The next-generation BYD Atto 3 has been revealed at the Beijing motor show, bringing sharper styling, a range boost and the brand’s new 'flash' rapid-charging technology.
The new electric crossover is a clear evolution of the current Atto 3 Evo in styling terms, with a rounded look and similar ‘dragon face’ front end. Its wheelbase has grown by 50mm to improve interior space and it now has an LED light bar on its rear end.
The interior has a more sculpted appearance, with the digital instrument display screen nestled inside the dashboard rather than 'floating' in front of it – although the large central touchscreen remains.
It still seats five but boot capacity has increased from 490 litres to 750. The cargo space under the bonnet, meanwhile, has swelled from 101 litres to 180 litres. The bonnet now opens electronically, rather than manually, too.
Initially, two versions of the new Atto 3 will be offered in China. Both are rear-wheel-drive, whereas the current Atto 3 Evo can also be had with a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive powertrain.
They put out 268bhp and 321bhp, with ranges of 335 miles and 390 miles respectively – although this is according to China’s CLTC test, which is more lenient than the WLTP standard used in Europe. For reference, today's Atto 3 Evo has a range of 316 miles on the WLTP test cycle.
The new Atto 3 can be charged from 10% to 97% in just nine minutes when connected to one of BYD’s new 1500kW 'flash' chargers. Such devices are due to be rolled out in the UK imminently, coinciding with the launch of premium sibling brand Denza’s Z9 GT EV.
The new Atto 3 is unlikely to make it to British shores for at least a year. The Atto 3 Evo has only just arrived in showrooms here and is therefore likely to have a longer cycle on sale than its equivalent in China.
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