Avatr dressed a prototype in a very wacky camouflage and is now getting ready to send it into the world as a Tesla Model Y rival. It is going to take a lot to beat the Y, which is the best-selling car in the world.
The prototypes with the multi-colored wrap show up in photos while winter-testing in Mongolia, somewhere near the Yakeshi city, one of the coldest places in the area.
The model, which will basically be a crossover coupe, will reportedly be called 15 (one-five). The looks of the model seem to be a mix of the Avatr 11 and 12, combining the split headlights of the SUV with the slim taillights of the 12.
The photos show that some prototypes sport cameras instead of conventional side mirrors, which means that they should be available as an optional feature in the lineup. Most likely, also optional are the retractable door handles.
However, none of the photos shows the rear end of the vehicle, so we can't tell for sure if, just like in the case of the Avatr 12, the automaker ditched the rear window for the 15 as well. If the car does come without a rear window, the driver will have to count on the camera for rear visibility.
Photo: Avatr
The photos also show a prototype equipped with a retractable awning, roof rack, and trailer hitch, which are hints that the model will be off-road-ready, a characteristic which is also confirmed by the high ground clearance. The vehicles ride on 22-inch wheels.
Sitting on the CHN architecture, jointly developed by Changan, CATL, and Huawei, the crossover will be available either as a range-extender version or as a BEV. The model will slot right between the two already existing models of the brand in terms of size and price.
As reported by the Chinese media, the Avatr 15 is set to debut later this year and will join a lineup comprising the Avtr 11 SUV and the Avatr 12 gran coupe flagship.
The model will be ready to take on the Tesla Model Y, which is the world's best-selling car. Over 1.2 million customers ordered one last year.
Founded in 2018 as a joint project between Changan, CATL, and NioThe Chinese automaker is also working on a Tesla Model 3 rival but the name of that one has not been disclosed yet. However, Avtr is planning to roll them out as global products, starting with Southeast Asia before they reach the United Arab Emirates.
The first Avtr examples will arrive in Europe sometime in 2026 or 2027. This shouldn't be that hard since the brand's design center is located in Munich, Germany. After that, the automaker might make an attempt at the US market.
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