BYD announces a plug-in hybrid version of the Atto 2 SUV for the European market

The Chinese manufacturer BYD has just unveiled a plug-in hybrid version of its compact SUV, the Atto 2, for the European market. A model that until now was only sold on the continent as a pure battery electric. Under the name Atto 2 DM-i —where DM-i stands for Dual Mode-intelligent— this new plug-in hybrid variant will arrive in two different configurations, with the first customer deliveries scheduled for the first quarter of next year.

BYD claims that this variant redefines the compact SUV segment thanks to an electric range, without consuming a single drop of petrol, of up to 90 kilometres. According to the Chinese manufacturer, this figure is higher than that of any rival in the same segment. The model is also capable of covering up to 1,020 km when the combustion engine kicks in.

However, the Chinese manufacturer has not revealed technical details about the propulsion system, the exact capacity of the battery pack or the supported charging power. For now, the only thing we know is that the two versions on sale will differ in the capacity of the battery pack, but we have no specific data. It is therefore reasonable to assume that the announced 90 km of electric range will only be achievable with the version fitted with the larger-capacity battery pack.

At first glance you will find it hard to tell it apart from the electric variant

As for the design, the Atto 2 DM-i features subtle changes to distinguish it from the pure electric model. The central grille is slightly wider, it adds decorative elements on the lower part of the front bumper, the side vents on the front wings have been removed and it has new badges on the tailgate. BYD will also offer, exclusively for this plug-in hybrid variant, the paint colour Midnight Blue.

The European debut of the Atto 2 DM-i will take place this same week at the Fleet Europe Days in Luxembourg, followed by an official presentation to the press next November. BYD will open its order book shortly after, and we can expect that by then we will know the price of the two versions on sale, which has not been revealed so far.

In any case, what we do know is that in Germany, the pure electric variant with the 45 kWh battery pack, which offers a WLTP range of 312 km, has a base price of 31,990 euros. Meanwhile, the version with the 60 kWh battery pack is available from 38,990 euros.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverBYD Atto 25 versions · from 28,200 €