BYD Atto 3 Scores Huge Upgrade

Forget evolution, this is revolution. The BYD Atto 3 EVO is technically an update of the mid-size SUV that introduced the brand to Australia, but the revised styling hides a car that is essentially all-new.

To illustrate the scope of the changes, here’s a reminder of the current Atto 3 specs: a 60.48kWh battery in the Extended for 420km of range (WLTP), a front-mounted 150kW/310Nm electric motor for a 7.3sec 0-100km/h time and maximum 7kW AC and 80kW DC charging rates.

The EVO might look more or less the same and be exactly the same size – 4455mm long, 1875mm wide and 1615mm tall with a 2720mm wheelbase – but it moves to the latest version of BYD’s e-platform 3.0.

A larger 74.88kWh battery can provide up to 510km of range ( WLTP), while a 230kW/380Nm electric motor now drives the rear wheels for a 0-100km/h time of 5.5sec.

Joining the range is a new all-wheel drive variant with a combined 330kW/580Nm and searing 3.9sec 0-100km/h time, along with a top speed of 200km/h, though the claimed range dips to 470km (WLTP).

The move to rear-wheel drive has allowed for a new five-link rear suspension setup and a high-efficiency heat pump improves, err, efficiency.

BYD’s e-platform 3.0 also has 800-volt capability, massively increasing charging speeds to a maximum of 11kW AC and 230kW DC, allowing the battery to be filled from 10-80 per cent in 25 minutes.

Storage has been improved, the boot increasing from 440 to 490 litres along with the addition of a 101-litre frunk where before there was none.

BYD has taken the opportunity to rid the interior of some of the polarising design quirks; the sea shell door handles and ‘guitar string’ door bins are still there, but the dash and steering wheel have been toned down.

The streamlined centre console has been cleansed of buttons, suggesting all functions are now handled by the 15.6-inch infotainment screen that has wireless smartphone mirroring, built-in Google functionality, an AI assistant and native apps like Spotify and HERE maps.  

Safety is handled by seven airbags, plenty of active systems and a 360-degree camera and the standard specification is loaded, with heated and ventilated sports front seats, heated rear seats, vegan leather upholstery and a panoramic glass roof with sunroof.

An Australian arrival has not yet been confirmed, but certification documents for both the rear- and all-wheel drive variants have been lodged with the government.

The only remaining question is what effect this massive overhaul has on the price, which is currently $39,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Essential and $44,990 (+ORCs) for the longer-range Premium.

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