Avatr Unveils Its New Flagship SUV
Avatr has released the first images of its largest SUV to date. The as-yet-unnamed model has provisionally been assigned to the 9 Series and is scheduled to launch in China by the end of 2026. A spacious interior with six seats is planned.
Avatr is backed by Changan, Huawei, and battery manufacturer CATL. However, Huawei's involvement in the new flagship goes significantly further than in previous models. Avatr has not yet disclosed technical specifications for the powertrain, battery, or range.
Distinctive Design with Roof-Mounted LiDAR
The front features a closed-off section with a dot-matrix pattern and slim, split lights. Other details include partially recessed door handles, wheels with closely spaced spokes, and a large panoramic glass roof. The first images show a two-tone finish with a silver upper section and a white lower body.
A clearly visible LiDAR sensor is mounted on the front section of the roof. It is expected to be Huawei Qiankun's system already used in the Avatr 07L, with 896 channels and two optical signal paths. However, this specific sensor version has not yet been officially confirmed for the 9 Series.
What the High-Resolution LiDAR Is Intended to Deliver
LiDAR uses laser pulses to scan the surroundings and generate a three-dimensional point cloud. Higher resolution can help detect smaller objects or outlines earlier, especially in complex traffic conditions. However, the channel count alone does not determine the quality of the overall system, as software, cameras, radar, and computing power remain equally important.
Huawei Supplies More Than the Cockpit and Driver-Assistance Systems
Until now, Avatr has primarily used Huawei technology for intelligent driving functions and the digital cockpit. For the new SUV, Huawei is also expected to contribute to vehicle controls, lighting, voice operation, and other core functions. This makes the 9 Series the most comprehensive joint project between the two companies to date.
The flagship is intended to demonstrate how deeply Huawei's hardware and software can be integrated into a complete vehicle concept.
| Category | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Vehicle class | Large flagship SUV |
| Seats | Six |
| Market launch | Planned in China by the end of 2026 |
| Sensors | Roof-mounted LiDAR visible; exact version not confirmed |
| Huawei technology | Vehicle controls, lighting, voice operation, and intelligent driving functions |
| Powertrain and battery | Not yet known |
| Official model name | Not yet decided |
Avatr Targets the Fiercely Competitive Luxury Segment
In China, the new six-seater will compete with established flagships such as the Aito M9, Li Auto L9, Denza N9, and IM LS9. At the same time, the selection of large premium SUVs is growing rapidly. The announced Denza N8 with Blade Battery and the technologically ambitious Xpeng G9L with an 800-volt system also illustrate the rapid pace of development.
For Avatr, the model is therefore more than a prestigious brand showcase. In the first seven months of 2026, the brand sold 35,250 vehicles, averaging around 5,040 units per month. That is well below the sales volumes of larger Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers such as Nio and Xpeng.
At the same time, Avatr is working toward an initial public offering in Hong Kong. For 2025, the company reported revenue of 25.63 billion yuan, while its net loss fell to 3.49 billion yuan. Its gross margin improved to 9.4%, but remains a key challenge for a young manufacturer with high development costs.
Europe Remains Off the Agenda for Now
A launch in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland has not yet been announced. For now, the 9 Series is clearly tailored to the Chinese market and its strong demand for luxurious six-seat SUVs. Details about pricing, charging power, and possible powertrain variants are likely to emerge gradually ahead of the planned launch.
Nevertheless, the model is still relevant to Europe. Avatr is using it to demonstrate the extent to which Chinese automakers and technology companies are combining their expertise. Vehicle platform plus Huawei software → a level of integration that traditional manufacturers usually have to achieve through multiple suppliers.
