AVATR reveals extravagant T09 six-seater luxury SUV for Australia for 2028

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The emerging Chinese luxury SUV arms race has a new contender, with the
Changan Group throwing its hat into the ring via the enormous six-seat AVATR T09
plug-in hybrid now officially earmarked for Australia in 2028.

Unveiled yesterday evening ahead of the Paris motor show, the T09 measures
5285mm long, makes use of a large 71.24kWh CATL ternary lithium-ion battery, and,
in its most powerful configuration, is claimed to produce more than 1000 metric
horsepower (630kW).

AVATR describes its Paris display as a concept, but Chinese government MIIT
approval documents already reveal detailed production specifications. With a
Chinese launch planned before the end of 2026, the Paris car looks considerably
closer to showroom reality than the concept name suggests.

The T09 will crown an expanding Australian line-up led by the 07L five-seat electric
SUV, due in the first half of 2027. The sleeker 06T shooting brake has also been
spotted testing in right-hand drive in Australia ahead of its second-half 2027 launch.

AVATR belongs to Chinese manufacturing giant Changan, whose Australian links
already include Deepal and the Changan-Mazda joint venture. CATL supplies
batteries, while Huawei provides much of the brand’s vehicle software and driver-
assistance technology in the Chinese market.

Compared to lower-set existing AVATR models, the T09 switches to a more imposing
silhouette, with a squared-off nose, intricate diamond-effect lighting, a crystal
bonnet ornament and a grille composed of 362 miniature AVATR logos.

This marks the beginning of a second, more traditional luxury design language
developing under former BMW designer Nader Faghihzadeh.

At 2025mm wide with a 3150mm wheelbase, the T09 is longer than the BMW X7 and
220mm longer than Hyundai’s latest Palisade. Inside is a 2+2+2 configuration, with
individual middle-row chairs and a third row for two.

The Paris interior brings a three-screen fascia – a 10.25-inch instrument display and
twin 17.2-inch touchscreens, plus an unusual illuminated, rising centrepiece called
Vortex. Exactly which show-car details reach production remains to be seen.

Chinese regulatory filings describe two all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid options. The
entry version combines a 110kW 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with 180kW and 310kW
electric motors, front and rear for total outputs of 490kW.

The flagship upgrades to a 155kW 2.0-litre petrol engine with three motors: 180kW at
the front and 225kW driving each rear wheel. AVATR claims more than 630kW of
combined power.

Both use the same CATL 71.24kWh battery – larger than that fitted to some pure EVs,
with 300–330km of electric-only driving according to Chinese WLTC filings, or over
400km on the more generous CLTC cycle.

The hybrid system can switch between electric, petrol-assisted and range-extender
operation. Fast-charging figures remain unconfirmed.

Advanced chassis hardware includes dual-chamber air suspension, rear-wheel
steering and a sideways ‘crab’ manoeuvring mode. That sophistication comes with
mass: Chinese filings list kerb weights between 2880kg and 3035kg.

Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 5 uses four lidar sensors for advanced driving assistance.

Its deep integration with Chinese mapping, software and connected services creates
a substantial localisation task: Australian infotainment and ADAS functionality may
need to be altered or replaced to suit Australian laws.

The closest local rival could be the confirmed Australia-bound Zeekr 9X, another
lavish six-seat Chinese plug-in hybrid boasting a battery of up to 70kWh and up to
1030kW in its most powerful specification.

BYD-owned Denza’s B8 already gives Australian buyers a six-seat plug-in hybrid
alternative from $97,990 before on-road costs, although its body-on-frame off-road
focus differs from the T09’s luxury-first brief.

Hyundai’s Palisade hybrid, priced from $76,500 in eight-seat form, offers a more
conventional family-car comparison.

At the other extreme, BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS buyers are clearly in AVATR’s
sights, while pure-electric alternatives include the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90.

In China, the T09 will face domestic heavyweights including the Aito M9 and Li Auto
L9 – evidence of just how fiercely contested the six-seat premium SUV market has
become.

Australian pricing, available powertrains and equipment are still unconfirmed and
are unlikely to become known until well into 2027.