Five-Star EuroNCAP safety ratingFeature-rich cabinComfortable driveLimited headroom and under-thigh supportExpensive

android, byd atto3 — first drive review

The BYD Atto 3 is a five-seater electric SUV positioned above the E6 MPV in BYD Auto’s India line-up. This new electric SUV might be new to the Indian market but is a successful global model. It’s based on the brand’s ‘Dragon Face 3.0’ design philosophy which lends the vehicle attractive styling. The tastefully done elements comprise a diffused chrome grille with sleek LED headlamps, funky alloys, brushed silver and aluminium accents, and wrap-around LED tail lamps with a light bar. It’s a mid-sized SUV with a compact footprint and proportions. Yet, it stands out for its nice styling outside as well as inside.

android, byd atto3 — first drive review
android, byd atto3 — first drive review

Now, whether you like the interior design or not, you will have to give it to BYD for experimenting and bringing in an oddball design. It combines the concept of gym and music. Hence, you see muscular elements like the white curvy engravement on the dashboard and dumb-bell-inspired ac vents. Then, the guitar-like strings on the door can actually be plucked to produce a rhythm. These also help in holding the bottle or the stuff kept in the door pad in place. The wacky design also means storage places are a bit weird but in plenty. For example, the centre armrest has a narrow opening but deep stowage. Similarly, the lower half of the front central tunnel has a storage place but it’s not easy to access. The quality of materials is respectable with smooth edges, soft materials, and a combination of white-black-blue leather.

android, byd atto3 — first drive review

The visibility at the front is good, but the rear is hampered due to a slim windscreen. Still, the high-resolution 360-degree camera helps, with wide angles covering even the blind spots while reversing. The headrest-integrated seats, too, look and feel nice, and are snug. Then, the second row has sufficient knee-room with a flat floor but is tight in terms of headroom. Three occupants can sit abreast here but the rear middle backrest feels a little upright. Besides, there’s no reclining option at all. Thankfully, the huge panoramic sunroof adds to the sense of space and comes with an electric slide and anti-pinch feature. Moreover, the boot space gets some adjustments to set a flat area with the seats folded. At 440 litres, it’s decent, but BYD missed an opportunity to provide a frunk (front storage under the hood) here.

android, byd atto3 — first drive review

Feature-wise, the lack of ventilated seats, and Android Auto had me puzzled, but let’s hope it’s added in the production lot coming next year. Otherwise, the carmaker has ensured that the Atto 3 gets a feature-packed cabin. The biggest highlight is the rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen. BYD has built the screen themselves and it is seamless to operate with all controls on-board. All operations are smooth and the audio system sounds nice too. Conversely, the digital instrument cluster is a little small for my liking. A wider one would have added some separation and made the font a little bigger for better legibility.

android, byd atto3 — first drive review

Other standard features include front electric seat adjustment, an eight-speaker audio system, voice control, mobile phone wireless charging, a one-touch electric control tailgate, LED lighting, multi-colour gradient ambient lighting that responds to music rhythm, PM 2.5 air filter, CN95 air filter, and more. Most interestingly, the Atto 3 features the L2 Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS). Apart from BYD Di-pilot, other noteworthy features include seven airbags, a 360-degree holographic transparent imaging system, an NFC card key, a puncture kit, and even a Vehicle to Load (VTOL) mobile power station.

android, byd atto3 — first drive review

Moreover, BYD offers a 7kW home charger and its installation service, in addition to a 3kW portable charging box. Then, customers get a three-year free 4G data subscription, six-year roadside assistance, and six free maintenance services. Not to mention, Atto 3 comes with a warranty of eight years or 1.5 lakh kilometres for the traction battery, motor, and controller. This is in addition to the six years or 1.5 lakh kilometres warranty for the vehicle. Warranty details of other components are covered as well.

