Richard Edwards
Published 12 May 2026
BYD New Zealand has secured 600 Atto 3 SUVs from BYD’s Thai production line, priced at $49,990 in what is expected to be the final allocation of the current model. That represents a $6000 discount on the current 60kWh model.
The Thai-built cars are spec’d as the Superior model with the 60.48 kWh Blade Battery, 150kW motor and a full feature set including a panoramic sunroof, the 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, and seven airbags. BYD NZ country manager Warren Willmot says the spec is identical to the current model, with only very minor interior trim differences.
Willmot notes that the deal is so new, they are still in the process of updating the brand website and informing dealers.Â
“This is exceptional value at $49,990,” Willmot says. “We’d like to express our gratitude to Steven Collins, COO of BYD Australia, for graciously giving up stock he could have sold in Australia, and to Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD’s Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division, for making the Thailand production available to us.”
Two shipments are on the water now, with the first arriving on May 14 and a second due at the end of the month.
The 600-unit allocation could be the last batch of Atto 3s before BYD transitions to the new Atto 5, expected next year. The pricing also presents an opportunity for buyers currently waiting on the Atto 2, which has a wait list stretching out to July. At $49,990, the Atto 3 offers an extra 10kWh of battery capacity for just $4000 more than the Atto 2 Premium.
Read more – 2026 BYD Atto 2 Premium Review
“For anyone sitting in the Atto 2 queue, this is worth a serious look,” Willmot says. “You’re getting significantly more battery for not a lot more money, and you can have the car within weeks rather than months.”
Willmot also points to strong residual values on 2022 and 2023 model Atto 3s, making this a good time for existing owners to trade in and upgrade. “The resale value on our first Atto 3s has never been higher, so it’s a great opportunity for existing owners to move into a brand new car.”
Atto 3 Evo still under consideration for NZ
While this batch wraps up the current-generation Atto 3 in New Zealand, the model’s story isn’t necessarily over. BYD has confirmed a substantially updated Atto 3 Evo for Australia, though Willmot says a New Zealand launch is still ‘under consideration’.
The Evo is a significant step up. It moves to BYD’s 800-volt e-Platform 3.0, switches from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive as standard, and gains a larger 74.8kWh battery with a WLTP range of around 510km. DC fast charging jumps from 88 to 220kW, cutting a 10-to-80 percent charge to 25 minutes. Power climbs to 230kW in the rear-drive model, with a 330 kW dual-motor AWD variant also available overseas. A new 101-litre front boot and 490-litre rear boot round out the practicality improvements.
Whether BYD brings the Evo to New Zealand this year or waits for the Atto 5 remains to be seen.
