Atto 3 Evo
Alternatives: Hyundai KONA Electric, Kia EV4, Tesla Model Y Standard, Volvo EX30, MGS5 EV
Overview
The BYD Atto 3 Evo represents a major, ground-up mechanical overhaul of the Chinese brand's original mid-sized family crossover. Rather than a small mid-life facelift, the Evo naming shows a complete rethink of the powertrain, upgrading to an 800V architecture and shifting standard models from FWD to RWD. Positioned to compete in a highly congested electric SUV segment against rivals like the Skoda Elroq, Ford Explorer, and MGS5 EV, the Atto 3 Evo targets buyers looking for premium tech, substantial standard equipment, and rapid straight-line performance at a competitive price point.
Design
The Atto 3 Evo maintains a recognizable silhouette but adopts a sharper, edgier exterior. The front benefits from redesigned headlights featuring a broader beam pattern and dynamic sweeping indicators. Clean, uncluttered body surfaces dominate the side profile, accented by a distinct s-shaped curve and new aerodynamic alloy wheels. The revised rear light bar mimics the modern and premium styling of the rest of the car.
Interior
The cabin retains its highly distinct, gym-inspired design, complete with the signature guitar-string door pockets, but adds significant premium updates and ergonomic improvements. The rotating the central infotainment system has now been locked in a landscape orientation. This updated 15.6-inch screen runs newer, faster software with integrated Google services and a cloud-based AI voice assistant. The physical drive selector has been relocated from the center console to a stalk behind the updated steering wheel, freeing up additional lower storage space and leading an airier feel upfront. Soft-touch materials are used throughout the dashboard alongside ambient lighting that syncs to the audio playing.
Performance & Powertrains
The entry-level Design trim uses a single rear-mounted electric motor delivering 313hp and 380Nm of torque, pushing the SUV from 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds while delivering a range of 317 miles. The top-tier Excellence trim adds a second motor to the front axle to form an AWD system. This pumps out a massive combined 449hp and 560Nm of torque, slashing the 0-62mph sprint to an astonishing 3.9 seconds, though the range drops slightly to 292 miles. The previous 400-volt setup is replaced by a 800V architecture, allowing the LFP Blade Battery to leap from to to 80% in just 25 minutes at 220kW.
Practicality
By switching to Cell-to-Body battery integration, the cabin space has been significantly improved. The relocation of the primary motor to the rear axle has freed up enough room under the bonnet to introduce a useful 101-litre frunk. Clever packaging ensures the main rear boot space has grown by 50 litres over the old model, offering 490 litres with the rear seats upright and expanding to 1,360 litres when the rear seats are folded flat. Passengers in the back benefit from a completely flat floor, excellent legroom, and dedicated heating elements.
Buying
The BYD Atto 3 Evo range is available to two different trim levels: Design, starting at £38,990, and Excellence, starting at £42,730. Both trims offer strong value with standard kit on the Design including the 15.6-inch Google-integrated display, 360-degree cameras, wireless smartphone charging, an 3kW Vehicle-to-Load charging. Stepping up to the Excellence trim adds a panoramic sliding glass roof, a head-up display, and heated rear seats. The EV Hub Recommended Configuration is the Design trim is the most logical choice for the vast majority of buyers. It also unlocks the full 317 miles of range, while retaining the same ultra-fast 220kW DC charging capabilities, spacious cabin packaging, and high-tech infotainment suite for a lower price.