Avatr, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer backed by Changan and CATL, has confirmed it will enter the European market in 2027, beginning with Norway and Spain. The announcement was made at the Paris Motor Show, where the company also previewed its European line-up with the T09 Concept.
The brand has been preparing its European launch for more than three years and is now working to establish sales, service and partner networks across its two initial markets. Eight models are planned for Europe over the next three years, with the first arrivals confirmed as the 06T and 07L.
The 06T is a sleek estate, while the 07L is a luxurious SUV. They will be joined by six further models spanning mid-size SUVs, large SUVs and shooting-brake body styles. Among the most significant of these will be the T09, a flagship full-sized SUV previewed in Paris in concept form.
The T09 is designed to compete with vehicles such as the Li Auto L9, Aito M9 and Zeekr 9X, as well as established luxury flagships including the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Recent filings in China have already revealed key details of the production version, which will be sold as a range-extender EV.
Two powertrain options are expected. The first pairs a turbocharged 1.5-litre inline-four producing 141 horsepower with a 241 hp front motor and rear electric motors delivering 415 hp. The second combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 201 hp, a 241 hp front motor and a pair of 302 hp rear motors. Both versions will launch in China with a 71.24 kWh battery, though it remains unclear whether the European model will carry the same specifications.
Justin Li, head of Avatr's overseas business, said at the Paris event: «Avatr has been a global brand from the very beginning. Over the next three years, six models will be launched in Europe spanning mid-size SUVs, large SUVs and shooting-brake body styles. In 2027, Norway and Spain will serve as AVATR's European launch markets, where the AVATR 06T and 07L will make their European debut, officially embarking on a new journey for AVATR in Europe.»
Avatr will work with local dealers and service partners across Europe and has committed to providing full-lifecycle support to buyers through a European spare-parts logistics system and roadside assistance.
While the company is only now expanding into Europe, it already operates in more than 70 countries and regions and plans to reach 110 countries by 2030. It has sold more than 280,000 vehicles to date.
Avatr's global design centre is based in Munich, Germany, where designers work alongside colleagues at its Shanghai design centre to create models intended to appeal to buyers worldwide. The company's decision to establish a European design presence well before its market entry reflects the importance it places on the region.
The European launch represents a significant step for a brand that has spent years building its global footprint. With eight models planned over three years and a flagship SUV aimed at the luxury segment, Avatr is positioning itself to compete across multiple categories in one of the world's most demanding automotive markets.