Avatr, a premium electrified vehicle brand in which Changan and CATL hold 40.99% and 14.1% stakes, respectively, will enter the European market before the end of 2027, as per its chief designer Klaus Zyciora (via Reuters).
Avatr heading to the UK
Back in September 2024, Autocar had reported that Avatr was targeting a UK launch by late 2025. In a subsequent story published by The Independent on 5 September, 2025, Nic Thomas, managing director of Changan UK, said that Avatr would follow Changan and Deepal into the UK “in late 2026,” though it remains to be seen if this timeline still holds.
We had a chance to experience the 07 mid-size SUV recently at a global motor show, and here are some interesting observations we made:
Design
The high-tech, futuristic exterior of the Avatr 07 is unlike anything else we’ve seen in this segment and is a testament to how far Chinese automotive design has come.
The beautifully sculpted body with clean lines and tight panel gaps, the intricate detailing in the ultra-slim front and rear lights, the flush-integrated door handles, and the sleek glasshouse together give the EV an unmatched road presence.
The Avatr 07 measures 4,825 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height and has a 2,940 mm wheelbase. In markets where regulations allow, camera-based digital side mirrors are available as an option.
Interior
A minimalist, highly digital interior emphasises space and connectivity, giving the cabin an upmarket look. The centre of attraction here is the 35.4-inch 4K panoramic display near the windscreen, the size and layout of which remind us of the BMW Panoramic Display seen in the BMW iX3. That said, this is a cost-effective conventional screen, not a projection-based setup like in the BMW.
The Avatr 07’s cabin looks and feels upmarket, with rich colour schemes, wide and supportive seats featuring wing-type headrests and an eight-point massage function, a 2,016-watt, 7.1.4-channel, 25-speaker Meridian sound system, and a discreet ambient lighting setup. Cabin space is generous, with 1,037 mm of headroom in the front and rear and 965 mm of legroom in the rear.
Our observations in the Avatr 07
At 5 ft 7 in, I had no issues entering the front of the Avatr 07. The driver’s seat provides good back and under-thigh support, and I measured around six and a half inches of headroom. Forward and lateral visibility is good, while rearward visibility is slightly restricted. Egress is easy because the driver’s seat moves to a more accessible position when the door is unlocked.
Rear access is straightforward. Legroom is good, and headroom is about five inches. Under-thigh and back support are adequate, and the outboard seats feature heating. The backrest is adjustable, and the wing-type headrests in the outer positions feel comfortable.
The fold-out centre armrest includes two cupholders and a touch panel for seat heating, reclining, and other comfort adjustments. Rear-seat amenities include two AC vents and a compact storage box in the middle of the front centre console area.
A magnetic smartphone mount behind the front passenger seat stands out, as it integrates a wireless charger and a USB-C port below it.
Specifications
The Avatr 07 is available as a BEV and an EREV. The 07 BEV comes in single-motor RWD and AWD variants, both with an 82.16 kWh LFP battery pack that supports charging at up to 420 kW and charges from 0 to 80% SoC in just 20 minutes.
The RWD variant packs 252 kW (338 bhp) and 365 Nm (269 lb.-ft.) of torque, accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.3 seconds, achieves a top speed of 124 mph, and travels up to 404 miles on a single charge.
The AWD variant, with 440 kW (590 bhp) and 645 Nm (476 lb.-ft.) of torque, hits 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds, but it has the same top speed and covers a distance of 379 miles. These are CLTC range figures, and WLTP ratings will be lower.
The 07 EREV uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that serves as a generator for a 39.05 kWh or 52.01 kWh LFP battery pack. A rear-mounted motor generates 231 kW (310 bhp) and 333 Nm (246 lb.-ft.) of torque, allowing the 07 EREV to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds when equipped with the 39.05 kWh LFP battery pack and 7.0 seconds when equipped with the 52.01 kWh LFP battery pack.
The 07 EREV can travel up to 693 miles in the configuration with the smaller battery pack and 746 miles in the configuration with the larger unit.
Release Date
Going by the aforementioned media reports, the Avatr 07 should arrive in the UK by 2027, with the pure-electric variant competing with the Tesla Model Y and the Xpeng G6. Whenever it reaches here, it would be wise for Changan to retail Avatr models through a dedicated dealer network.
Also See: First Look Review: Avatr 11 Royal Edition adds luxury to sci-fi design
Since 2014, I’ve worked as an international automotive editor, attending global motor shows, industry events, media drives, and tracking the latest developments across the sector, with a particular focus on electrified vehicles.
