Avatr 012 Kim Jones Edition 2026: The $98,000 Limited-Edition Luxury EV with 650 km Range & 10-Minute Charging
The Avatr 012 Kim Jones Edition is not merely a car—it is a 700,000 yuan, 700-unit statement that China can build a luxury EV that rivals the Porsche Panamera and BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe in design and exclusivity, while out-teching them with Huawei's DriveONE powertrain and CATL's Kirin 5C battery. Unveiled in August 2024 and delivered from March 2025, the 012 is the second model in Avatr's high-end "0 Series" custom line, following the 011. It is the result of a collaboration with Kim Jones, former artistic director of Dior Homme and Fendi womenswear. Based on the Avatr 12, the 012 measures 5,020 mm long with a 3,020 mm wheelbase, and features a dual-motor AWD system producing 402 kW (547 PS), a 650 km CLTC range, and 3.8-second 0-100 km/h acceleration. Its 93.4 kWh Kirin 5C battery supports 10-minute charging from 30-80% at 480 kW. Inside, it offers a 35.4-inch 4K display, HarmonyOS 4, four-zone climate control, and a 2016W 25-speaker Meridian audio system. This is the story of how three Chinese giants—Changan, Huawei, and CATL—are redefining global luxury.
1. What Is the Avatr 012 Kim Jones Edition? The $98,000 Chinese Luxury EV
- Name: Avatr 012 Kim Jones Edition (2025/2026)
- Manufacturer: Avatr Technology (Changan Automobile, Huawei, CATL joint venture)
- Role: High-end limited edition luxury EV gran coupe
- Length: 5,020 mm (197.6 in)
- Width: 1,999 mm (78.7 in)
- Height: 1,450–1,469 mm
- Wheelbase: 3,020 mm (118.9 in)
- Seating: 4 seats (2+2 layout)
- Launch: August 2024 (presale), March 2025 (delivery)
- Price: 700,000 yuan (~$96,365 USD)
- Production: Limited to 700 units globally
- Key Feature: Kim Jones fashion collaboration, 650 km range, 3.8s 0-100 km/h, 10-minute fast charging, 35.4-inch 4K display
The Avatr 012 is the second model in Avatr's high-end "0 Series" custom line, following the Avatr 011 with Matthew M. Williams. It is the result of a collaboration with Kim Jones, former artistic director of Dior Homme and Fendi womenswear. The model is based on the Avatr 12, with Avatr adding an extra zero to the name to signify special editions. The 012 is positioned as a direct competitor to the Porsche Panamera and BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe.
So What? The Avatr 012 represents a new kind of Chinese luxury—one that combines world-class technology from Huawei and CATL with high fashion design from a global creative director. It signals that Chinese automakers are not just building affordable EVs, but are capable of creating luxury collectibles that command $100,000 price tags.
2. 5 Fast Facts About the Avatr 012 Kim Jones Edition
- 1. Liquid Silver Exterior with 12-Layer Paint: The 012's exclusive Liquid Silver paint requires a 12-layer process so labor-intensive that only two cars can be finished per day. The color was inspired by Kim Jones' architectural tastes.
- 2. 3.8-Second 0-100 km/h: The dual-motor AWD system produces 402 kW (547 PS) and 687 Nm, launching the 2.4-tonne gran coupe to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
- 3. 10-Minute Fast Charging: The 93.4 kWh CATL Kirin 5C battery can charge from 30-80% in just 10 minutes at 480 kW—faster than a coffee break.
- 4. 35.4-Inch 4K Cockpit Display: The 012 features a massive 35.4-inch 4K display that stretches across the base of the windshield, complemented by a 15.6-inch central screen and a 16-inch rear folding screen.
- 5. Co-Branded Dior Handbag Included: Owners of the 012 receive a complimentary medium-sized Dior Book Tote handbag, although its color and pattern are randomly selected.
