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Chinese automaker Avatr, a joint venture between Changan and CATL (a leading battery manufacturer), has launched a large electric sedan called the "06" in China. In its domestic market, the vehicle is aggressively priced, with a starting price of 220,000 yuan (approximately $30,000) for the all-electric version, which is about 7% cheaper than the competing Tesla Model 3. A hybrid version, equipped with a gasoline engine as a range extender, will be slightly less expensive.
In Israel, Avatr is expected to begin operations in about two months with its "11" SUV as the sole model, priced above 300,000 shekels (approximately $83,000). Later this year, the importer, Albar, plans to introduce a more affordable SUV named the "07." The "06" sedan, which has just been unveiled, is expected to arrive in Israel only by 2026.
Unique style: The "06" boasts a distinctive design, like other models from this young brand, featuring slim front lighting units, aggressive lines, cameras instead of side mirrors, and a sloping roofline that creates a coupe-like appearance. Its dimensions significantly surpass those of the Tesla Model 3, with a length of 485.5 cm (+13.5 cm), width of 196 cm (+11 cm), height of 145 cm (+1 cm), and a wheelbase of 294 cm (+6.5 cm). However, the trunk is modest in size, offering 416 liters, along with an additional front storage compartment with a capacity of 70 liters.
The interior includes a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, two 6.7-inch screens for displaying side mirror views, and a 35.4-inch full-width screen serving as both the dashboard and an infotainment system display. The rearview mirror is also camera-based. The front seats are equipped with retractable electric footrests, and the Meridian sound system features 25 speakers with a combined output of 2,000 watts.
Electric and hybrid powertrains: The "06" will be available in two fully electric versions. The rear-wheel-drive variant produces 343 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in 6.1 seconds. The all-wheel-drive version, with a dual-motor setup delivering a combined 600 horsepower, accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in just 3.9 seconds. Both versions are equipped with a relatively small 73 kWh battery, offering a theoretical range of 650 km (rear-wheel drive) or 600 km (all-wheel drive) under the lenient Chinese CLTC standard. Under the more stringent WLTP standard, the range is expected to fall between 490 and 530 km. The 800-volt system allows ultra-fast charging, promising to recharge the battery from 0% to 80% in under 17 minutes.
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Additionally, a plug-in hybrid version will be available, featuring a rear electric motor with 315 horsepower, enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 MPH in 6.6 seconds. This version has a 31.7 kWh battery, offering a substantial electric-only range of 230 km under the CLTC standard, or approximately 190 km under the WLTP standard. A 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine (156 horsepower) functions as a range extender.
Advanced technology: The driver assistance systems, developed by tech giant Huawei, rely on 11 cameras, 15 radars and one LiDAR sensor. These systems provide a comprehensive suite of features, including autonomous emergency braking (active when detecting cross-traffic from the front or rear), lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring (including door opening warnings), adaptive cruise control, remote parking, and more.
The "06" will also offer air suspension with adaptive calibration based on road conditions, monitored by a front-facing scanning camera. Additionally, the car features a Brake By Wire system, which reduces front-end dipping during braking by up to 87%.
Our take:
Chinese automakers continue to innovate and release new models at a rapid pace. Avatr's latest move is not just about competing with the Tesla Model 3 but also about offering hybrid options alongside fully electric ones, at a price that challenges the American manufacturer—and others as well.
If Avatr can maintain competitive pricing when it enters the Israeli market while preserving its rich feature set, the "06" could become one of the most intriguing contenders in the automotive market.