Avatr is turning up the heat in the premium EV space, opening pre-orders for the 2026 Avatr 12 Four-LiDAR Edition. This isn’t just a minor refresh. The updated sedan, built by a joint venture including Changan, is getting a serious technology infusion, headlined by a powerful new sensor array and significant powertrain improvements for its extended-range version.
The most significant update is right in the name. The Avatr 12 now sports four LiDAR sensors, creating a comprehensive 360-degree view of its surroundings. A 96-line LiDAR is tucked into the front bumper, while three high-precision solid-state units are positioned on the fenders and rear bumper. This entire suite feeds data to the upgraded Huawei Qiankun ADS 4+ intelligent driving system, promising a leap forward in autonomous capabilities. The system also enables new tricks like Parking Valet Assist (VPD) 2.0, an “in-situ turn” function for tight spaces, and a “Master Drift Mode” for when you want to have some fun.
Quick Specs & Metrics
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Power (EREV) | 231 (310 hp) | kW | From the electric drive motor |
| Peak Power (EV RWD) | 237 (318 hp) | kW | Single rear motor |
| Peak Power (EV AWD) | 402 (539 hp) | kW | Combined output from dual motors |
| Range (EREV) | 356 (electric) / 1270 (combined) | km | CLTC cycle, with 52 kWh battery |
| Range (EV RWD) | 755 | km | CLTC cycle |
| Range (EV AWD) | 705 | km | CLTC cycle |
| Battery Capacity (EREV) | 52 | kWh | Upgraded from 39.05 kWh |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 5020 / 1999 / 1460 | mm | Height can also be 1450mm |
| Wheelbase | 3020 | mm | Contributes to a spacious interior |
Design and Daily Usability
The Avatr 12 keeps its sleek, futuristic silhouette, but adds new “swirl-blade” wheels for extra flair. One of its most talked-about features is the absence of a rear window, a bold choice that relies entirely on a streaming media rearview mirror for visibility. It cleans up the car’s lines but might take some getting used to for drivers accustomed to traditional glass. An active retractable spoiler at the back adds a touch of functional aggression.
Inside, the cabin feels like a command center. A massive 35.4-inch 4K screen stretches across the dashboard, replacing a conventional instrument cluster and displaying driving info alongside feeds from the optional electronic rearview mirrors. The central hub is a 15.6-inch touchscreen running Huawei’s HarmonyOS Cockpit 5, which seamlessly integrates features like 5G connectivity, facial recognition, and remote control through a mobile app. For 2026, all models come standard with a 25-speaker Meridian sound system, a nice touch for audiophiles.
More Range, More Power
Avatr continues to offer both pure electric (EV) and extended-range (EREV) options, but the EREV model sees the biggest upgrade. It now features a larger 52 kWh battery pack, boosting its pure electric range to 356 km (CLTC), a significant jump from the previous 245 km. With the 1.5T engine acting as a generator, the total combined range is an impressive 1270 km, effectively eliminating range anxiety.
The pure electric versions are no slouches either. The single-motor rear-wheel-drive model produces 318 hp and delivers a healthy 755 km of CLTC range. If you need more punch, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant unleashes a combined 539 hp, offering a bladder-testing 705 km of range.
With its Huawei-powered brain, significant range improvements, and a focus on driver-centric tech, the refreshed Avatr 12 is making a strong statement in the competitive Chinese EV market. It’s a compelling blend of futuristic design and practical performance that should make rivals take notice.