3. Avatr 012 Kim Jones Edition Performance Metrics
Powertrain
- Type: Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
- Platform: Full-stack 800V SiC platform
- Motors: Dual-motor AWD (165 kW front + 237 kW rear)
- System Power: 402 kW (547 PS / 539 hp)
- System Torque: 687 Nm (507 lb-ft)
- 0-100 km/h: 3.8 seconds
- Top Speed: 220 km/h (137 mph)
- Battery: 93.4 kWh CATL Kirin 5C supercharged battery
- Range (CLTC): 650 km (404 miles)
- Peak Charging Power: 480 kW
- Charging Time (30-80%): 10 minutes
- Charging Time (0-80%): 15 minutes
- V2L Output: 3.3 kW
Chassis
- Suspension: Front double wishbone / Rear multi-link
- Air Suspension: Adaptive air suspension with CDC damping
- Brakes: Continental wire controlled braking system with Brembo four-piston calipers (front)
- Wheels: 21-inch Fashion Forged Wheel Hubs
Interior & Technology
- Seating: 4-seat premium layout with front double zero-gravity seats
- Upholstery: Full-grain Nappa vegetable-tanned leather, microfiber suede roof
- Instrument Display: 35.4-inch 4K integrated remote screen
- Central Screen: 15.6-inch intelligent central screen
- Rear Screen: 16-inch cabin floating skylight screen
- Rear View Screens: Dual 6.7-inch rear view screens
- Audio: 25-speaker Meridian High-end System, 2016W, 7.1.4 channels
- Air Conditioning: Four-zone automatic climate control
- Refrigerator: Intelligent refrigerator (standard)
- Fragrance: Exclusive co-branded fragrance system
- Interior Colors: Ivory white / vintage brown
- OS: HarmonyOS 4
- ADAS: Huawei ADS SE 3.0 with 3 LiDARs, 3 mm-wave radars, 11 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors
- Special Features: HALO interactive screen, starlight sunroof, Dior-inspired interior details
Analysis: The 012's performance figures are impressive for a luxury gran coupe. The 3.8-second 0-100 km/h time matches the Porsche Panamera Turbo S (3.0s) and BMW M8 Competition (3.2s). The 650 km range exceeds the Porsche Taycan (500 km) and BMW i7 (600 km). The 10-minute fast charging is among the fastest in production, rivaling the XPeng G9 (5C) and Lucid Air (10-80% in 15 minutes). The interior—with its 35.4-inch display, 25-speaker Meridian system, and four-zone climate control—rivals the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series.
4. The Kim Jones Collaboration: Fashion Meets Technology
- Designer: Kim Jones, former Dior Homme and Fendi womenswear artistic director
- Design Philosophy: Architectural inspiration, translating fashion aesthetics into automotive language
- Exterior: Liquid Silver paint with 12-layer process, 21-inch forged mirror wheels
- Interior: Ivory white and vintage brown color scheme, vegetable-tanned Nappa leather, exclusive perforated seat pattern inspired by light and shadow ripples
- Details: Co-branded logos on headrests, steering wheel, B-pillars; Dior Book Tote handbag included
- Production: 700 units worldwide, two cars per day due to paint complexity
The Avatr 012 is the first automotive collaboration for Kim Jones. The project began with Jones inviting the Avatr design team to his home so they could understand his lifestyle and expectations from a car. The result is a vehicle that feels like a "journey towards the future of mobility." The interior's exclusive perforated seat pattern was inspired by the light and shadow ripples in Jones' home, creating a "rhythm of movement and stillness."
5. Technology: The Huawei-CATL-Changan Trinity
- Huawei (Intelligent Systems): DriveONE high-voltage electric drive system, ADS SE 3.0 autonomous driving, HarmonyOS 4 cockpit
- CATL (Battery): Kirin 5C supercharged battery with 93.4 kWh capacity, 10-minute 30-80% fast charging
- Changan (Manufacturing): Production and platform development
- Key Features: 800V SiC platform, 3 LiDAR sensors, 35.4-inch 4K display, 25-speaker Meridian audio
The Avatr 012 is a showcase of what the Changan-Huawei-CATL alliance can achieve. Huawei provides the "brain" (intelligent driving and cockpit), CATL provides the "heart" (battery), and Changan provides the "body" (manufacturing). This trinity model is being positioned as the future of premium Chinese EVs, with the 012 serving as its flagship.
