Chinese carmaker Avatr has unveiled the T09 concept at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. The six-seat flagship SUV pairs a turbocharged petrol engine with three electric motors, producing over 1000 bhp. It gets a 71.24 kWh battery supplied by CATL and is designed around a 2+2+2 seating layout. The T09 is part of Avatr’s new flagship series, bringing together technology from Changan, Huawei and CATL. A production version has already been revealed in China, with a market launch expected later this year.
At 5,285 mm long, 2,025 mm wide and with a wheelbase of 3,150 mm, the T09 is a full-size SUV. Its design marks a departure from Avatr’s existing styling language, with a large, imposing front end, split headlights and a distinctive grille featuring 362 individual elements inspired by the brand’s logo. It also gets crystal-style lighting elements and a clamshell bonnet measuring 2.1 square metres.
Inside, the T09 gets a distinctly tech-heavy cabin. The dashboard features a 10.25-inch instrument display flanked by two 17.2-inch screens, one for the central infotainment system and another for the front passenger. It also introduces a new ‘Vortex’ ambient lighting system, which uses 118 RGB LED elements integrated into a curved, retractable structure. The cabin follows a six-seat layout, with individual seats arranged across all three rows.
Under the skin, the T09 uses a plug-in hybrid setup. The flagship configuration combines a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine with three electric motors — one at the front and two at the rear — delivering a combined output of more than 1000 bhp. The system sends power to all four wheels, while the 71.24 kWh CATL battery offers a claimed electric-only range of over 400 km on China’s CLTC test cycle. Chinese regulatory filings have also revealed a less powerful configuration, pairing a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with two electric motors. This version produces a lower combined output, though it still offers all-wheel drive. Both configurations have a claimed top speed of 220 kph.
The T09 will be the first model in Avatr’s new flagship series, which the company says will focus on prestige, technology and a more commanding presence. It is expected to compete with large Chinese luxury SUVs such as the Aito M9 and Li Auto L9. With six seats, a big battery and four-figure horsepower, the T09 is another example of how quickly Chinese manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of what a luxury hybrid SUV can be.
