Car review
Avatr 06T packs superlative performance in a stylish wagon body
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CHONGQING, China – Chinese car brand Avatr was launched in Singapore in the middle of 2025 with the 11, followed by the 07. Both are pegged as upper-end luxury cars. The 06T, driven briefly at its world debut on April 22 in Chongqing, will be the third model in Singapore when it arrives by the last quarter of 2026.
Unlike the Avatr models one has already seen, the 06T is not a sport utility vehicle but a four-door, five-seater “shooting brake”, which is a more stylised interpretation of the station wagon format, similar to the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo.
The stylists got their inspiration from the silhouette of a peregrine falcon in a high-speed dive. The connection may be lost to most, but the car looks sleek and muscular, yet elegant. Not a single sharp edge or crease anywhere to disrupt the smooth contours of this sports-coupe station wagon.
It may be a stretch to call the 06T a sports car, but the technical specifications reflect a clear performance orientation. Two drivetrains are available: a rear-wheel-drive and an all-wheel-drive version.
While the all-wheel drive has a motor powering the front wheels, for both versions, the rear axles have two motors to turn the wheels individually.
Avatr calls it the “Taihang distributed electric drive system”. The system output of either versions is staggering – at 502kW (673hp) for the rear-wheel drive and 712kW (955hp) for the all-wheel drive.
Even the less powerful version – which boasts 750Nm of torque – takes just 3.9 seconds to hit 100kmh from a standstill. The all-wheel-drive version, with 996Nm of torque, completes the sprint in 2.8 seconds.
The car looks dramatic when launching from a standstill as its rear end squats pronouncedly, pointing its nose skywards. This is even though the car has an air suspension system, which should be able to manage the squat better. That said, the 06T resists diving well, even during hard braking.
The drive at the circuit in Chongqing was short, with the all-wheel drive’s incredible acceleration and phenomenal braking prowess being the two strongest impressions.
Squarish steering can be tricky to use, but the cabin is otherwise attractive.
ST PHOTO: SHREEJIT CHANGAROTH
The car felt precise through the corners, without any tendency to understeer or oversteer. The car’s squarish steering takes getting used to, though. Twirling it through tight turns takes a level of dexterity most drivers are probably not endowed with.
Everything else inside that car is extremely well designed, with quality materials and ease of use. Also impressive is the attention to detail in ergonomics, styling and general feel. The panoramic glass roof, windscreens and windows are all double-glazed, which is good for cutting out noise.
The test car came with the optional digital wing mirrors that display their high-definition images on the left and right ends of the dashboard.
The passenger compartment has room for five, with the generously sized windows and glass roof making it feel spacious. The station wagon-form means there is a tail gate, which offers full-width access to the cargo compartment.
There is also an underfloor cubby that can easily swallow a regular carry-on bag. Crucially, there are no wheel-arch intrusions in the main loading area, so a golf bag can sit transversely without having to fold down the rear seats.
The boot is wide with an underfloor cubby that is big enough for luggage.
ST PHOTO: SHREEJIT CHANGAROTH
A welcome feature is the easily accessible mechanical door release on the armrests, which works in addition to the electronic button that activates the motorised door opening and closing feature.
From the appealing design to the premium finishing to the sophisticated powertrain set-up, the Avatr 06T is one electric vehicle to watch out for.
Avatr 06T Performance Tri-Motor
Price: $250,000 to $280,000 with certificate of entitlement (estimated)
Motors: Single front asynchronous induction front and twin rear permanent synchronous rear with 89.3kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery
Transmission: Single-speed, all-wheel drive
Power: 712kW
Torque: 996Nm
0-100kmh: 2.8 seconds
Top speed: 240kmh
Power consumption: Not available
Charging capacity: 11kW AC; 900kW DC
Range: 680km (provisional, under CLTC)
Agent: DPL Premium Automobiles
