BYD Atto 2 Essential 2025 Review

Pricing for the 2025 BYD Atto 2 is yet to be confirmed for Australia, but with the Atto 3 currently starting from $39,990 plus on-road costs (ORCs), expect the smaller Atto 2 to land somewhere between $30,000 to $35,000.

In its domestic market, the BYD Yuan Up (as it’s known in China) is priced from ¥96,800 to ¥119,800, translating to approximately $A20,000 to $A26,000. Two variants will be offered locally – a top-spec Premium (as shown in the accompanying photos) and the base-level Essential on test here.

In Australia both variants will share the same 130kW electric motor and front-wheel-drive configuration. Power comes from a 51.13-kilowatt-hour BYD Blade battery, and both variants support Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality.

Standard features on this Chinese-spec Essential model include flush-fitting door handles, 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof with retractable sunblind, and BYD’s signature rotating infotainment screen. Inside, you’ll find synthetic leather trim, a wireless phone charger, USB-A and USB-C ports, and soft-touch materials throughout.

There’s also a crystal-look gear selector and a rotary drive-mode dial. The 10.1-inch rotating screen (12.8 inches on the Premium) is crisp and responsive and supports functions such as air purification and seat heating.

Although safety features for the local market are yet to be confirmed, we expect a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Under the bonnet, there’s no front boot (or frunk) but the motor sits low in the bay, leaving space that could potentially accommodate an aftermarket solution.

BYD claims up to 401km of range on the lenient CLTC test protocol.

The BYD Atto 2 leaves a strong first impression thanks to its surprisingly premium-feeling interior and thoughtful design. Cabin materials feel upmarket, with soft-touch trim, felt-lined storage, and convincing metallic-look accents that you’d expect from a more expensive vehicle.

There’s loads of legroom in both rows, helped by a completely flat floor, and the seats themselves are well-padded, perforated, and offer excellent support. Vision is good, even with the coupe-like roofline.

The infotainment system is BYD’s familiar rotating unit, and while our test car ran Mandarin software, the UI appeared slick and intuitive to use on the fly. There’s plenty of cabin storage, with thoughtful design touches like a dual-tier centre console, USB-A and USB-C ports, a SIM card slot, felt-lined wireless phone charger, and a comfortable central armrest.

Rear-seat passengers also benefit from storage pockets and a panoramic roof that brings in heaps of natural light. It’s great to see a retractable sunblind to keep heat out on a sunny day, too.

From the driver’s seat, everything falls easily to hand. The steering wheel feels good to grip and the multifunction buttons are logically laid out. Ergonomics are spot on, at least for me as a smaller driver – I could get comfortably positioned with ease.

Steering is responsive, not too heavy or light – ideal for city duties – and the 130kW front motor delivers more punch than expected. The ride feels composed and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are nicely supressed, especially for a car expected to fall at the budget end of the EV market. Reversing camera clarity and 3D visualisation modes are also a highlight.

BYD has clearly stepped up in terms of cabin presentation, design execution, and usability. The Atto 2 doesn’t feel like a budget product – it feels like BYD is now confidently competing on a global stage.

As mentioned, there’s no frunk, although there appears to be ample space under the bonnet for one. The compact electric motor is mounted low in the bay, revealing a wide and open cavity that could lend itself to an aftermarket frunk solution – something that could really boost daily practicality.

The rear door handles feel flimsy compared to the rest of the car – I genuinely thought they might rip off when getting into the back. The fit and feel is inconsistent with the otherwise high-quality presentation, and it’s one area that could let the car down in daily use.

The boot is on the smaller side, with a high load lip and no spare tyre, though there is a hidden compartment under the floor with room for cables and small items. Second-row air vents are noticeably absent in the Essential variant, which feels like a strange omission. They’re standard in the Premium. Again, local specifications are yet to be confirmed.

In fact, there are several unknowns for the Atto 2 at this stage, including a local crash safety rating, as well as which safety features and software systems will carry over to the Australian-spec car. Pricing, too, remains speculative – leaving us with a few big question marks until local details are locked in.

Early signs suggest the 2025 BYD Atto 2 will be a serious contender for buyers after an affordable, tech-packed, and well-built small EV. It delivers standout interior space and quality for the class, along with punchy performance and a generous spec list.

It also feels polished, spacious, and well resolved. If the local pricing strikes the right chord, the Atto 2 could well become BYD’s next big hit.

2025 BYD Atto 2 Essential at a glance:
Price: TBC
Available: Q4 2025
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor (FWD)
Output: 130kW/290Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 51.13kWh BYD Blade LFP
Range: 401km (CLTC)
Energy consumption: TBC
Safety rating: Not tested

BYD Atto 2 Premium pictured

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