android, byd atto3 — first drive review
android, byd atto3 — first drive review

Powered by a 60.48kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor mounted on the front axle, the Atto 3 offers a range of 521km (ARAI-claimed). It makes 201bhp and 310Nm of torque, which is quite sufficient to help get this heavy car going. In fact, it sprints from 0-100kmph in just 7.3 seconds. And as with other EVs, it’s very silent and only the tyre noise filters into the cabin at triple-digit speeds. The three drive modes Eco, Normal, and Sport have subtle differences in terms of throttle response, with the Sport having the most in terms of immediacy. There’s an additional Snow mode that restricts the throttle response, which is otherwise instant. The regeneration though, whether in standard or high, isn’t substantial to stop the car or provide one pedal drive.

android, byd atto3 — first drive review

The BYD Atto 3 doesn’t feel unusual when compared to any ICE car in terms of driving. Though it was born as an EV on the e-Platform 3.0, it has easy-to-drive properties with seamless e-transmission and clutch-less gearshifts adding to the convenience. The ADAS might feel intrusive and can be switched off, but it’s quite easy to adapt to. The Blade battery as against Li-ion batteries is said to have better features and be ultra-safe, adding to the peace of mind of owners. It supports fast charging with 0-80 per cent in just 50 minutes. Even in terms of reliability, BYD has backed up the Blade battery with a quality to boast — it has passed the nail penetration test, which is said to be a rigorous test for batteries. In fact, it wasn’t damaged or didn’t deform, leak, or emit smoke after a 46-tonne truck was driven over it. Additionally, it can be used to run large appliances like a power bank with an output of up to 3.3kW.

android, byd atto3 — first drive review

Moreover, the Atto 3’s steering is light and quick with two-and-a-half turns lock-to-lock. It also has comfort and sport modes, which helped in adding a little heft. Then, on the straight roads Chennai ECR we witnessed the car’s fantastic straight-line stability. Some bad patches showed how nicely the suspension cushions the undulations keeping the occupants comfortable. Even the speed breakers were cleared thanks to the 18-inch tyres, even though the ground clearance is 175mm. These initial SKD units of the Atto 3 ride on Atlas Batman tyres but will be switched to another manufacturer upon local assembly. And lest we forget, the brake pedal can be regulated to sport to add a quicker bite as against the standard comfort mode, which is still adequate to stop this almost two-tonne vehicle.

android, byd atto3 — first drive review
android, byd atto3 — first drive review

At an ex-showroom price of Rs 33.99 lakh, the BYD Atto 3 comes across as an expensive option. Most other EVs in this segment, like the MG ZS and Hyundai Kona are priced lower. Though this BYD EV does not lack in features, missing out on ventilated and cooled seats at this price point and for a climate like ours is a glaring shortcoming. Then, quirky styling, and limited showrooms, service centres, and market penetration as against more established brands automatically make it lose brownie points. However, the Atto 3 has various USPs and hence has even received a good response with 1,500 bookings since October. It does give you an upmarket feel with a feature-rich cabin boasting a 4+1 seating capacity. Then, the 500km range is almost equal to some of the ICE SUVs. Besides, BYD is planning to open 24 showrooms across 21 cities in India by the end of this year and aims to expand to at least 53 showrooms by the end of 2023. All of this together makes the BYD Atto 3 a promising option in the premium electric vehicle segment.

android, byd atto3 — first drive review

Pictures by Kapil Angane

Also Watch :

Keyword: BYD ATTO3 — First Drive Review

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Toyota EV chief details developing brand’s first electric sedan, working with BYD

As the president of Toyota’s new BEV factory, which launched in May, Takero Kato has a big weight on his shoulders. In a recent interview, Kato explained how the brand’s first electric sedan, a collaboration with BYD, will help with its next-gen EVs. Toyota launched its “BEV Factory” this ...

