In an era where the high-end new energy sedan market is dominated by traditional luxury marques and emerging electric vehicle startups, the Avatr 12 has made a formidable entrance as a "vehicle from the future." It aims to reset the value proposition for intelligent electric sedans in the 300,000 to 400,000 RMB segment through extreme design, Huawei’s full-stack intelligence, and a luxurious, comfortable cabin.

On the road, the Avatr 12, equipped with the Huawei DriveONE dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, demonstrates a composure that matches its avant-garde positioning. The front motor delivers a maximum power of 195 kW, while the rear motor outputs 230 kW, culminating in a combined power of 425 kW and a peak torque of 650 N·m. The throttle calibration is linear and refined; initial response is sharp yet never abrupt, allowing power to unfold smoothly like silk. When the accelerator is pressed deeply, the immense torque is instantly released, propelling this 2.2-ton behemoth from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, with ample reserve power remaining in the mid-to-high speed ranges.

In contrast, the Zeekr 001 (AWD version), also featuring a dual-motor setup with a combined output of 400 kW and 686 N·m of torque, offers equally potent performance but with a tuning philosophy geared more towards "sporty handling." Its initial throttle response is more direct, embodying the aggressive spirit of a performance car—less composed, more passionate. The divergence in their driving philosophies is clear: the Avatr 12 is a "composed and elegant tech flagship," whereas the Zeekr 001 is a "passionate and surging performance beast."

Regarding range, the Avatr 12 is available with either a 94.5 kWh or 116 kWh CATL ternary lithium battery pack, offering a CLTC pure-electric range of 650 to 700 kilometers. It supports 750V high-voltage fast charging, capable of adding 200 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes. The Zeekr 001, equipped with 100 kWh or 140 kWh battery packs, also boasts impressive range figures, though its charging speeds lag slightly behind. While both adhere to a pure-electric route, the Avatr 12 holds a distinct advantage in ultra-fast charging technology.

"The emergence of the Avatr 12 is not merely about following in existing tracks; it is about leveraging extreme design and Huawei's full-stack technology to allow users to touch the true experience of future mobility." — Su Yan, Intelligent Automotive Observer.

Sliding into the Avatr 12’s cockpit, the low seating position and wraparound design immediately create a combat-ready atmosphere. The uniquely shaped steering wheel feels substantial in hand, with steering weight calibrated to be moderately heavy yet precise. In urban conditions, the chassis—comprising a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension, standard air suspension, and CDC variable damping shock absorbers—strikes a balance between comfort and support. It filters out road imperfections with remarkable efficacy, absorbing speed bumps with soft suspension movements while maintaining stable body posture. At highway cruising speeds, the vehicle exhibits strong stability, with wind and road noise isolation reaching class-leading standards.

Conversely, the Zeekr 001’s chassis tuning prioritizes sporty handling. Also utilizing a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link setup with air suspension, its overall character is tighter, offering clearer road feedback. While it controls body roll better than the Avatr 12 during rapid cornering, it sacrifices a degree of comfort in the process.

The Avatr 12’s steering is precise, with agile nose response and competent body roll control during fast corners, all serving its narrative of "composed elegance." In Sport mode, the air suspension lowers the vehicle, sharpening power delivery. The Zeekr 001 features heavier steering with equally precise pointing but a more direct nose response, delivering a distinct performance-car texture that offers superior driving enjoyment.

In terms of braking, the Avatr 12 is equipped with Brembo high-performance all-aluminum four-piston calipers. The brake pedal feel is linear and powerful, with tested 100-0 km/h braking distances of approximately 34.5 meters—an excellent result. The Zeekr 001, also fitted with a high-performance braking system, records a similar distance of around 35 meters.

The Avatr 12’s interior is built around the core concept of "Emotional Intelligence." The visual focal point is a 35.4-inch 4K panoramic wide screen paired with a 15.6-inch floating central control screen. Powered by the Huawei HarmonyOS 4 intelligent cockpit, the system offers top-tier fluidity, supporting seamless device handover, gesture control, facial recognition, and a rich application ecosystem. The uniquely designed steering wheel ensures comfortable grip. Seats are upholstered in Nappa leather with soft filling and robust support; the front seats feature ventilation, heating, and massage functions, while the rear offers optional dual zero-gravity seats.

