The new Atto 5 from BYD is on its way, based on the second generation of the Chinese Yuan Plus

The Chinese manufacturer BYD already plans to launch internationally the second generation of the Yuan Plus, which it unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show last April. However, outside China this new model will be marketed under a different name, under the name Atto 5.

New Zealand will be the first export market for this new model, arriving as early as 2027. The Atto 5 will position itself as a premium option with larger dimensions compared to the current Atto 3, which in this case is based on the first generation of the Yuan Plus.

Everything points to the Atto 5 directly replacing the Atto 3 in New Zealand, and BYD does not plan to sell both models simultaneously. For now, the Chinese manufacturer’s strategy for the European market has not been revealed, although everything indicates that the Atto 5 will not reach Europe until well into 2027.

Technical specifications to keep in mind

The second generation of the Yuan Plus, on which the new Atto 5 will be based, stands out for its notable increase in dimensions, measuring 4,665 mm long, 1,895 mm wide and 1,675 mm high. This means 210 mm more in length, 20 mm more in width and 60 mm more in height compared to the first-generation model on which the current Atto 3 is based. The wheelbase also grows to 2,770 mm, 50 mm more, and this model can now be fitted with 19-inch wheels.

Inside, the second-generation Yuan Plus offers a 750-litre boot, along with a 180-litre front trunk. On top of this, up to 39 additional storage spaces spread throughout the cabin substantially improve the vehicle’s practicality.

One of the most notable innovations in the new Yuan Plus is the integration of the second generation of BYD’s Blade battery, capable of ultra-rapid Flash Charging, which we have already told you about here on HighMotor in a previous post. In China, two rear-wheel-drive versions of this new model will initially be offered: one with a 200 kW motor and a 57.5 kWh battery pack promising 540 km of CLTC range, and another with a 240 kW motor and a 68.5 kWh battery pack reaching 630 km of CLTC range.

BYD will begin selling the second-generation Yuan Plus in its domestic market on 21 May. Among the equipment available for this new model are a 256-colour ambient lighting system, automatic dual-zone climate control, a large panoramic roof, a 16-speaker Dynaudio sound system, a fridge with heating/cooling function, a 50 W wireless charger and seven airbags.