The Avatr 11 Combines European Design with Chinese Technology, Yet There’s a Drawback: Review | Carscoops

      We take a brief drive in the Avatr 11, a collaboration among Changan, CATL, and Huawei, to evaluate its competitive stance against established vehicles.

      by Sam D. Smith

      **PROS** ›› Numerous tech features, high-quality interior, distinctive design

      **CONS** ›› Uninspiring driving experience, limited rear visibility, possible tech overload

      If you're starting to lose track of the many tech-focused Chinese automakers targeting Tesla, we can't fault you; this market is highly competitive. Many of these brands have substantial backing from significant entities (with several being state-supported) and are quick to adapt to local customer preferences.

      However, all these new contenders in China are learning that success at home does not easily translate to increased overseas sales. Competing with well-known automakers that have become familiar names globally is no easy task.

      **Read:** We Dive Into the Avatr 11 and 12 EVs Aiming to Disrupt the Luxury Market

      From what we’ve gathered, Avatr acknowledges this – or at least their recruitment and marketing teams do. Before getting behind the wheel of the 11 (pronounced “one one,” not “eleven”), I meet numerous European employees recently brought into the Avatr team. The company’s design center, located in Munich, is led by Nader Faghihzadeh, who honed his skills over a notable 17-year tenure at BMW.

      The composition of Avatr is intriguing as well. It originated from a partnership between Changan and Nio, with Nio stepping back due to financial issues. However, as Nio exited, two significant partners joined: tech giant Huawei and global battery supplier CATL.

      **QUICK FACTS**

      **A True Luxury Offering**

      If you're skeptical about Chinese automakers entering the true luxury domain, the Avatr 11 will serve as a surprising revelation. The interior is furnished with luxurious materials, thoughtful features, and real comfort. My only complaint was the sparse central console, as the space allotted for wireless phone charging looks empty without a device and feels slightly rough in comparison to the rest of the cabin.

      This minor issue arises because the heated, cooled, and massaging seats are clad in Nappa Leather, complemented by brushed aluminum accents throughout, including a Meridian-branded 25-speaker sound system reminiscent of a Range Rover. Additionally, the steering wheel features a comfortable design, wrapped in premium leather.

      All four doors operate electrically, which, while slower than manual operation, adds a cool touch. Notably, although there are buttons for door release, easy-to-locate manual emergency releases are included (Tesla may want to take note).

      Our test vehicle accommodated five, but a four-seater version is available for an added luxury coupe feel. Front seat passengers enjoy their own 10.25-inch screen (matching the driver's display), which can be used for media playback or displaying driving information, alongside a large central screen. Unlike its Deepal counterpart, this central display does not rotate towards the driver, but at 15.6 inches, it's sizeable enough to avoid what is, if we're honest, a somewhat gimmicky feature.

      As electric vehicles converge in terms of performance, manufacturers aim to showcase how their technology stands apart. Here, Huawei’s HarmonyOS works well as a system designed to enhance the driving experience rather than merely offering a repackaged Android system. HarmonyOS in the Avatr 11 delivers a level of fluidity that more traditional combustion engine systems should aspire to.

      This has its pros and cons. The positive is that nearly everything inside the 11 is controlled via the interface, while the negative is that this reliance means all functions are menu-driven. In a step beyond simply concealing climate control and fan settings behind a menu, the Avatr 11 requires adjustments to the HVAC vent direction through the screen, which can be frustrating akin to witnessing someone hit "Reply All" on a company-wide email.

      Nevertheless, the interior of the 11 consistently makes you feel exceptional. A standout feature is the "zero gravity" mode for the front seats, allowing you to relax while recharging and listening to the impressive sound system.

      **Exterior**

      The 11's exterior design is noteworthy. The matte grey finish on our test vehicle may not best showcase a design that is quite attractive from various angles. Regardless of color, the high waistline, pronounced wheel arches, and 22-inch multispoke wheels make the 11 quite dominant on the road.

      The peculiar black plastic on the front fenders is typically utilized for Avatr’s autonomous driving technology, equipped with radar and LIDAR sensors in other regions. There’s also an electrically deploying rear spoiler available in different models—something you wouldn't necessarily expect on a vehicle that is fundamentally a crossover SUV. At the back, the impractically small rear window features two flying buttresses, similar to the Jaguar XJS. This results in an interesting design that stands out amidst other Chinese