Avatr Concept T09 previews production-ready Chinese SUV flagship for the world

After appearing in Chinese government filings, the Avatr T09 has been shown to the public in 'Concept' guise at a preview event in Paris.

The Avatr Concept T09 was shown to media in the French capital as part of the Chinese premium brand's launch into the European market, ahead of a debut at this week's Paris motor show.

While details and specifications were slim at the European media event, the brand confirmed the T09 is a three-row, six-seat SUV that serves as a new halo product for the brand, and a new interpretation of Avatr's distinctive design language for "a new prestige experience".

However, it's not the first time the world has seen this design. In September the T09 was detailed in certification filings for the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

Like most 9-series SUVs in China, the T09 is a massive full-size SUV measuring over 5.2m long and 2.0m wide, and unlike other Avatr models which offer both electric (EV) and extended-range electric (EREV) powertrain options, the T09 in China only offers the latter.

MIIT filings list two options – a 105kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with 180kW front and 310kW rear electric motors; or a 150kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 180kW front and dual 225kW rear electric motors.

Regardless of powertrain variant, both systems are paired with a 71.24kWh ternary lithium battery sourced from CATL, which backs the Avatr brand alongside Changan and technology firm Huawei.

It's heavy, too. According to the Chinese government filings, the T09's kerb weight is listed between 2880kg and 3035kg.

A range of styling options are listed in the MIIT data entry, including silver and dark chrome front grille options, several alloy wheel designs, two-tone paint, as well as an available LiDAR sensor and panoramic sunroof.

The interior is still to be unveiled in official photos, but Avatr's media presentations showed computer-generated imagery revealing a spacious, lounge-like three-row cabin.

According to chief design officer, Nader Faghihzadeh, "every passenger should feel included in the experience".

"Whether you are hosting a colleague or travelling with your family, the design has the same responsibility to make the space feel welcoming and to allow different people to share it with ease," Mr Faghihzadeh said during the reveal.

CarExpert understands the production version of the T09 for export markets outside of China likely won't be ready until at least 2028, though when it's ready to go global Australia is likely to be one of the first markets in line for the SUV flagship.

The Avatr T09 would rival the likes of the incoming Zeekr 9X – a similarly sized premium Chinese EREV SUV – as well as competition from traditional luxury marques like the upcoming Audi Q9, BMW X7, and Mercedes-Benz (incl. Maybach) GLS.

Australia will first get the smaller 07L SUV early in 2027, with the 06T sports wagon to follow in the latter half of next year. Both will be EV-only in Australia and Europe, despite the brand also offering EREV options in the Chinese market.

Avatr, a premium brand backed by the Changan Group, will commence its European rollout in Spain and Norway early next year, with other markets to follow. While Australia is one of the company's first right-hand drive markets, it first launched in RHD Thailand in 2024.

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