BYD launches in Australia with Atto 3 electric SUV

The 2022 BYD Atto 3 has launched in Australia and, as expected, has thrown down the gauntlet to more established car brands with its first-ever mass-market EV that starts at $44,381 plus on-road costs.

This is the first full-time model in Australia from the Chinese brand that rose to prominence more than a decade ago with the backing of American business mogul Warren Buffett, but which is only now ramping up its export program.

Known as the Yuan Plus in China, the BYD Atto 3 is an all-new small SUV that lines up directly against Australia’s cheapest electric car, the MG ZS EV priced from $44,990 drive-away.

There’s no national drive-away pricing with the Atto 3, but in most states and territories you’ll pay more than the electric ZS.

That said, there’s not a great deal in it, and the ZS could soon be priced higher with an upgrade that’s due in the first half of 2022.

A quick check on the MG website and the ZS EV is also no longer listed, denoting limited stock ahead of the update.

What’s more, the Atto 3 – first deliveries of which are due in July – has loads of standard equipment, some unique features, a punchier powertrain, superior claimed driving range and a two-pronged line-up comprising the entry-level car and a longer-range version.

Both BYD (Build Your Dreams) models carry the same trim level – dubbed ‘Superior’ – and have a powertrain based around a 150kW/310Nm electric motor that drives the front wheels and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 7.3 seconds.

Battery capacity is the key differentiator, with the BYD Atto 3 Standard Range drawing from a 50.1kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LIP) battery that can cover a claimed 320km on the WLTP testing cycle.

The Atto 3 Extended Range, meanwhile, is priced from $47,381 plus ORCs and uses a 60.4kWh LIP battery that allows for a 420km range (WLTP).

By comparison, the MG ZS EV quotes a 263km range from its 44.5kWh lithium-ion battery and 105kW/353Nm powertrain.

Both BYD batteries can be charged at up to 80kW when hooked up to a DC fast-charger and both boast vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities. AC charging at up to 7.0kW is also available.

The BYD Atto 3 is every bit the compact SUV, measuring 4455mm long, 1875mm wide and 1615mm tall. It has a generous 2720mm wheelbase and rides on a MacPherson strut suspension up front and a multi-link configuration at the rear.

Inside, there is seating for five and 434 litres of boot space which can be expanded out to 1330 litres using the 60/40-split folding rear seats.

Drivers are greeted by a unique rotating 12.8-inch infotainment system, faux leather trim and a 5.0-inch digital instrument cluster that’s set on top of the multifunction steering wheel.

Other standard equipment highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, eight-speaker sound system, wireless phone charger, keyless entry and start, and heated/folding exterior mirrors.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone capability is not yet confirmed.

The Atto 3 is still to be crash-tested locally, but will ship with a high level of standard safety equipment including:

Imported through BYD’s local partner Nexport, the BYD Atto 3 is backed by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, while the battery is covered for the same time period but only up to 160,000km.

Customers can currently only order the Atto 3 online via Nexport’s sales portal. You can configure the car to your desired specification, paying a $1000 refundable deposit, but the purchase will not be finalised until the delivery date.

BYD’s long-anticipated local launch was originally tied in with Nexport’s plans to establish a $700 million EV assembly plant in Australia.

However, plans for local manufacturing have reportedly been scrapped.

How much does the 2022 BYD Atto 3 cost?
Superior Standard Range – $44,381
Superior Extended Range – $47,381
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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