The New BYD ATTO 3 EVO

The first car BYD launched in the U.K. was the ATTO 3 back in March 2023 and just three years later BYD feels like a familiar brand. This is a phenomenal achievement given the short time the brand has been in the public domain on U.K. roads.

BYD is the largest manufacturer of new energy vehicles in the world (battery electric and plug-in hybrid), so it’s no coincidence that they have become a familiar brand as they have been expanding into new markets at a rapid pace.

To mark BYD’s three years since arriving, they’re launching the heavily revised ATTO 3 EVO. Its looks may be familiar, but this family sized SUV has had a thorough re-work.

BYD ATTO 3 EVO

BYD are now bringing more power, larger battery packs, more range, faster rapid charging and AWD is now available, too.
So what’s on offer?

The latest version of the e-Platform 3.0 sees the shift from Front-Wheel Drive to Rear-Wheel Drive as well as an an All-Wheel Drive option.
This has freed up space in the front with a new frunk able to carry 101 litres of luggage, whilst the boot can swallow 490 litres.

And thanks to the platform change, suspension receives an upgrade from a 4-link layout to a 5-link layout for a more sophisticated ride.

BYD ATTO 3 EVO Frunk

There are two versions, the Design and Excellence, but there’s only one battery on offer which also gets a significant upgrade in capacity to 74.8 kWh, increasing range to 317 miles (WLTP).

Power has been increased to 312 hp shoving the ATTO 3 EVO to 60 in a rather prompt 5.5 seconds.

The AWD Excellence has two motors for a combined output of 448 hp and will peel your face back into a semi-permanent grin in just 3.9 seconds when thundering down the tarmac from a standstill to 60 mph. The Excellence loses a bit of range, but can still cover 292 miles from the WLTP test cycle.

Vehicle to Load (V2L) is offered across the ATTO 3 EVO range thanks to a new 800v architecture, which also provides a significant improvement in charging speeds at 220 kW for a 10-80% charge in 25 minutes.

As before, BYD is using their blade battery technology made from LFP, or Lithium Iron Phosphate battery chemistry, meaning that a regular full charge is preferred over an 80% charge, providing the full battery range from each charge (when possible).

Inside there has been changes to the cabin with a new 8.8-inch digital driver’s display and a fixed 15.6-inch touchscreen that now offers Google’s AI assistant for natural speech commands.

Inside the BYD ATTO 3 EVO

There’s the usual safety assistance in abundance, too, from front and rear cross traffic alert to intelligent cruise control as well as lane departure control and blind spot monitoring.

As you would expect from BYD the spec list is actually quite high with the Excellence offering additional features like a Head-Up Display, panoramic roof and heated rear seats.

This is a very welcome upgrade from BYD. The ATTO 3 was a fine car, but average on the important metrics at best. But now it’s back with a much needed and welcome wish-list of improvements whilst retaining BYD’s USP with its’ virtually indestructible blade batteries, packed with more energy.

First deliveries are expected to start in the spring, but the order books are open now. There’s no confirmation on prices yet.

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About the Author

Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.

You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.