Avatr, a premium sub-brand by Changan Automobile, has just made its debut in Singapore with the introduction of the fully-electric (EV) Avatr 11 in the city-state. Two variants are available: Standard Range and Long Range, priced from SGD278,999 (approx. RM918k) and SGD303,999 (approx. RM1 million), CarNewsChina reports.
This eye-watering price tag is attributed to the country’s Certificate of Entitlement (COE) being included in the sticker price, which makes the Avatr 11 in Singapore three times more expensive than in Thailand, where it is priced at a more wallet-friendly THB2.099 million (approx. RM274k) and THB2.299 million (approx. RM300k) for the same variants.
However, when compared to other luxury SUVs on sale in Singapore, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC at SGD360,888 (approx. RM1.18 million) and the Range Rover’s SGD672,888 (approx. RM2.2 million), suddenly, the Avatr 11 begins to look like a relative bargain.
Measuring 4,895 mm long, 1,970 mm wide, and 1,601 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,975 mm, the Avatr 11 is a chonker of an SUV. This makes it larger, yet shorter in height, than the recently launched Jaecoo J8.
Both variants of the Avatr 11 in Singapore are powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that delivers 313 hp (230 kW) and 370 Nm of torque. This enables the Avatr 11 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds for the Standard Range variant and 6.9 seconds for the Long Range variant, onwards to a top speed of 200 km/h for both variants.
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As the variant names suggest, the Avatr 11 is available with two battery pack sizes. The Standard Range is equipped with a 90.38 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack, enabling a range of 475 km (WLTP), whereas the Long Range variant is equipped with a larger 116.79 kWh battery pack of the same chemistry, which increases the range to 600 km (WLTP).
Thanks to its 750V architecture, the Avatr 11 can support up to 240 kW DC fast charging. This enables a 30-80% top-up in 15 minutes for the Standard Range variant, and 25 minutes for the Long Range variant. AC charging is supported at 11 kW for both variants.
What truly makes the Avatr 11 stand out is its exterior design. The front fascia looks otherworldly with its unique daytime running lights, with the main headlights mounted low in the front bumper.
Contradicting the futuristic front end, the rest of the Avatr 11 looks more conventional. However, the rear features another unique design, where its flat vertical rear windshield layout allows the tailgate to incorporate a retractable spoiler.
Inside, the Avatr 11’s interior resembles a dual-cockpit design featuring three displays: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch infotainment display, and an additional 10.25-inch display for the front passenger. While the infotainment system in China is powered by Huawei’s Harmony OS, the Singapore-bound Avatr 11 misses out on this feature.
For safety systems, the Avatr 11 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, which include adaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality, lane centring assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Notably, the Avatr 11 in Singapore also misses out on the LiDAR sensors available in the China-spec SUV, which enable more advanced autonomous features.
The launch of Avatr in Singapore follows Changan Automobile’s recent strategic investment in the region. The company has established its first overseas production plant in Thailand, which is set to manufacture models for its sub-brands like Avatr and Deepal. This new facility will serve as the company’s primary export hub for the Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand markets.
With the Avatr brand now making inroads in yet another ASEAN country, could Malaysia be its next stop? If Avatr plans to take advantage of Malaysia’s current EV tax incentives, it will have to move quickly, as the exemptions are set to expire in just four months at the end of 2025.
However, a swift launch may not be guaranteed. For context, Deepal – another brand under the Changan Auto umbrella – was originally supposed to make its local debut in mid-2025 through Bermaz Changan Sdn Bhd (BCSB), following the preview of the Deepal S07 earlier this year. That mid-2025 timeline has now passed with no official updates, suggesting a potential delay in Changan’s plans for the Malaysian market.
