BYD is showcasing just how far its range has come three years on from its UK debut by confirming a major update for its inaugural offering, the BYD Atto 3.
As if to emphasise the extent of its evolution since then, the revised electric SUV will be known as the BYD Atto 3 EVO and is headlined by a significant step forward in terms of power and range.
The launch of the Atto 3 in 2023 marked a significant milestone for the industry by introducing the Chinese marque to UK audiences. Since then, BYD has gone on to capture a sizeable 2.5% market share, while its arrival has triggered a slew of other Chinese brands to launch on these shores.
While the Atto 3 EVO bears similarities to the model it replaces on the outside, it has undergone a major update under the skin by adopting the brand’s new E-Platform 3.0 architecture.
A new 74.8kWh battery represents a major increase in size on the unit it replaces, while it is now arranged in a ‘cell-to-body’ format that integrates it into the chassis for better packaging and weight reduction.
Available with rear-wheel drive single-motor and all-wheel drive dual-motor options, the former is available on Comfort variants to boast a punchy 308bhp and a 0-62mph time of 5.5secs.
Opt for the more powerful set-up – available on Excellence trims – and this rises to 442bhp and a 0-62mph time of just 3.9secs.
Despite the impressive performance figures, the Atto 3 EVO can achieve a combined 317-miles and 292-miles of range respectively.
While the performance and economy figures should go far in giving the Atto 3 EVO an edge over a plethora of rivals in the hotly contested mid-size SUV class, BYD has consolidated these gains with upgrades to the interior too.
Though the overall design remains largely unchanged – meaning there is still a large 15.6-inch touchscreen dominating the dashboard – the Atto 3 EVO introduces updated upholstery, while the operating system has been improved too.
Practicality remains an Atto 3 strong suit with boot space increasing to 490-litres, while there is even a large 101-litres of space in the ‘frunk’ under the bonnet.
The Atto 3 is the first of BYD’s original line-up – which also comprised the Dolphin – to receive an update. Since then, however, BYD has multiplied its line-up to now comprise ten models, including the BYD Atto 2, BYD Dolphin Surf, BYD Seal, BYD Seal 6, BYD Sealion 5 and BYD Sealion 7.
It also includes the BYD Seal U, which has gone on to establish itself as one of the UK’s best-selling models.
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- BYD
- New Cars