BYD Atto 3 EV coming to Malaysia, here’s what to expect

After Great Wall Motors, another Chinese automaker that is ready to enter the local EV market is BYD, which stands for Build Your Dream. The company has signed an agreement with Sime Darby Motors that will handle the complete distribution of BYD cars in Malaysia. 

Among the two BYD electric vehicles coming to our shores are the e6 MPV and Atto 3 SUV. We have already discussed the upcoming electric MPV in detail and now it’s time to shed light on the SUV. 

A direct competitor to the Hyundai Kona Electric and MG ZS EV, the Atto 3 is a C-segment SUV that has already been on sale in neighbouring countries, including Thailand and Singapore. While referring to neighbours, here’s what we expect the electric SUV to offer in the local market -

Drivetrain, range and charging

The EV comes equipped with a front-wheel-drive electric motor delivering a maximum power of 204 PS and a peak torque of 310 Nm. The motor is combined with a 60-kWh battery pack offering a WLTP-claimed range of 420 km. In terms of performance, it can run from zero to 100 kmph in 7.3 seconds thanks to the aerodynamic exterior that offers a wind resistance coefficient of 0.29Cd.

When it comes to charging, the upcoming Atto 3 supports both AC and DC charging. The standard 7 kW AC charger can charge the EV in 10 hours while the 80 kW DC fast charger accomplishes 80% of the task only in 50 minutes. In some markets, BYD also offers a portable 3-kW AC charger with the EV.

Design and dimensions

The Chinese EV has a clean yet sophisticated exterior design with several interesting elements. On the front, we can observe a closed chrome grille paired with a sleek and modern LED lighting setup and connected LED DRLs. Towards the side, the EV is kitted with sharp design lines, thin body cladding, and unique 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 215/55 profile rubbers. Adding to the SUV’s premium feel are brushed silver door applique and a distinctively designed C-pillar.

The rear profile of the vehicle also boasts a minimalistic look with connected LED tail lights, a black trim incorporating the “ATTO 3” wordmark, a powered tailgate, and a rear spoiler. 

Against the measuring tape, the EV measures 4,455 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, 1,615 mm in height, and has a 2,720 mm long wheelbase. For the sake of comparison, the Hyundai Kona EV is 4,180 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, 1,570 mm tall, and spans a wheelbase of 2,600 mm.

Interior

Inside the upcoming Chinese EV, we are expected to get a dual-tone dashboard with different layers and curves and soft-touch materials.

Among the other fascinating elements of the cabin are dumbbell-inspired air-con vents, guitar-like strings on the doors, and a unique gear lever, which seems inspired by an aircraft. All these together make the EV look like a futuristic vehicle.

In terms of tech goodies, the Malaysia-spec Atto 3 is likely to get the following bits -

• 5.0-inch multi-info instrument cluster display
• 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
• Dirac sound system with eight speakers
• Automatic climate control
• Keyless entry and start
• Powered front seats
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold function
• Wireless phone charger
• Multi-coloured ambient lighting
• Powered sunroof

Safety

As for safety, the EV has proven to be a safe vehicle as it scored a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests with impressive scores for both child and adult occupant protection. The credit goes to the long list of active and passive safety gears, which include seven airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, traction control, tyre pressure monitoring system, parking sensors, 360-degree surround view camera, and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.

Included in the active safety systems are adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, front collision warning, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning.

We hope the Atto 3 will come with the same safety pack in the local market.

Price and availability

While there is no official information on the Atto 3 price in Malaysia yet, the speculations hover around RM 150k. The launch date of the EV is also yet to be announced.

Also read: Proton and Petronas will together build 20 DC fast chargers in Malaysia