AVATR 11 with Huawei's HarmonyOS Cockpit now shipping

25 August 2023

We've all witnessed those flashy car unveilings, boasting the "latest" tech, only to find out it's something most cars had two years ago. But AVATR's recent launch genuinely caught our attention as it integrated the new Huawei ADS 2.0 smart driving system and the latest HarmonyOS 4 cockpit. And no, the cockpit isn't a fancy word for the dashboard; it's something far more "2023."

The Huawei ADS 2.0-powered AVATR 11 is finally going on sale. There are four models available - two with a single electric motor and two AWD versions. There is a choice of two batteries as well and the cheapest model starts at RMB 300,000 ($41,160) while the top-of-the-range AWD model with the largest battery comes at very attractive RMB 390,000 ($53,500).

Coming with GOD (General Obstacle Detection) network, the car promises unrivaled recognition capabilities. Now, it doesn't just stop when it sees standard obstacles; it can even recognize quirky situations, like a fallen tree in the middle of the road or a tilted vehicle (don't ask how that happens).

Oh, and if you're the kind of person who gets a tad nervous about relying too much on technology (thanks, Black Mirror), you'll appreciate this: During daylight tests, the AVATR 11 was the only model that could spot obstacles like cones and 'cartons water horses' - yeah, we don’t know what they are either.

But enough about GOD networks. Let's talk driving. The average manual takeover mileage has leaped from 62 miles to 124 miles according to Huawei. For the non-car folks, this means you can enjoy your mocha latte and podcast episode for a good 124 miles stretch before there’s a situation requiring your intervention. That's enough for inter-city commute. And if toll stations are your nemesis, here's some good news: AVATR is pioneering a high-speed NCA function. Translation? A smoother, smarter drive.

Now, about that HarmonyOS cockpit. The AVATR 11 doesn't just want you to drive; it wants you to engage. Think of the most user-friendly smartphone you've ever had. Now, imagine that experience in your car. The HarmonyOS infotainment system introduces a "scenario world," which sounds far more sci-fi than it is. Whether you're in the mood for a quick karaoke session (yes, while parked) or you're taking a break to watch a movie, this car’s got a mode for it.

Oh, and if you're worried about leaving your beloved tech behind, don't. The car syncs seamlessly with your mobile, making sure you're always connected. Heck, it can even transform into a “vehicle computer” display if you fancy it. It's like Knight Rider, minus the dramatic voiceover.

But a car isn’t just about the tech. The AVATR 11 HarmonyOS edition flaunts Huawei’s DriveONE high-voltage electric drive system. In human terms? The single motor version offers a decent 230 kW output and peak torque of 273 lb-ft, zipping from zero to 62 mph in a neat 6.6 seconds. And for those who can't resist the pull of power, the dual-motor version cranks up the fun all the way to 425 kW and 479 lb-ft, taking the sprint time down to a jaw-dropping 3.9 seconds (with the smaller, lighter battery pack). Both versions have a choice of battery size, with the biggest unit, according to the ever-so-optimistic CLTC standards, delivering as much as 454 miles of driving fun - if only that was true.

While AVATR's latest offering doesn't reinvent the wheel (pun absolutely intended), it does show us what's possible when smart meets car. This good-looking SUV definitely has all the markings of a potential winner - it has the power, it has the range and now, it possibly is the smartest one out there. But, as always, in the EV game that’s not enough. Shame it is stuck in China, it could be a serious competition to pretty much every premium electric SUV we have.

Via