled the exterior of its flagship 9-series SUV (sport utility vehicle), setting the stage for a launch by year-end.
The electric vehicle (EV) maker, backed by Changan Automobile (SZSE: 000625), Huawei and CATL (HKEX: 3750), said the model was jointly designed by Avatr and Huawei Qiankun.
Avatr released 3 exterior images but provided no further details, including the model’s official name. Its president Chen Zhuo said more information would be released in stages.
The official images show a closed front grille with 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 has a boxy profile, partially concealed door handles, densely spaced radial wheel spokes and a panoramic glass roof. Its two-tone finish pairs a silver upper body with a white lower section.
Avatr released its first teaser video on September 2, showing only the model’s front end with the brand’s signature styling. The company said the vehicle had been “a long time in the making.”
Avatr vice president Yong Jun previously said the company would launch a large 6-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,” incorporating Huawei’s vehicle control, lighting, voice and smart driving technologies.
That positioning makes the 9-series a key test of the depth of their partnership. Avatr has so far primarily used Huawei’s smart driving and cockpit systems.
The new model will enter China’s fiercely competitive market for large 6-seat flagship SUVs, taking on the Aito M9, Li Auto L9, Denza N9 and IM LS9.
For Avatr, the flagship’s significance extends beyond its brand image. The company still needs to catch up with leading EV startups in sales volume, and its performance this year has been weak.
Avatr sold 35,250 vehicles in the first 7 months of this year, averaging about 5,040 a month, well behind companies including Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO) and Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV).
On August 8, Avatr launched the 5-seat Avatr 07L SUV with a limited-time starting price of 219,900 yuan ($32,390), after incentives. Its main rival is the Xiaomi (HKEX: 1810) YU7.
The 9-series flagship is expected to occupy a higher price segment, potentially improving Avatr’s product mix and profit per vehicle.
Meanwhile, Avatr is pursuing a Hong Kong listing. The company refiled its application in late June after its previous prospectus expired.
The prospectus showed revenue of 25.63 billion yuan in 2025, with its net loss narrowing to 3.49 billion yuan and gross margin rising to 9.4%.
Avatr 07L starts at 219,900 yuan ($32,380) with limited-time benefits, and charges from 0 to 80% in 20 minutes.
($1 = 6.7889 yuan)
