- Major update for BYD Atto 3
- Now called Atto 3 EVO
- Huge jump in power and AWD added
- 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds
- Makes it quicker than a Porsche Taycan
- UK prices still to be announced
The BYD Atto 3 has been handed a new name and LOTS more power in a major shake-up for the attractive electric SUV.
The Atto 3 was launched here in the UK back in 2023 and it has since been battling the likes of the Smart #3 and Skoda Elroq.
Up until now, BYD’s medium-sized EV has been a fairly mild-mannered car, enjoying power of around 204 PS, a 7.3-second 0-62mph time, and a range of up to 260 miles between charges.
All that is about to change.
BYD is now calling the Atto 3 the ‘Atto 3 EVO’ (a bit like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo that most of us knew and loved, with less rallying potential!).
The Atto 3 EVO is due to launch this spring - and here’s everything you need to know.
What is the new BYD Atto 3 EVO?
The Atto 3 EVO is the new name for the existing Atto 3. It’s not a new model in its own right, more a radical evolution (hence the name) of the same car.
It gets a big increase in EV range and ‘best-in-class performance’, BYD tells us.
A new 74.8 kWh battery means the Atto 3 EVO is able to travel up to 317 miles between charges.
How powerful is the BYD Atto EVO?
There are two versions of the ATTO 3 EVO, both of them underpinned by the same 74.8 kWh battery.
The rear-wheel-drive Design model features a single rear motor producing 313 PS (230kW) and 380 Nm of torque, enough for a 0-62mph time of just 5.5 seconds that outclasses all its main rivals, while offering a WLTP Combined range of 317 miles.
The all-wheel-drive Excellence adds a front motor for a combined output of 449 PS (330kW) and 560 Nm of torque, slashing its 0-62 mph to just 3.9 seconds.
That’s rapid for the class - beating the Twin Motor Performance version of the Volvo EX40 (0-62mph in 4.6 seconds) and right up there with the rapid Brabus variant of the Smart #3 (0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds).
It also makes the BYD Atto 3 EVO quicker than the rear-wheel drive Porsche Taycan.
Despite the pace of the AWD Excellence BYD Atto 3 EVO, it still brings lease customers a range of up to 292 miles between charges.
Both versions of the Atto 3 EVO also get a braked towing capacity of 1,500 kg.
How fast can the BYD Atto 3 EVO charge?
When you lease the BYD Atto 3 EVO, you’ll enjoy rapid charging at speeds up to 220 kW DC, aided by 800V electric architecture.
A 10-80% charge takes 25 minutes - and that figure is the same for both models.
You also get vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities which can power external devices at up to 3 kW.
Does the new BYD Atto 3 EVO look different to the old Atto 3?
The external dimensions remain the same as before, so the Atto 3 EVO remains a competitor to the likes of the Skoda Elroq, Smart #3, Kia Niro EV, Volvo EX40 and also the slightly smaller Volvo EX30.
There are, however, subtle changes to the design that have freshened things up.
You’ll see new front and rear bumpers, new 18-inch alloys, a cleaner side profile with slimmer skid skirts and a sportier roof spoiler.
Tweaks to the electrical underpinnings also mean the boot is 50 litres bigger than before, at 490 litres, expanding to 1,360 litres with the rear seats folded.
You also get an additional 101-litre front trunk.
Inside the cabin, the gear selector has been moved from the centre console to the steering column to make the interior feel roomier while levels of tech have been improved (more of that below).
What trim levels are available with the BYD Atto 3 EVO?
There are two trim levels; Design and Excellence. As we’ve pointed out above, the Design is the one with more range, the Excellence model has oodles of power.
The equipment list for the Design grade includes a Tesla Model Y-sized 15.6-inch central touchscreen with Google tech built-in, an 8.8-inch driver display, four USB-C ports, wireless phone charging, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera, 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, ambient lighting, and an all-important heat pump to conserve your range.
The Excellence trim gets more performance as well as a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, and heated rear seats.
Whichever model you go for, you can expect a full suite of driver assistance and safety tech, including adaptive cruise control, front and rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure assist.
How much does the BYD Atto 3 EVO cost in the UK?
UK prices for the BYD Atto 3 EVO haven’t been revealed just yet but we’ll bring you that news when we get it.
Order books are expected to open in the next couple of months.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- Top 10 Skoda vRS models - which is your favourite?
- Sub-zero test for Kia EV2
- Ferrari goes electric with new Luce
- Skoda previews its most affordable EV - the incoming Epiq!
- Select Car Leasing named ‘biggest leasing broker’ 2026
Where To Next?
What is car leasing? Read our car leasing explainer.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
