Avatr T09 flagship 6-seat SUV files in China with triple-motor PHEV, 300+ km EV range

• The Avatr T09 features a 71.24-kWh battery pack, offering an electric range of 300-330 km.
• The SUV is expected to feature Huawei's Qiankun ADS 5 and 4 LiDAR sensors, with a launch expected by year-end.

Avatr Technology's flagship 9-series SUV (sport utility vehicle) has appeared in a Chinese regulatory filing under the model name T09.

The T09 was included in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's latest catalog of new vehicle models, the 411th batch, released on Tuesday. Only plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants were listed.

Avatr is backed by Changan Automobile (SZSE: 000625), Huawei and CATL (HKEX: 3750). The company unveiled the SUV's exterior earlier on Tuesday.

The T09 measures 5,285 mm in length, 2,025 mm in width and either 1,810 mm or 1,820 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,150 mm. It has a 6-seat layout, according to the filing.

The SUV offers 2 powertrain configurations. The higher-spec version pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a distributed electric drive system comprising 3 motors. The engine produces 155 kW, while the front motor delivers peak power of 180 kW and the 2 rear motors each produce 225 kW. This version has a curb weight of 3,035 kg.

The other configuration combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 2 motors. The engine produces 110 kW, while the front and rear motors deliver peak power of 180 kW and 310 kW, respectively. Its curb weight is either 2,880 kg or 2,968 kg.

Both versions have a top speed of 220 km/h.

Both use ternary lithium batteries, with cells and battery packs supplied by a CATL subsidiary in Sichuan province.

The T09 features a 71.24-kWh battery pack, offering an electric range of 300-330 kilometers, according to the filing, which does not specify whether the range is based on the CLTC standard.

The SUV is expected to feature Huawei's Qiankun ADS 5, using a new-generation hardware architecture with 4 LiDAR sensors.

Avatr vice president Yong Jun previously said the company would launch a large 6-seat SUV by the end of this year, describing it as Avatr's first truly comprehensive collaboration with Huawei.

The T09 will enter the fiercely competitive market for large 6-seat flagship SUVs, taking on models including the Aito M9, Li Auto's (NASDAQ: LI) Li L9, Denza N9 and IM LS9 from IM Motors.

For Avatr, the flagship's significance extends beyond its brand image. The company sold 35,250 vehicles in the first 7 months of this year, averaging about 5,040 a month and trailing Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO) and Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV) by a wide margin.

Avatr launched the 5-seat Avatr 07L SUV on August 8, with a starting price of 219,900 yuan ($32,450) after limited-time incentives. Its main rival is the YU7 from Xiaomi (HKEX: 1810). The 9-series flagship is expected to sit in a higher price bracket.