6. Competition: Avatr 012 vs. Porsche Panamera vs. BMW 8 Series
- vs Porsche Panamera Turbo S: The 012 offers a 650 km range vs 500 km (PHEV). It has a lower price (700,000 yuan vs ~1,500,000 yuan) and a more advanced electric powertrain (800V vs 400V). The Panamera has superior brand prestige, engine note (V8), and handling.
- vs BMW M8 Competition: The 012 offers similar 0-100 km/h times (3.8s vs 3.2s), a longer range, and a lower price. The BMW has better brand recognition, a V8 engine, and more established dealer network.
- vs Tesla Model S Plaid: The 012 offers a more premium interior (Nappa leather, 25-speaker audio) and more advanced autonomous hardware (3 LiDARs vs camera-only). The Model S has faster acceleration (1.99s), a longer range, and a more established Supercharger network.
The 012's primary advantages are its price, interior luxury, and charging technology. It undercuts European rivals by tens of thousands while offering superior range and a more advanced intelligent driving system. The 012's limited production run of 700 units also adds exclusivity, positioning it as a collectible rather than a mass-market vehicle.
7. Why This Matters for the Global Luxury EV Market
The Avatr 012 matters for three reasons. First, it demonstrates that Chinese luxury EVs are ready to compete head-on with European incumbents on design, technology, and exclusivity, not just price. The 012 is a $100,000 collectible, not a value play.
Second, the 012's collaboration with Kim Jones signals that Chinese automakers are learning the importance of fashion and design in building luxury brands. As Avatr's vice-president said, "relying solely on technological exclusivity to create a sense of luxury is increasingly difficult. This is why design — emotion and sentiment — plays a crucial role."
Third, the 012 showcases the Changan-Huawei-CATL alliance model, which could become a template for future Chinese luxury EVs. If successful, this model could challenge the established luxury hierarchy in the global automotive market.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Avatr 012?
The Avatr 012 is a limited edition luxury electric gran coupe developed by Avatr Technology in collaboration with fashion designer Kim Jones, priced at 700,000 yuan and limited to 700 units.
How fast is the Avatr 012?
The 012 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 220 km/h.
What is the Avatr 012's range?
The 012 offers a CLTC range of 650 km with its 93.4 kWh CATL Kirin 5C battery.
What is the Avatr 012's charging time?
The 012 can charge from 30-80% in just 10 minutes and 0-80% in 15 minutes at 480 kW.
How much does the Avatr 012 cost?
The 012 is priced at 700,000 yuan (approximately $98,000 USD).
Who designed the Avatr 012?
The 012 was designed in collaboration with Kim Jones, former artistic director of Dior Homme and Fendi womenswear.
What technology does the Avatr 012 use?
The 012 uses Huawei's DriveONE electric drive system, CATL's Kirin 5C battery, Huawei ADS SE 3.0 autonomous driving, and HarmonyOS 4 cockpit.
How many Avatr 012 units will be made?
The 012 is limited to 700 units globally.
Does the Avatr 012 come with a Dior bag?
Yes, owners receive a complimentary medium-sized Dior Book Tote handbag with their vehicle.
Is the Avatr 012 available outside China?
The 012 was exhibited at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich and has been confirmed for markets like Qatar, indicating global availability.
9. The Future of Avatr
The Avatr 012 is a flagship model that will define Avatr's global ambitions. The brand has confirmed it will launch three new vehicle models in 2024, including a dual-power sedan, a five-seater, and a six-seater.
Avatr's "0 Series" custom line will continue, with future collaborations expected. The 012 is the second model in this series, following the 011 with Matthew M. Williams.
For the global luxury EV market, the Avatr 012 represents a significant milestone—a Chinese luxury car that commands a $100,000 price tag and competes head-on with European incumbents on design, technology, and exclusivity. If Avatr can successfully build brand equity and maintain quality, it could become a serious challenger to the established luxury hierarchy.
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© 2026 SPEEDO SCIENCE | ENGINEERED FOR VELOCITY | Automotive, Avatr, 012, Huawei, EV
Sources: Avatr, Carscoops, Gasgoo, BitAuto, China Daily, IXBT, NaAvtotrasse, Raya, HeadLight Magazine
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