AVATR 12: The Gran Coupe That Blends Style with Range-Extender Flexibility

The AVATR 12’s primary strength is its dual-powertrain flexibility: buyers can choose a pure EV for zero-emission efficiency or a range-extender (REEV) that combines electric drive with a small petrol generator, eliminating range anxiety on long trips. Its exterior design is genuinely head-turning – a sleek, low-slung gran coupe silhouette with distinctive lighting elements. Inside, the cabin impresses with premium materials, a minimalist layout, and a large curved display that integrates seamlessly. Ride quality is compliant and composed, with quiet isolation at highway speeds. The EV version offers effortless acceleration typical of high-power electric motors, while the REEV maintains strong performance with the security of a backup fuel source.

The gran coupe shape imposes a steeply sloping roofline, which noticeably limits rear headroom – taller passengers will feel cramped in the back. The REEV variant, while solving range anxiety, carries a weight penalty and a slightly more complex drivetrain that may affect long-term reliability. The boot opening is narrow, and the rear seats do not fold (or fold only partially), limiting cargo versatility compared to a traditional sedan or SUV. Brand recognition for Avatr (a joint venture between Changan, Huawei, and CATL) is still building outside China, so resale value and dealer support may be less established than incumbents like Tesla or BMW.

In daily use, the AVATR 12 coddles driver and front passenger with massaging, ventilated seats and a hushed cabin. The suspension absorbs most road imperfections, though the low-profile tyres on larger wheels can transmit sharper impacts. The driving position is low and sporty, which some will love, but getting in and out requires a bit of a drop. The steering is light and accurate, making the car feel smaller than its size in urban settings. Rear-seat comfort is fine for shorter trips, but the lack of headroom makes it a four-seater in practice rather than five. The REEV variant’s petrol engine is well-isolated when running, only audible under hard acceleration.

Practicality is a mixed bag. Up front, there is a frunk large enough for a small suitcase. The main boot is deep but has a narrow opening, and the pass-through for skis is compromised. The interior storage is plentiful with a deep centre console and door pockets. The infotainment system, co-developed with Huawei, is responsive and feature-rich, with over-the-air updates, natural voice control, and a large augmented-reality head-up display. Driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control and lane-centering that work smoothly on highways, though they can be conservative in traffic. Some controls are overly reliant on the touchscreen, which can distract while driving.

As a new brand from a joint venture, the AVATR 12 has a limited service network outside of China. Parts availability and trained technicians may be scarce initially. The REEV powertrain adds complexity, with the need to maintain both an electric motor and a small internal combustion engine. Early reports suggest software glitches that are gradually fixed via updates. Battery health and thermal management are robust thanks to CATL’s involvement, but long-term degradation data is scarce. Insurance premiums may be higher due to the car’s value and repair costs from unique body panels. Resale value remains uncertain given the brand's novelty.

Shortlist the AVATR 12 if: you value standout design and want the reassurance of a range-extender option for long-distance travel without sacrificing electric daily driving; you prioritize a luxurious, tech-laden front cabin; and you are open to a less-established brand with a strong technology partnership (Huawei, CATL). Avoid it if: you regularly carry adults in the back; need maximum cargo practicality; prefer a traditional luxury badge with a proven dealer network; or are adverse to touchscreen-heavy interfaces. It also is less suitable for buyers in regions with limited EV charging infrastructure, as the REEV is the only way to fully mitigate that – but then the pure EV version is a mismatch.