The Avatr 07 is emerging as a compelling example of how quickly China's electric vehicle industry is advancing, according to a new review that praises the model's self-parking technology and build quality while criticizing its firm ride and reliance on touchscreen controls. The vehicle comes from Avatr, a joint venture between state-owned automaker Changan, technology giant Huawei, and battery manufacturer CATL — a combination that underscores the growing integration of tech and automotive expertise in China's EV sector.
The review describes the Avatr 07 as a smaller sibling to the Avatr 11, which was tested last year and had notable drawbacks. The newer model outclasses its predecessor in many respects, largely because it benefits from more recent development. In China's brutally competitive home market, where model cycles are short and automakers constantly push to differentiate their products, that kind of rapid improvement is essential for survival.
Unlike many Chinese automakers that imitate established Western designs, Avatr has invested in original styling. The company operates a design studio in Munich and employs chief designer Nader Faghihzadeh, who previously penned the BMW i8. The Avatr 07 features a lower waistline and a more rounded hatchback rear compared to the 11, giving it a slightly less imposing but more accessible appearance. The review notes that the design is a continuation of the 11's language but toned down for a broader audience.
Inside, the Avatr 07 impresses with Nappa leather seats, Dinamica microfiber suede on the roof, and an overall sense of quality that the review suggests will make German premium brands take notice. Even the lower B-pillar trim is wrapped in leather. A 35.4-inch display strip spans the base of the windscreen, incorporating widgets that show tire pressure, temperatures, power, and multimedia information — a refreshing change from screens that simply expand without adding useful functionality.
Both front seats offer heating, ventilation, massage, and a zero-gravity recline mode. The cabin includes scenario modes, such as a simulated fireplace that flickers on the screen and plays crackling sounds through the audio system. A pet mode, similar to Tesla's, maintains a constant temperature and displays a message to passersby that an animal is comfortable inside.
However, the review identifies several ergonomic problems. The air conditioning vents are designed to be invisible, requiring drivers to adjust airflow through a touchscreen menu rather than physically moving a vent. The steering yoke, which appears inspired by Tesla, becomes a chore during parking maneuvers that require multiple lock-to-lock turns. The review also notes that the tested model was not particularly quick, with a 0-100 km/h time of 13 seconds, and that the ride is firm.
The Avatr 07 measures 4,825 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, and 1,605 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,940 mm. It weighs 2,225 kg and features a rear-wheel-drive powertrain with an 82.16 kWh battery. Output is rated at 99 kW (132 hp) and 365 Nm of torque, delivered through a single-speed transmission. Top speed is 180 km/h, and the range is listed at 575 km (357 miles) under the NEDC standard. The vehicle is on sale now.
The review concludes that the Avatr 07 may be the best case for Chinese cars yet, highlighting the model's self-parking technology as the best the reviewer has experienced. While the car suffers from tech overload and a firm ride, its solid build quality and unique looks demonstrate how far Chinese automakers have come in developing top-flight technology. For American readers, the Avatr 07 offers a glimpse of the innovation emerging from China's EV market — even if the brand remains unknown in the United States.