Heavily updated BYD Atto 3 to arrive in New Zealand later this year
Words: Andrew Sluys
BYD has unveiled an updated version of the Atto 3, which it is calling the ‘Atto 3 Evo’ in European markets.
This new electric SUV builds upon the familiar aesthetic of the Atto 3 with sharper styling at the front, and new knot-style taillights at the rear.
A spokesperson for BYD New Zealand has indicated this revised Atto 3 will be available locally in the second half of 2026, but the specifications remain unclear.
This relates to the new 330kW all-wheel drive variant, which remains “unlikely” for the local market.
Aside from this new range-topping model, there have been a series of changes made to the internals of the new Atto 3.
Most notably is the 800-volt electrical architecture that comes with BYD’s new E-Platform 3.0.
This allowed for DC fast charging up to 220kW, which is a significant improvement over the 80kW that’s currently offered.
The platform has also switched the standard model to rear-wheel drive, where it makes use of a 230kW/380Nm motor on the rear axle.
A larger 74.8kWh LFP Blade battery is standard in European models, which provides a driving range of 510km (WLTP).
On the inside, the new platform opens up an extra 50-litres of storage space in the boot, pushing the total figure to 490-litres with the seats in place.
Further to this point, it gets a 110-litre storage space beneath the front bonnet.
The infotainment screen has lost its ability to rotate, but now measures 15.6-inches, and comes with built-in apps. The digital cluster is also larger at 8.8-inches.
A wireless smartphone charger, heated front and rear seats, and a head-up-display is also included with these European models.
As mentioned, New Zealand specification of this updated Atto 3 will likely be different when it arrives, but the fundamentals will likely stay unchanged.
