Australia is set to welcome another Chinese electric-car brand, with Avatr confirming plans to launch locally in 2027. The Changan Group-owned brand will initially offer the Avatr 07L, a long-wheelbase electric SUV positioned against models such as the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X.
Pre-orders for the Avatr 07L are expected to open in Australia later in 2026, with first customer deliveries forecast for the first half of 2027. Avatr’s Australian operation has not yet confirmed exact timing. The brand will be distributed through a newly established Changan Group factory distributor, separate from Inchcape, which currently imports and distributes Changan-owned Deepal vehicles in Australia. Changan Group Australia has also confirmed there are no plans to take over Deepal’s Australian distribution from Inchcape.
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What is the Avatr 07L?
The Avatr 07L is a five-seat electric SUV measuring 4910mm long, 1980mm wide and 1650mm tall, with a 2990mm wheelbase. That puts it in the same broad size bracket as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Lexus RX, although the Avatr is positioned as a premium electric model rather than a conventional family SUV. The 07L uses an 800-volt electrical architecture and a CATL-supplied battery. However, Avatr has not yet confirmed which battery and powertrain specifications will be offered in Australia. Australian range, charging, power and performance figures are therefore still to come, as is pricing.
Chinese-market specifications give an indication of what the 07L can offer. The flagship version is claimed to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds, while other available equipment includes air suspension, Brembo front brakes, LiDAR and nine airbags. These specifications should not be treated as confirmed Australian specifications until Avatr announces the local range.
A technology-heavy cabin
The Avatr 07L’s interior is designed around a large amount of digital technology. It features a 15.6-inch central touchscreen and a 35.4-inch panoramic display running across the base of the windscreen. Digital side mirrors are also available, with separate 6.4-inch displays mounted inside the cabin. Other equipment listed for the Chinese-market 07L includes laminated glass, a heated and cooled centre console and a Meridian sound system.
The 800-volt electrical system could also make charging performance an important part of the 07L’s Australian proposition, particularly as more premium EV buyers look beyond driving range and consider how quickly a vehicle can recharge on longer trips. Exactly how the Australian version will be specified remains unclear.
Another premium Chinese EV brand arrives
Avatr’s arrival adds another name to an increasingly crowded Australian new-car market. Since 2024, brands including Zeekr, Leapmotor, Deepal, XPeng and Denza have joined established Chinese marques already operating locally. Other brands including Geely, GAC, Omoda and Jaecoo have also expanded the number of choices available to Australian buyers.
Avatr is expected to sit towards the more premium end of this expanding group, putting it up against not only other Chinese EVs but established electric models from Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Lexus. For Australian buyers, the key details will be confirmed closer to launch. Pricing, final specifications, range and charging performance for the Avatr 07L have not yet been announced for Australia.
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