- Avatr showed camouflaged prototypes of a new electrified SUV during testing in Mongolia.
- The model, set to debut later this year, is rumored to adopt the Avatr 15 moniker.
- The Chinese brand will reportedly offer the SUV in EREV and BEV flavors, as with its entire future lineup.
Avatr is ready to unveil a new model, expanding its lineup next to the existing 11 SUV and 12 gran coupe flagship. The Chinese premium EV maker which is backed by Changan, Huawei, and CATL, showed us camouflaged prototypes of a new electrified SUV which is rumored to be called the Avatr 15 (one-five).
The teaser reveals the high-riding stance of the new Avatr which adopts familiar styling cues. The split headlights look like an evolved version from the ones in the Avart 11, while the slim taillights resemble the sleeker Avatr 12. In the official photos we can see a prototype with mirror-replacing cameras and another one with conventional mirrors.
More: We Get Up Close To The Avatr 11 And 12 EVs Aiming To Shake Up The Luxury Market
The camouflage wrap prevents us from seeing if the SUV will come without a rear windscreen, following the example of the Avatr 12. It is also unclear if the new model will adopt the hood-mounted display of its stablemates, as a form of communication with other road users when the vehicle is parked.
One of the prototypes comes fitted with a retractable awning, a roof rack, and a trailer hitch, communicating its adventurous character in combination with the generous ground clearance. The camouflage wrap reveals a few extra bits of information, like the size of the alloy wheels (22 inches), and the location of the photoshoot (Mongolia).
Avatr / Weibo
According to Chinese media, the Avatr 15 will debut in the second quarter of 2024, as a Tesla Model Y rival. As such, it is expected to be smaller than the 4,880 mm (192.1 inches) long Avatr 11, and the 5,020 mm (197.6 inches) long Avatr 12.
Besides the pictured SUV, Avatr is also working on another model, which could adopt a low-slung bodystyle targeting the Tesla Model 3. As for the powertrain options, it has been reported that Avatr will offer EREV (range-extender) variants of its entire range alongside the existing BEVs in a quest to boost sales.
We have previously reported that Avatr plans on entering other markets outside China. The expansion will start later this year from Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, followed by the United Arab Emirates. Avatr will then land in Europe somewhere around 2026-2027, while there is a chance they will eventually come to North America. Note that the Avatr design center is located in Munich, Germany, showing the brand’s global aspirations.