Sime Darby Motors has officially launched the BYD ATTO 3 battery electric vehicle in Malaysia, marking the entry of BYD to the market.
There are 2 variants of this electric SUV i.e. Standard and Extended priced at RM149,800 and RM167,800 respectively. Both are built on BYD’s advanced ‘e-platform 3.0′ which is designed for high performance EVs. The wheelbase measures 2,720 mm and the body dimensions are 4,455 mm (length), 1,875 mm (width) and 1,615 mm (height). Boot space is listed as 440 litres, and is expandable to 1,340 litres.
The key difference between the 2 variants is the battery capacity and hence, driving range. The Standard is fitted with a 49.92 kWh BYD Blade battery while the Extended uses a 60.48 kWh unit. These give a driving range of 410 km and 480 km respectively. The batteries can be charged via AC (alternating current e.g. 3-pin mains outlet) or the faster DC (direct current) outlets. However, the Extended variant accepts a higher charging capacity of up to DC 80 kW while the Standard variant does up to 70 kW. Naturally, the larger battery is also heavier; kerb weight of the ATTO 3 Extended is 1,750 kg (vs 1,680 kg for Standard). But both batteries have the VtoL (Vehicle-to-Load) mobile power supply function which means you can use the ATTO 3 to power devices or household appliances.
Driving the wheels is a permanent magnet synchronous motor which produces 150 kW (203 hp) and 310 Nm of torque. This allows for a 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time of 7.3 seconds. However, top speed isn’t specified. The Extended variant also uses larger 18″ wheels (215/55 R18 tyres) while the Standard wears 215/60 R17 tyres.
Safety features which come standard in both variants include 2 front airbags, 2 front side airbags, front & rear curtain airbags, far-side airbag (driver), 360-degree view monitor, tyre pressure monitoring system, front & rear parking sensors, Electric Parking Brake, Auto Hold, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Programme, Traction Control System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Hill Descent Control, Full Speed Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Collision Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Door Open Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Notable features in the cabin include a panoramic sunroof, 12.8″ rotating touchscreen display, voice assistant, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, satellite navigation (3 years of update free), USB-C and USB-A charging ports, 5″ digital instrument display, and climate control with air filter. The seats are synthetic leather, with the driver’s seat getting a 6-way electric adjustment and the front passenger, 4-way. Additionally, the key is in card form and there is an NFC sensor in the side mirror for keyless access.
According to Sime Darby Motors, the official distributor of BYD in Malaysia, the plan to establish a network of BYD showrooms and facilities in the country is expected to cost about RM500 million.
The first BYD showroom is expected to be open soon at TREC KL, along Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. And by the first half of 2023, the company expects to have showrooms in Ara Damansara, Penang and Johor ready. It will also be working with dealer partners to have as many as 20 showrooms by the end of 2023, and up to 40 by 2024.
“In line with our aim to be a leader in EV and with a view towards propelling Malaysia’s EV aspirations, we are excited to embark on this new chapter with BYD following our success in Singapore,” said Andrew Basham, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors. “With half a billion Ringgit set to be invested, this will support our aggressive expansion plans for the brand here and reflects our belief in the brand’s universal appeal. BYD’s line-up of world-class vehicles which feature premium specs at an attractive price point is set to be a game changer to spur EV adoption amongst Malaysians”.
Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division commented, “As part of our vision for a sustainable future powered by electrification, we are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Sime Darby Motors to enter the Malaysian market. Drawing on Sime Darby Motors’ proven track record and capabilities as a regional player in the automotive industry, particularly its broad distribution network in Malaysia, combined with BYD’s pioneering technology and expertise, we strive to deliver our innovative vehicles to Malaysian consumers and support the country’s carbon reduction ambitions”.
The BYD ATTO 3 comes in Surf Blue, Forest Green, Parkour Red, Boulder Grey and Ski White.
For more information on the ATTO 3, visit byd.simedarbymotors.my.
Keyword: BYD ATTO 3 EV Officially Launched; 2 Variants From RM150k