BYD unveiled major changes to its family SUV with the launch of the Atto 3 Evo – a complete reengineering that transforms the original’s modest 201bhp setup into one of the most powerful vehicles in its class.
The Chinese automaker has moved from being a UK unknown to the country’s sixth biggest car brand since the original Atto 3’s launch in late 2023.
That first model was unremarkable. Apart from quirky interior touches and competitive pricing, it was thoroughly average for the C-segment SUV market.
The Atto 3 Evo changes that formula entirely.
BYD ditched the front-wheel drive system for a rear-drive setup producing 309bhp in base models. The range-topping Excellence AWD delivers 443bhp and reaches 62mph in just 3.9 seconds.
This isn’t a typical facelift with new headlights and bigger screens. The company redesigned the platform, added a larger battery, and updated the technology package.
Exterior Updates Remain Subtle
You’d struggle to identify this as the new model from the outside. BYD updated the front and rear bumpers, added slimmer side skirts, and introduced a high-level spoiler with redesigned diffuser elements.
New wheel designs complete the changes.
The Atto 3 Evo still looks like a generic SUV despite these updates.
Interior Keeps Its Unusual Character
The cabin retains its gym-inspired design theme that sets it apart from competitors. Door handles still resemble barbells, air vents look like free weights, and guitar string-style door pockets remain – entertaining kids while frustrating parents.
BYD made subtle changes to tone down the aesthetic. The center console got cleaner lines and the kettle bell-shaped drive selector disappeared, replaced by a column stalk.
A new 8.8-inch digital instrument display improves the interface significantly compared to the outgoing model.
The 15.6-inch central screen loses its pointless rotating feature. BYD added a new user interface with built-in Google services, though it’s still cluttered with menus. Shortcut keys exist but they’re confined to a thin bar at the bottom of an otherwise empty screen.
Platform reengineering unlocked 50 extra liters of boot space plus a 95-liter frunk, giving total luggage capacity of 585 liters.
Passenger space remains competitive with the Skoda Elroq, Ford Explorer, and Mini Countryman. An average family of four fits comfortably. New seat designs ditch the one-piece backrest for adjustable headrests – a minor but welcome change.
Performance Numbers Impress on Paper
The mechanical changes run deep beneath that familiar exterior.
Entry-level models pack a 309bhp rear-mounted motor that delivers 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds. That immediately puts the “regular” Atto 3 Evo alongside the Skoda Elroq vRS and incoming Kia EV3 GT.
The all-wheel-drive Excellence cranks out 443bhp and 413lb ft for that 3.9-second sprint time.
BYD emphasizes this makes the Atto 3 Evo Excellence the fastest in its class. The question is whether anyone actually wants that much power in a family SUV.
Nobody driving the original Atto 3 thought “this needs 443bhp.” Yet here we are.
The twin-motor version delivers eye-opening acceleration to 60mph but oddly runs out of urgency beyond that point. The brakes engage with brutal initial bite before fading slightly. Neither characteristic builds confidence to exploit all that power.
The chassis doesn’t help either. Despite new multi-link suspension and retuned steering, the overall feel remains lifeless. Artificially heavy steering combines with slow responses and a ride that never feels settled.
It’s hard to justify choosing the dual-motor model when there’s little fun exploiting its power. The single-motor version provides plenty of performance with better range.
A new 74.8kWh BYD Blade Battery replaces the old 60.5kWh pack. The single-motor Atto 3 Evo covers 316 miles on a charge while the more powerful model manages 292 miles.
The update introduces 800V architecture enabling 220kW peak DC charging – a 10-80% top-up in 25 minutes.
That puts the Atto 3 ahead of most competitors for charging speed, though the overall range still trails key rivals offering well over 350 miles WLTP.
Simple Pricing Structure
BYD keeps the Atto 3 Evo lineup straightforward with two models.
The single-motor Design grade starts at £38,990 while the dual-motor Excellence AWD costs £42,730.
The Design actually costs £740 less than the outgoing model despite major mechanical improvements. Both models offer only £750 paint as a paid option.
Standard equipment includes:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Heated front seats
- 360-degree parking cameras and sensors
- Heat pump
- Vehicle-to-load function
- High-power USB ports and wireless charging
Excellence grade adds a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and head-up display alongside the extra motor.
Mixed Results Despite Major Investment
BYD claims it listened to customers and media feedback when developing the Atto 3 Evo.
That shows in improved range and charging speeds along with ergonomic and practical changes – all welcome upgrades.
However, this remains a competitive segment. Despite its impressive power figures, the Atto 3 Evo can’t match rivals for driving dynamics or range. If it were substantially cheaper, those shortcomings might not matter as much.
There’s an awful lot of choice for similar money, meaning the Atto 3 Evo still struggles to stand out from the crowd.
BYD Atto 3 Evo Excellence AWD Specifications:
- Price: £42,730
- Powertrain: Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive
- Battery: 74.8kWh
- Power: 443bhp
- Torque: 413lb ft
- Top speed: 124mph
- 0-62mph: 3.9 seconds
- Range: 292 miles
- Charging: Up to 220kW
Key Alternatives
Skoda Elroq offers better driving dynamics and styling than the Atto 3. Most models cost less, though the vRS exceeds both Atto 3 Evo versions.
Renault Scenic can’t match the BYD’s straight-line performance but provides better value, family-friendly features, and class-leading range.
Volvo EX30 delivers Scandinavian design appeal and engaging driving dynamics. It also offers a 422bhp option – plus an even worse infotainment system than the Atto 3 Evo.
