BYD Atto 2 lands in Europe; Will it come to Malaysia?

KUALA LUMPUR: Backed by Warren Buffett, BYD is the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEVs) and power batteries. It remains in the headlines every now and then, grabbing attention with its latest developments. This time, it’s making waves due to its new small electric SUV, the BYD Atto 2.   

The Chinese automaker has recently launched the Atto 2 (also known as Yuan Up) in the European market. Positioned between the Dolphin and Atto 3, the latest BYD EV is built on the e-Platform 3.0 modular architecture.

The Atto 2 is designed as an urban EV for those who don’t want to compromise on a premium finish and ‘big-car’ features. It is perfect for those who want a car with a raised ride height but in an affordable package, says the automaker.

BYD Atto 2: Key highlights

Dimensions

The compact SUV measures 4,310 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height and spans a wheelbase of 2,620 mm. Compared to the Atto 3, the Atto 2 is 145 mm shorter and 45 mm slimmer. The boot space is estimated at 400 litres, which is expandable up to 1,340 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Exterior

Despite the compact dimensions, the EV looks sturdy thanks to the high bonnet crease and claddings along the lower body. The key exterior features are as follows - 

• Dragon front fascia with full LED headlights and slim daytime-running lights
• Blackened pillars
• Sharp-angled front bumper
• Flush door handles
• Generously sized sunroof
• 17-inch five-spoke wheels
• Full-width tail light with a “Chinese knot” pattern shaped like a Mobius Infinity Ring, signifying endless good luck
• Floating roofline with a unique body-colored detail at the C-pillar
• Convex rear bumper with a distinctive roof spoiler 

Interior

Inside the cabin, the new BYD EV features sharp styling and premium materials with generous space and advanced technology. There are padded surfaces in all key areas, integrated handles in the front and rear doors, and a sophisticated cut-diamond look drive selector. The EV has a completely flat floor, making it practical enough for family use.

Available in two trim levels in Europe - Active and Boost, the Atto 2 comes with the following features depending on the chosen trim - 

• 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.8-inch rotatable central touchscreen
• Powered front seats
• Eco-friendly vegan leather upholstery
• Electrically folding side-view mirrors
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated seats
• Ambient lighting
• Six airbags
• Front parking radars
• Surround-view camera system

Drivetrain, range, and charging

The Euro-spec BYD Atto 2 is powered by a single electric motor paired with a Blade Battery, delivering class-leading safety, durability, and performance. The key specifications are as follows -

Motor power	174 hp
Peak torque	290 Nm
0-100 kmph acceleration	7.9 seconds
Top speed	160 kmph
Battery	45.12 kWh
Range	312 km (on the WLTP cycle)

The battery supports up to 65 kW DC, and 11 kW AC charging power is 11 kW. It can juice up from 30% to 80% in 28 minutes. 

Upon introducing the Atto 2, BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li said, “We’re excited to start 2025 with another important model for our plans in Europe. The B-segment SUV class is incredibly popular here, and with the ATTO 2, we have an agile and versatile offering that will appeal to that large potential customer base. It takes all of BYD’s strengths in batteries, electric motors, and Cell-to-Body construction and combines them in a compact package that brings new intelligent technologies to the urban SUV class.”

Will the BYD Atto 2 come to Malaysia?

Malaysia is one of the strong candidates that are expected to receive the BYD Atto 2 as the EV is positioned for the right-hand drive markets. 

Also read: BYD Seal Performance: Why perhaps It’s the 2024 Sedan of the Year