BYD Atto 3 EVO

The rise of electric mobility has spurred new entrants into the international market. China offers a wide variety of products, brands, and versions. Many Asian companies are now beginning to enter the European market, attracted by the new emissions regulations that will come into effect in 2035. The BYD Atto 3 EVO is one of the latest models to arrive in Spain. A very interesting product with excellent value for money.

We have tested this car:

Test BYD Atto 3, the Chinese electric crossover that everyone is talking about (with video)

Although BYD didn't officially arrive in Spain until early 2023, the Chinese brand's model range encompassed a wide variety of options. Until the arrival of the BYD Atto 2 , the Atto 3 was the smallest and most affordable SUV in the lineup , positioned below the BYD Han and BYD Tang. Originally launched in 2022, it was presented as an SUV with advanced technology and a quality that surpassed the mainstream European market standard. Its aim was to position itself between the mainstream and premium segments. A new Atto 3 was expected in 2026, which from then on carried the EVO designation.

Technical specifications of the BYD Atto 3 EVO

Despite being designed and developed in China, the Atto 3 EVO has a clear European influence in its design. Beneath its attractive bodywork lies the e-Platform 3.0 architecture . This platform was created exclusively for BYD's all-electric models and to integrate the Blade batteries developed by the manufacturer. The same architecture is used in the company's other two models.

Thanks to the platform's adaptability, BYD is able to offer the Atto 3 in the increasingly competitive European electric C-SUV segment. Its dimensions are perfectly suited to the category: 4,45 meters long, 1,87 meters wide, and 1,61 meters high . These dimensions are complemented by a wheelbase of 2,72 meters, a significant length for a model of this size.

Given its proportions, the BYD Atto 3 EVO is particularly practical as the sole vehicle for a family of four. Rear passenger space is quite generous. In addition, the trunk offers a minimum capacity of 490 liters , expandable to 1.338 liters when the second row of seats is folded down in a 60:40 split. An additional 101 liters of storage space is integrated into the front of the trunk.

Mechanical range of the BYD Atto 3 EVO

Although BYD offers a wide range of powertrains across its product portfolio in China, it only imports fully electric models to Europe. As with all cars produced in Asia, customization is quite limited. Starting in 2026, the Atto 3 EVO will focus its offerings on two powertrain versions with different performance levels. Like the battery, the motor is developed in-house. Power is delivered to either the rear axle or all four wheels.

The entry-level version features a single rear-mounted engine producing 313 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. It's powered by a 74,8 kWh LFP battery, giving it a WLTP-rated range of up to 510 kilometers . It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180 km/h. Charging is available at DC fast chargers up to 220 kW, allowing it to recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The top-of-the-range version features a second engine on the front axle, generating a maximum combined output of 449 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h. Between the axles is a 74,8 kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery, giving it a WLTP-rated range of 470 kilometers with an average consumption of 15,6 kWh per 100 kilometers. It can be charged at 220 kW DC fast and up to 11 kW AC fast.

Equipment of the BYD Atto 3 EVO

Until now, we've always thought that cars made in China offered lower quality than what's typical in Europe, but the local industry has considerably improved its materials to offer the same standards we're used to in Europe. Inside, the Atto 3 EVO boasts excellent finishes and a very technologically advanced presentation that leaves nothing to be desired.

For Spain, BYD offers different trim levels: Design and Excellence . The main differences between them lie in the equipment, with virtually no aesthetic differences. Both models are equipped with the same mechanical components mentioned earlier, achieving the same performance and range.

In terms of equipment, the Atto 3 EVO offers cutting-edge technologies that rival those of other European models . Highlights include LED headlights, keyless entry and start, digital instrumentation, a multimedia system with a 15,6-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, internet connectivity, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems with Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. The 2026 version sees few changes to the equipment, with the exception of the gear selector, which is moved to the steering column to free up space in the center console.

Video test of the BYD Atto 3

The BYD Atto 3 EVO according to Euro NCAP

The Chinese improvement in car development isn't limited to quality and equipment; safety is also a key focus. In early 2023, the BYD Atto 3 underwent the standard Euro NCAP tests, receiving a five-star rating— the highest possible score. The results by category were as follows: 91 out of 100 for adult occupant protection, 89 out of 100 for child occupant protection, 69 out of 10 for pedestrian vulnerability, and 74 out of 100 for driver assistance systems. Despite significant changes in 2026, the Atto 3 retained its Euro NCAP rating, as there were no modifications to the vehicle's structure or safety equipment.

Rivals of the BYD Atto 3 EVO

Given that the C-SUV segment offers increasingly more options, and that the Atto 3 EVO can be positioned between the two main markets , the list of rivals for the Chinese model is long. On one hand, we can highlight the KIA e-Niro as its main competitor, although the Hyundai KONA electric is also a contender . To these we can add the BMW iX1 , Mercedes EQA , Volkswagen ID.4 , Hyundai Ioniq 5 , MG Marvel R , and Aiways U5 , among others. All of them are similar in size.

Highlight

Quality of finishes
ride comfort
Value for money

To improve

Load power
Little customization
dynamic behavior

Price of the BYD Atto 3 EVO

With the aim of stealing sales from its main rivals and as a selling point, BYD is betting on offering a lot for a little money. The starting price for the BYD Atto 3 EVO is €42.990 for the Design trim. The most expensive of all is the Atto 3 EVO Excellence, with a starting price of €45.990.