The 2024 Avatr 11 (see specs) SUV was launched at the Beijing Auto Show in April. Backed by CATL, Huawei, and Changan, the premium Avatr 11 SUV starts at 295,800 yuan (40,700 USD). We previously tested the Avatr 12 fastback (see specs) in June. It is time to take the Avatr 11 SUV on the road to see how it performs. Let’s head out with the Avatr 11 on this week’s Sunday China Drive!
First Impressions
Nader Faghihzadeh’s design team (a former BMW designer) created the Avatr 11, applying the philosophy of “Future Elegance.” The daylight-running lights outline the edges that resemble an “E-shape” integrated into the front bumper. The hood has an optional halo display. In the seemingly simple front of the car, many sensors such as semi-solid-state lidar, millimeter wave radar, ultrasonic radar, and camera are hidden. The vehicle has frameless doors with retractable door handles.
The Avatr 11 SUV has a unique rear window design similar to that of the classic mid-engine sports car Dino Ferrari. A retractable rear spoiler and a continuous taillight complement it. Due to the rear window design, it has a drag coefficient of 0.308 cd, higher than that of the Avatr 12 fastback of 0.21 cd. The doors closed with a solid sound, with all the panels aligned and the paint well-finished.
The Interior
When the Avatr 12 fastback was launched in November 2023, owners of the Avatr 12 SUV complained that the interior’s luxury level could not match that of the fastback fastback. Also, there were misaligned panels. Fast-forward to 2024, and the new Avatr 11’s interior quality and luxury level have been upgraded. Avatr 11 boasts warm tones, plush finishes, and a unique purple and white color scheme. This is highlighted by integrated gold trims that enhance the new fluorescent gold paint, adding a touch of elegance.
It has a 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel behind the not-so-rounded steering wheel. The centerpiece is a 15.6-inch floating screen with split-screen functionality running on Huawei’s HarmonyOS. It displays navigation, games, and videos, allowing window transfers to the co-pilot screen while responding to voice commands. The most unique part of the dashboard is the “emotion vortex” above the floating screen. It houses the center speaker. Air vents are behind the vortex, blowing indirectly at the front-row seats.
The new Avatr 11 is about luxury, comfort, and convenience. It has a wireless charging pad and an additional screen for the front passenger. The panoramic roof enhances the sense of openness. The seats, upholstered in full-grain semi-aniline leather, are softer and more breathable than those of the previous model.
Unlike the Avatr 12 fastback, the window controls are in the right place in the Avatr 11 SUV, on the driver-side door. It is equipped with front zero-gravity seats, while the rear seats provide ventilation and heating for a more comfortable ride.
Audio enhancements feature a 25-speaker Meridian acoustic system, delivering a 7.1.4-channel surround sound and boasting China’s first PA3 DSP power amplifier platform with a 2016W power output. Additionally, Avatr has integrated simulated engine sounds and active noise cancellation.
Storage
The trunk is deep but has a capacity of only 394 liters. It has a large frunk of 95 liters to compensate for the small trunk.
Behind the Wheel
Our test car is the Avatr 11 2024 RWD Luxury, which costs 325,800 yuan (45,000 USD). After getting behind the wheel of the Avatr 11 SUV, I immediately felt the aggressiveness of the regenerative braking. With a slight tap of the foot, the car will come to a complete stop. I asked the Avatr test drive specialist to make adjustments. The issue was fixed within moments, and we were on our way.
Driving on the suburban roads in Zhuhai, I was delighted with the Avatr 11 SUV. It is very different to the Avatr 12 fastback. First, the steering wheel is more rounded, which is much easier to navigate compared to the oval-shaped steering wheel in the fastback. The driving dynamics of the Avatr 11 SUV are surprisingly sporty. The steering is quick and direct but lacks feedback from the road. Meanwhile, the fastback is a GT car tuned for cruising, which I found dull and boring to drive.
Based on the EP1 platform, the Avatr 11 is agile around corners and fun to drive. Avatr 11, being an SUV, has a higher ground clearance, so body roll is expected. Additionally, the Avatr 11 features a 50:50 weight distribution, which enhances its handling. This is also aided by the front double wishbone independent suspension and multi-link independent suspension at the rear. The suspensions are firm yet provide a comfortable ride, absorbing the vibrations from the surface of the road.
Our test car features a single Huawei DriveONE e-motor with 230 kW and a 730 km range. With 370 Nm of torque, it can hit 0 – 100 km in 6.9 seconds, providing a linear speed increase, yet the acceleration felt more rapid than that of the BYD Sea Lion 07.
At lower speeds, I noticed very little noise inside the cabin. However, like the Avatr 12 fastback, there was wind noise from the frameless doors at higher speeds.
Like the Aito M9 and Avatr 12, which we tested earlier, the Huawei ADS 2.0 driving assistance system offers a top-notch autonomous driving experience. The single-motor Avatr 11, with 34 intelligent driving sensors and standard high-speed NCA, effectively detects surrounding objects, adjusts speed, changes lanes, and makes U-turns, though occasional manual intervention is needed. Advanced technologies and updates enhance its autonomous driving capabilities and expand city NOA coverage. The APA intelligent parking assist function is also fast and precise. Cars from Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance and Avatr will soon receive ADS 3.0 via OTA update, where further enhancements will be seen.
Battery Range
Our test car has a 116 kWh battery with a 730 km range CLTC. It supports 240 kW DC charging, adding approximately 200 km of range 10 minutes of charging.
Safety Features
The 2024 Avatr 11 models feature a comprehensive collision prevention system, including front AEB/GAEB, side ELKA/LOCP, and rear RAEB components. The new LOCP system, leveraging the laser radar GOD network, enhances safety by steering the vehicle back to its lane if an obstacle is detected when driving between 30 km/h and 130 km/h.
Dealership Experience
As we tested the Avatr 12 fastback previously, I went on Wechat and contacted the Avatr rep we were with last time. Upon arriving at the same dealership, the Avatr rep greeted me with a friendly smile and promptly organized the paperwork. After signing the documents, we left the dealership with the Avatr 11. The rep accompanied me throughout the test drive, assisting when needed and explaining the car’s details. After the test drive, the Avatr rep and I reclined the front zero-gravity seats, played some relaxing music with a fireplace theme in the Avatr 11, and chatted about the car for a while.
Conclusion
The Avatr 11 has received various iterations since it released in China in 2022. Despite their similarities in aesthetics, each iteration has been seen with refinements and upgrades. This is a good demonstration of the term “Chinese speed” and its evolution.
The 2024 Avatr 11 is my favorite SUV that we have tested to date, especially with its driving dynamics. Its appearance may closely resemble its sibling, the Avatr 12 fastback, but they are very differently tuned.
2024 Avatr will expand into Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, opening over 90 stores in more than 40 countries. This follows April’s partnership agreements to enter Singapore, Nepal, and Azerbaijan. Changan, aiming to boost overseas sales, will introduce Avatr and its other NEV brands to Europe this year and establish a European company. By 2027, six new energy models will be launched in Europe. Avatr also aims to be a top Chinese brand in Thailand by 2025. Avatr’s sales have been steady, with 4,682 vehicles delivered in June, marking a 167% increase year-on-year. With a lower-priced model on its way, the Avatr 07, Avatr may increase its market share with a broader audience.
Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can get more evaluations of Chinese cars from a first-person perspective.
