BYD Atto 3 is widely known for its affordability and celebrated for holding its own against a missile. The 5-seater, fitness-themed compact battery-electric crossover SUV offers efficiency and practicality. If you are considering buying this vehicle, here is everything you need to know before making your decision.
The Interior is Quite Unconventional
Atto 3 exterior carries the “Dragon Face 3.0” design characteristic of BYD vehicles. The interior, however, is what steals the spotlight.
It looks unconventional, with its gym-themed accents such as the dumbbell-shaped air vents, a treadmill-patterned armrest, and a textured, wave-like dashboard. The door design adds a fun musical flair, thanks to the guitar-string-like strings on the door panels, which also function as storage for the door pockets. You either like it or you don’t. Some users have reported liking the different look, but without enthusiasm about keeping it long-term.
The cabin quality exudes a premium feel, featuring multi-colored upholstery with double stitching, soft-touch materials, and synthetic ‘vegan’ leather. The central screen is a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen (standard on early models) that can switch between landscape and portrait modes with a single button press. The instrument cluster, however, is considered small compared to the large central screen, and some users find it difficult to read.
A noteworthy feature is its panoramic sunroof with a sunblind, a clear distinguishing factor from rivals with fixed glass roofs. The cabin offers ample legroom for an EV, but taller users are not so excited about the headspace in the back. The seats themselves are well-made for visibility, but users find them not particularly suited for long journeys due to limited lumbar support. Cargo space is modest at 440 litres, extending to 1338 litres with rear seats folded, and there’s an underfloor compartment for cable storage.
BYD Atto 3 Value for Money Performance
Atto 3 is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 150kW (201 hp) and 310 Nm of torque. This setup propels the SUV from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 7.3 seconds, delivering performance that is both accessible and sufficient for daily driving, from city commuting to the highway.
The standard-range version has a 50 kWh battery and a 345km WLTP range. The extended range uses a 60.48 kWh battery for 420 km. Both support AC charging up to 7 kW, taking about 9.5–10 hours to charge at home. DC fast charging up to 88kW enables a 30–80% charge in 30 minutes. BYD’s advanced e-Platform 3.0 and Blade Battery enhance safety and durability, withstanding extreme testing and even a missile strike. This is well reflected in its 5-star rating from the independent European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).
BYD Atto 3 – At A Glance
| Specification | Details |
| On sale | Sales began in early February 2022. |
| Price (from) | ¥115,800 (~$15,940) – base price in the Chinese market. Additional costs bring the range to between $20,000 to $50,000 in international markets. |
| Powertrain | 150kW (204hp) |
| Battery capacity | 60.5 kWh |
| WLTP range | 420 km (261 miles) |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.3s |
| Top speed | 160km/h (99mph) |
| Charging (AC) | 7 kW |
| Charging (DC) | 88kW |
| Boot space | 440/1340 L |
| Kerb weight | 1,750 kg |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 4455 x 1875 x 1615 mm |
| Warranty | 6 years (8 years for the battery pack). |
| Safety rating | 5 star (EuroCAP) |
| Rivals | MG ZS EV, GAC Aion Y Plus |
BYD Atto 3: Fun-ctional Ride
The BYD Atto 3 isn’t the most fun to drive, but it does its job as a family SUV. It is a purely functional and comfortable cruiser, offering a mostly smooth ride thanks to its soft suspension. It tends to lean around corners, especially during high speeds, so it is best suited for low-speed riding. It features a host of standard driver assist features, including a 360-degree view monitor for parking aid. It also features BYD Intelligent Voice Control, which enables hands-free control of the EV’s functions, such as media, navigation, windows, and rotating the infotainment screen. As a family SUV, it is quite practical and predictable, which was BYD’s aim with the car.
BYD Atto 3 Software & Updates
The Atto 3 is equipped with Over-the-Air (OTA) update capability, enabling post-purchase software updates and new feature additions. Wireless Apple CarPlay was added, along with features like camping and karaoke modes, and optimizations to driver-assist functions. The BYD smartphone app provides remote services, including checking battery status, activating remote charging, controlling climate (heating and cooling), and tracking vehicle location. Even more, the BYD Atto 3 also has V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) as a feature, which can be used to power appliances – perfect for camps and road trips, or blackout situations. The V2L setup offers a continuous output of 2.2kW, with a peak output of 3.3kW.
BYD Atto 3 Pricing and Maintenance
BYD Atto 3 pricing varies by market. In China, it starts at 115,800 yuan (over $16,000), while international prices range from about $22,000 to more than $50,000 due to tariffs and taxes. Regional subsidies may further reduce costs.
Maintenance costs are low, as EVs have fewer moving parts. Maintenance generally required is tyre rotation every 10,000 kms, transmission oil replacement, brake fluid flush, and HEPA filter replacement every 2 years. Brake pad replacement depends on use, while the drive unit coolant flush needs to be done every 4 years. The total cost of the initial purchase plus maintenance costs makes it a highly budget-friendly vehicle.
Best Price-Value Ratio Amongst the Competition
The BYD Atto 3’s interior is its standout feature—either loved or disliked. User opinions on its long-term appeal are mixed, but compared to similar EVs, it offers the best value for the price.
The Atto 3 outpaces the MG ZS EV, going from 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, versus 8.2 seconds. It has a more powerful motor (150kW vs 130kW), a bigger boot, and a more advanced suspension. The MG ZS EV is slightly cheaper at entry level, but overall, the Atto 3 wins on price, range, and practicality across both standard and premium models.
Once again, the BYD Atto 3 is faster and more comfortable than the GAC AION Y Plus. It also features safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, which are absent from the base Aion Y Plus Elite.
However, the GAC Aion Y Plus offers a larger battery capacity (about 3 kWh more in premium models only) than the BYD Atto 3, hence its higher range (430 km). It offers a larger interior thanks to its MPV-inspired body style and greater height, providing more generous headroom for rear passengers. The Aion also features a 10.25-inch digital cluster, which is a big contrast from Atto 3’s 5-inch one. In some markets, such as Malaysia, the Aion Y Plus even costs less than the Atto 3.
As far as budget family EV cars go, BYD Atto 3 is a strong contender amongst other cars in its price range. Between the Atto 3 and the Aion Y Plus, location plays a key role in determining which is better.
Editor’s Take
The Atto 3 isn’t the best EV, and its quirky interior isn’t for everyone, but it offers strong value for the buck. It’s ideal for daily commutes and new drivers. However, if you prioritize driving engagement, you may want to look elsewhere.
Dollars loves following the latest innovations in automobile technology and sharing insights.
When she’s not writing, you can find her playing badminton or diving into a new opera piece.