We test the BYD Atto 3, the Chinese electric SUV that competes with the best

Keep these three letters in mind, BYD, the acronym for “Build Your Dreams” (which translates as “build your dreams”), because if we’re not mistaken the brand is going to make a lot of noise in the coming months… and don’t rule it out as a purchase option in the future. Especially if your eyes are on a compact electric SUV, like the new BYD Atto 3.

In fact, you should do so as soon as you think about switching to 100% electric mobility. Just a couple of notes, so you know a bit more about the brand. We’re talking about one of the largest Asian manufacturers of plug-in hybrid and electric cars, which has already sold more than 3.7 million units in 70 countries. And now they are landing in Spain with very ambitious plans and a range that initially has three models: the Attos 3, the star of this article, and two other high-end electric cars: the BYD HAN, a luxury saloon, and the BYD TANG, a seven-seat SUV that also targets the premium segment.

For the sale of its cars on the Spanish market, BYD has reached agreements with several dealership groups, and the plan is to reach more than 40 sales points by 2025.

This is the BYD Atto 3: much more than an eye-catching design

Once the brand has been introduced, it’s time to talk about what may be one of its star models by sales volume: the BYD Atto 3. We are looking at an SUV measuring 4.45 metres long, 1.87 metres wide and 1.61 metres high, which is already on sale from 41,400 euros, with an electric motor producing 204 CV and a WLTP-homologated combined-cycle range of 420 km. To put it in market context, the only SUV with similar characteristics that costs less is the new SsangYong Korando e-Motion, available from 37,900 euros, but with a lower range of 340 km. Other electric SUVs the Atto 3 competes with are the KIA e-Niro, the Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric, the Lexus UX 300e and the Mercedes-Benz EQA.

The Atto 3 debuts version 3.0 of the versatile e-Platform of BYD, which has already shown everything it can offer, “stretching” to accommodate large-capacity batteries and up to two motors, as in the case of the aforementioned HAN and TANG. For the Attos 3 there is a single mechanical variant, with the 150 kW (204 CV) electric motor located on the front axle. The suspensions are MacPherson at the front and multi-link at the rear, and the kerb weight of the car is 1,750 kg.

The battery, like all those used by BYD, is lithium iron phosphate. This technology requires less lithium than conventional ones and uses neither nickel nor cobalt; it offers advantages in terms of safety and service life, although its energy density is somewhat lower. In the case of the Atto 3 it has a capacity of 60.5 kWh, operates at a nominal voltage of 403 volts and weighs around 420 kg. Thanks to a very low combined-cycle electricity consumption of just 15.6 kWh/100 km, the range reaches 420 km, and 565 km in urban cycle.

The charging times to 100% capacity range from nearly 10 hours on a 7 kW single-phase AC charger to 6.5 hours using the 11 kW three-phase charger that comes as standard. With DC charging it accepts a maximum charging power of 150 kW, which allows going from 10% to 80% charge in 44 minutes, recharging to 100% in 80 minutes, or going from 30 to 80% in half an hour.

An electric SUV for the city… and for travelling

Add its good performance (0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 160 km/h), low consumption, long range and fast charging capability to the benefits of a spacious and comfortable cabin, and you have a compact electric SUV that doesn’t limit its range to the city or its outskirts, and with which you can even consider travelling.

The bodywork has a design that doesn’t especially draw attention, despite being a new car and still unseen. An example of the opposite, a new electric SUV instantly recognisable and that will surely turn heads as it passes, at least at first, is the new Ford Explorer Electric. By the way, the drag coefficient Cx of the Atto 3 is 0.29, which is not bad at all. And you can choose from five metallic body colours: blue, white, grey, red and green.

But if the Atto 3 looks like just another SUV from the outside, inside it is a real surprise for several reasons. Firstly for its originality, with features like a very low dashboard that flows directly into the line of the doors, and with fun details like the elastic bands running along the lower part of the doors simulating the strings of a musical instrument, or the design of the handles and gear lever imitating dumbbells.

Secondly, because the materials are pleasant to the touch and the finish and overall quality are well above the simple look we usually find in other Chinese cars, on a par with the mainstream European brands. And finally, because of its huge multimedia screen, which can be 12.8 or 15.6 inches depending on the equipment level, in both cases with the option of positioning it horizontally or vertically thanks to an electric mechanism at the press of a button.

The largest one, which is the one I was able to use, is truly spectacular… and unnecessarily large, I would dare to say. But that is the trend, and you can also divide it into several zones to check different information. And since we’re on this topic, I should mention that in this first contact at least, I found it fantastic in terms of graphics quality and ease of use. A point in its favour, as there are no physical controls other than the buttons on the centre console, which allow you to choose between two levels of energy recovery, audio volume, driving modes and some main air-conditioning functions. In addition, the multimedia system recognises voice commands and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. On the downside, the instrument display is small, at 5 inches, although no information is missed.

Another very positive aspect of the Atto 3 is the space available not only for passengers: its 440-litre boot capacity is a very reasonable figure, allowing great versatility when travelling with luggage.

I haven’t been able to cover many kilometres in this first contact with the BYD Atto 3. At least not enough to verify with certainty whether it really consumes as little as advertised. But the feeling is that it will shine in this area; we will wait for a more thorough test. What the Atto 3 does make clear is that its approach is that of a comfortable car, and it demonstrates this with good sound insulation and notable comfort over potholes, which convey a sense of quality on the road.

Grip on dry asphalt is very good, and there is no “tugging” in the steering when accelerating, so there is no need to be careful with the right foot at roundabouts or on exits from bends, as with other electric cars of this type. What would be appreciated is greater differentiation and better control over the different levels of regenerative braking; for example, with paddles on the steering wheel. But overall, the BYD Attos 3 is a very satisfying car, especially for relaxed driving and enjoying the electric experience.

Price and equipment of the BYD Atto 3

The BYD Atto 3 has a starting price of 41,400 euros for the Comfort trim version. The equipment is very complete, with metallic paint, electric panoramic roof, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, high-beam assist, leather upholstery, heated seats, wireless smartphone charger, 8-speaker sound system, rear-view camera, heat pump, integrated 11 kW charger and keyless entry and start.

Nor is anything missing in terms of safety and driver assistance equipment, with hill descent control, intelligent adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, front collision and rear cross-traffic warning with automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping and lane-change assistants.

For an additional 1,500 euros, the Design trim adds an electrically operated tailgate, a reactive interior lighting system that changes colour with the music, an air purification system, V2L bidirectional charging function and the larger touchscreen, at 15.6 inches.

Until the end of May, BYD is offering a promotion that includes a home charger and an extension of the standard warranty (4 years or 120,000 km) to 6 years or 150,000 km, plus a specific battery warranty of 8 years or 200,000 km.

BYD Atto 3 – Image Gallery