View more: Toyota EV chief details developing brand’s first electric sedan, working with BYD

BYD Set to Unveil Sea Lion 07 SUV at Guangzhou Auto Show

BYD is gearing up to reveal its latest addition to the family of battery-electric vehicles, the Sea Lion 07. The unveiling is scheduled for November 17 at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China. Teasers in the form of sketches suggest that the Sea Lion 07 will join BYD’s ‘Ocean’ ...

View more: BYD Set to Unveil Sea Lion 07 SUV at Guangzhou Auto Show

Geely Galaxy E8 Electric Sedan: The New Tesla And BYD Killer?

Geely’s new electric sedan, the Galaxy E8, has been fully unveiled before pre-sales starting on November 17 at the Guangzhou Auto Show. Built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, the Galaxy E8 measures 5,010mm in length, 1,920mm in width, and 1,465mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,925mm. ...

View more: Geely Galaxy E8 Electric Sedan: The New Tesla And BYD Killer?

BYD teases sleek new electric SUV design to rival Tesla’s model Y

China’s leading EV maker, BYD, is teasing a new electric SUV as part of its Ocean series. The BYD Sea Lion 07’s design was led by ex-Audi and Lamborghini chief designer Wolfgang Egger. BYD continues its dominant expansion. After selling a record 151,193 all-electric vehicles in September, BYD came ...

View more: BYD teases sleek new electric SUV design to rival Tesla’s model Y

BYD Unveils FANGCHENGBAO BAO 5: A Super Hybrid Hardcore SUV

BYD officially launched its latest offering, the BAO 5, under the specialised sub-brand FANGCHENGBAO. Positioned as a “Super Hybrid Hardcore SUV,” the BAO 5 stands out with cutting-edge technology, off-road prowess, and a commitment to energy efficiency. The BAO 5 introduces the Dual Mode Off-road (DMO) Super Hybrid Platform, ...

View more: BYD Unveils FANGCHENGBAO BAO 5: A Super Hybrid Hardcore SUV

BYD, Tesla Expand Their Share In Global EV Market: Q1-Q3 2023 Ranking

More than one third of new rechargeable cars are either from BYD or Tesla.

View more: BYD, Tesla Expand Their Share In Global EV Market: Q1-Q3 2023 Ranking

In a power move, China’s BYD plans to build a factory in Europe

The BYD Seal/Credit: BYD Chinese-owned automaker BYD has announced plans to build a factory in Europe in hopes of bringing its affordable EVs to the masses there. As the brand picks up steam in sales, it will break ground on its first European factory, with Hungary selected as the ...

View more: In a power move, China’s BYD plans to build a factory in Europe

SsangYong Signs Agreement with BYD to Develop Future Hybrid & Electric Vehicles

SsangYong Australia’s global parent company, KG Mobility, has announced news of a recent agreement with Chinese automotive giant, BYD, to co-develop a new range of hybrid and electric vehicles. SsangYong’s evolving product lineup involves a new battery-electric SUV package, known as the Torres EVX, as well as a battery-electric ute ...

View more: SsangYong Signs Agreement with BYD to Develop Future Hybrid & Electric Vehicles

BYD's First European Factory Might Be Built In Hungary: Report

China EV maker BYD to build first Europe plant in Hungary, Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reports

BYD Has Record Plug-In Sales In China, Export Markets In October 2023

Toyota to test new electric pickup as it looks to fend off BYD’s surge in Thailand

BYD announces EV deals to finish year strong after record sales for a sixth consecutive month

Berkshire Hathaway sells $25.8 mln worth of shares in China's BYD

BYD notches record Q3 profit of $1.4B amid intensifying EV price war

China EV maker BYD reports record quarterly profit of $1.42 bln in Q3

BYD All-Electric Car Sales Almost Passed Tesla In Q3 2023

Galumphing across Zhuhai International Circuit with the BYD Seal

BYD Dolphin & Seal Receive Five-Star ANCAP Ratings Under Tough 2023 Protocols

BYD is stealing Toyota’s limelight in this key auto market with low-priced EVs

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel