Atto 8
Alternatives: Skoda Peaq, Kia EV9, Hyundai IONIQ 9, Peugeot e-5008, Volvo EX90, Lucid Gravity, Rivian R1S
Efficiency & Charging
8.5/10
Performance & Driving Dynamics
8/10
Interior & Technology
8.5/10
Practicality & Usability
9/10
Value & Running Costs
8.5/10
Overall
8.5/10
Overview
The Atto 8 is BYD's new flagship: a full-size, 7-seat electric SUV due in early 2027. It is aimed at large families and anyone who regularly carries more than 5 people, and it takes on the Kia EV9, Hyundai IONIQ 9 and Skoda Peaq. On paper it is the most technologically advanced car in that group, with charging claims that nothing else can currently match. Its weaknesses are a smaller boot than key rivals and fast-charging times that rely on a network still being built. Even so, the Atto 8 shows how quickly large electric SUVs are maturing, and it deserves a place on any 7-seater shortlist.
Design
At 5,040mm long, 1,996mm wide and 1,760mm tall, the Atto 8 sits in the same size class as a BMW iX5, and BYD has chosen restrained, clean surfacing rather than anything over-the-top. The roofline rises towards the rear, while a reworked C-pillar and aluminium-look inserts along the flanks add visual interest. The higher roof should help third-row headroom. At the front, very slim integrated daytime running lights and Matrix LEDs create a sharp, technical face, though the rear is the more distinctive end. Its taillights are inspired by traditional Chinese knot work, linked by an illuminated BYD logo to form a single light signature. The door handles sit flush with the bodywork, tidying the profile and helping airflow.
Interior
Inside, BYD has packed in lots of technology. A 15.6-inch central touchscreen runs Google built-in, bringing Maps, the Play store and Google's Gemini voice assistant, and it is joined by a 10.25-inch driver's display and a 26-inch head-up display. Dual wireless smartphone chargers are fitted as standard, and every seat is trimmed in genuine leather. The front seats and outer second-row seats are heated, ventilated and massaging, with tri-zone climate control. A huge panoramic glass roof and insulated front side glass should make the cabin feel airy and quiet. Audio comes from 10 speakers in the Design trim, while the Excellence version upgrades to a 21-speaker DiSound system and adds a front fridge that can chill to -6°C or warm to 50°C.
Performance & Powertrains
Both versions use a 115kWh second-generation LFP Blade battery. The Design RWD has a single rear motor producing around 455bhp and 365Nm, reaching 62mph in 8.0 seconds with a range of 405 miles. The Excellence AWD adds a front motor for roughly 764bhp and 775Nm, cutting the sprint to 4.6 seconds while range drops to 374 miles. The Design's modest acceleration for its output hints at a heavy car tuned for comfort, rather than anything performance focused. Charging is the real headline. On a compatible Flash Charging station, which can deliver up to 1,500kW, BYD claims 10-70% in juts 5 minutes and 10-97% in 9, and even at -30°C a 20-97% top-up takes about 12 minutes. Those headline times need compatible hardware: BYD plans 3,000 Flash stations across Europe by the end of 2027, while today's fastest UK chargers deliver around 400kW.
Practicality
At just over 5 metres long, the Atto 8 should offer genuine 7-seat accommodation, and BYD promises no compromise for any occupant, although adult space in the third row is yet to be seen. With all 7 seats in use there are 270 litres of luggage space, which trails the Kia EV9's 333 litres and the Skoda Peaq's 299 litres. Fold the rear 2 rows and capacity grows to 1,960 litres, a van-like load bay. An extra 136-litre frunk gives a convenient home for charging cables.
Buying
Pricing has not been announced, but estimates point to around £50,000 for the Design RWD and £65,000 for the Excellence AWD, placing it above BYD's Sealion 7. Two trims will be offered, each tied to a powertrain, but the Excellence trim also adds audio upgrades and fridge, so its premium buys mostly AWD performance. If BYD prices the Atto 8 near those estimates, it would be competitive on equipment and unmatched on charging technology, with boot space the main compromise against the EV9 and Peaq. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the Design RWD: it delivers the longest range in the line-up, plenty of performance for a family car, and it avoids paying extra for performance most buyers will rarely use.