The Zeekr 001’s interior, themed around "Shooting Brake Technology," features a 15.4-inch floating central screen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip. While the system is highly responsive and the cabin uses extensive soft-touch materials for a premium feel, the philosophical difference remains: the Avatr 12 serves "emotional intelligence and luxury," while the Zeekr 001 caters to "sporty technology and practicality."

In intelligent driving assistance, the Avatr 12 shines with the Huawei ADS 2.0 advanced system. Equipped with three LiDAR sensors, six millimeter-wave radars, and 13 cameras, it supports full-scenario capabilities including Highway NCA, Urban NCA, and AVP valet parking, setting an industry benchmark. The Zeekr 001 utilizes the ZEEKR AD system; while comprehensive, its hardware specifications and user experience currently trail behind Huawei’s ADS, giving the Avatr 12 a significant advantage in this domain.

"Sitting in the Avatr 12’s cabin, one feels the technological shock brought by emotional intelligence; sitting in the Zeekr 001, one feels the driving desire ignited by shooting brake sportsmanship." — Li Xiang, Editor-in-Chief of Zhijia Pai.

As a large-sized sedan, the Avatr 12 offers space performance that meets mainstream class standards. With a wheelbase of 3,020 mm, rear legroom allows a passenger of 180 cm height nearly two and a half fists of space. Headroom is slightly compromised by the fastback silhouette but remains acceptable. The trunk features a liftback opening with a massive aperture and considerable volume, complemented by an additional frunk for extra storage.

The Zeekr 001, as a shooting brake, boasts a wheelbase of 3,005 mm. Its rear legroom is comparable to the Avatr 12, with slightly better headroom. Its liftback trunk also offers superior loading flexibility. Thus, while the Avatr 12 excels in wheelbase and passenger space, the Zeekr 001 wins on the versatility afforded by its shooting brake design.

Regarding storage, the Avatr 12 provides ample door pockets, center console cupholders, and armrest box volume, with a reasonably placed wireless charging pad. The Zeekr 001 is known for its clever storage solutions, such as the hollowed-out design beneath the center console and well-thought-out door bins. The distinction lies in their approaches: the Avatr 12 offers "sufficiency," while the Zeekr 001 triumphs with "ingenuity." Their competition represents a direct dialogue between the "Intelligent Avant-Garde" and the "Performance Handling" schools of thought. Choosing the Avatr 12 signifies a willingness to pay a premium for top-tier intelligent driving and design; opting for the Zeekr 001 indicates that sporty handling and cost-effectiveness are the primary priorities.

1. What kind of vehicle is the Avatr 12?

The Avatr 12 is a large-sized pure electric sedan launched by Avatr Technology, jointly created by Changan, Huawei, and CATL. Its core selling points include Emotional Intelligent design, Huawei’s full-stack intelligence, and ultra-fast charging technology, targeting users in the 300,000–400,000 RMB range who seek technology and individuality.

2. What are the core competencies of the Avatr 12?

Its core competitiveness lies in the combination of Huawei’s full-stack intelligence, Emotional Intelligent design, and ultra-fast charging technology:

Huawei ADS 2.0: Delivers industry-leading all-scenario intelligent driving.

750V Ultra-Fast Charging: Adds 200 km of range in just 10 minutes.

Emotional Intelligent Design: Offers extremely high recognizability.

HarmonyOS 4 Cockpit: Provides a leading interactive experience.

CATL Batteries: Ensures safety and reliability.

3. What are the main differences between the Avatr 12 and the Zeekr 001, and how should one choose?

Design Style: Avatr 12 is futuristic and elegant; Zeekr 001 is a sporty shooting brake.

Intelligent Driving: Avatr 12’s Huawei ADS 2.0 is industry-leading; Zeekr 001’s system meets basic needs but lacks the same depth.

Driving Feel: Avatr 12 is composed and elegant; Zeekr 001 is passionate and surging, with more direct handling.

Charging Speed: Avatr 12 leads with 750V ultra-fast charging; Zeekr 001 is slightly slower.

Price Range: Both are similarly priced, though the Zeekr 001 has a lower entry threshold.

Recommendation:

Choose the Avatr 12 if you prioritize top-tier intelligent driving, ultra-fast charging, and distinctive design.

Choose the Zeekr 001 if you love driving, pursue sporty handling, and prefer the shooting brake aesthetic.

User Comments

User 289: "The Avatr is truly stunning; there are no imitations of its beauty."

User 06: "It would be perfect if it had rear-wheel steering."