The Chinese auto brand BYD (Build Your Dreams) has recently made its Malaysian debut with the launch of its first electric model, the Atto 3. The SUV is designed as a high-performance EV and underpins the brand’s new architecture, called e-platform 3.0. It offers a great combination of modern design, advanced technologies, and an impressive drive range, which truly raises the bar for the electric SUV segment in Malaysia

The EV is offered in two variants in the local market - Standard Range and Extended Range, priced at RM 149,800 and RM 167,800, respectively. Here, we bring a detailed explanation of the Atto 3 variants, have a look.

BYD Atto 3 Standard Range

The lower-spec Atto 3 costs you RM 149,800, making it RM 10k dearer than the other Chinese EV, the Ora Good Cat, recently launched in the local market, which is touted as the cheapest EV in Malaysia. Well, the two EVs fall into different segments; the Good Cat is sized similarly to the Proton X50 while the Atto 3 is a C -segment SUV with dimensions similar to the Proton X70. Figuratively speaking, the BYD EV measures 4,455 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width, and 1,615 mm in height, and carries a wheelbase of 2,720 mm.

Design-wise, the Atto 3 features a sophisticated and clean exterior thanks to the closed chrome grille and sleek LED headlight units mated to LED daytime running lights. The headlight units also come with follow-me-home and adaptive functions.

Also part of the exterior kit is an electronic unlock tailgate, panoramic sunroof with electric slide and anti-trap, LED tail lights, electrically heated, electrically contractable, and adjustable side mirrors, roof rails, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The welcoming and modern interior of the Atto 3 is loaded with several quirky elements and advanced features, including -

• 12.8-inch infotainment unit that can rotate in portrait and landscape modes. It is also paired with a voice assistant (English) and satellite navigation system.
• Wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity (BYD will bring in wireless connection in Q2 2023)
• 5-inch digital instrument cluster
• Automatic single-zone air conditioning with CN95 air-filter
• Dumbbell-inspired air vents 
• 6-speaker sound system
• 6-way power-adjustable driver seat
• 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
• A unique gear lever inspired by an aircraft
• Single-colour ambient lighting
• Unusual door handles
• Guitar-like red strings on the door panels
• Treadmill-style central armrest with storage compartment for keeping knick-knacks
• Keyless entry and keyless start
• 12V socket
• Portable car key
• Synthetic leather upholstery

Coming to the powertrain, range, and charging, the Atto 3 Standard Range comes equipped with a single electric motor generating 201 hp of maximum power and 310 Nm of peak torque. The power is transmitted to the EV’s front wheels, which enable it to run from zero to 100 kmph in 7.3 seconds.

The electric motor is fed by a 49.92-kWh battery pack offering a range of 345 km (on the WLTP cycle) on a single charge. The latter takes eight hours when using a 6.6-kW AC charger, however, a 70 kW DC fast outlet can provide 80% SoC in 50 mins.

In terms of safety, the Chinese EV can impress anyone with its long list of active and passive features ensuring a safe and secure journey. The list includes - 

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Automatic Vehicle Hold
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Hill Descent Control
• Front Collision Warning
• Rear Collision Warning
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• 6 parking sensors
• 360-degree view monitor
• 6 airbags along with a central side airbag for the driver
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Electric parking brake with auto hold
• Anti-lock braking system
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Traction Control system
• Hill Descent Control

BYD Atto 3 Extended Range

On the top of the Atto 3 local lineup sits the Extended Range which costs RM 18k dearer than the base model at RM 167,800. In this additional pricing, the Chinese automaker offers a few exterior and interior premium features and a longer driving range. The former comprises - 

• Bigger 18-inch wheels
• One touch open/close tailgate
• 8-speaker DIRAC HD Sound System
• Multi-colour ambient lighting with music rhythm
• Wireless phone charger
• PM 2.5 air filter

While the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range is powered by the same electric motor as the base-spec, it benefits from a bigger battery pack and thus longer range. That’s a 60.48-kWh unit enabling the EV to run for 420 km (WLTP) on a full charge. With the help of a 6.6-kW AC charger, one can fully charge the EV in 9.5 hours, whereas the 80-kW DC port offers 80% SoC in just 50 mins.

That’s all for now. We hope this guide helps you select the best Atto 3 variant that suits your preferences and budget.

Also read: BYD Dolphin EV previewed in Malaysia; launch expected soon