Quick Highlights:
- New 74.8 kWh battery with up to 510 km claimed range.
- Rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options introduced for the first time.
- 220 kW fast charging enables 10–80% in about 25 minutes.
- Five-link rear suspension, larger screens, and more cabin space improve comfort and practicality.
BYD Atto 3 Evo Unveiled Overseas — A Familiar SUV, But Meaningfully Upgraded
The BYD Atto 3 has already built a strong foothold in India’s premium electric SUV segment, contributing a significant portion of the brand’s local sales. Now, the company has unveiled the Atto 3 Evo, a refreshed version that addresses several limitations of the current model.
At first glance, the visual changes are subtle. The SUV gets revised front and rear bumpers, new 18-inch alloy wheels, slimmer side skirts, and a sportier roof spoiler. Personally, I think these changes keep the design fresh without straying too far from the original look that buyers already like.
Major Mechanical and Platform Changes
The bigger transformation lies under the skin. The Atto 3 Evo moves to the latest version of BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 and introduces Cell-to-Body (CTB) battery integration, a technology previously seen on the BYD Seal.
This approach improves structural rigidity, safety, and interior packaging, which has resulted in:
- Boot space increased to 490 litres
- Up to 1,360 litres with rear seats folded
- New 101-litre frunk
Interestingly, all this has been achieved while overall length (4455 mm) and wheelbase (2720 mm) remain unchanged.
Another key improvement is the new five-link rear suspension, replacing the earlier four-link setup. This should noticeably enhance ride comfort and handling, especially on uneven roads.
Powertrain Options and Performance
For the first time, the Atto 3 lineup expands beyond front-wheel drive. Buyers can now choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions.
RWD Version
- Power: 230 kW (313 PS)
- Torque: 380 Nm
- 0–100 km/h (approx.): ~5.5 seconds
- Claimed range: up to 510 km
AWD Version
- Power: 330 kW (449 PS)
- Torque: 560 Nm
- 0–100 km/h: 3.9 seconds
- Claimed range: about 470 km
That acceleration figure for the AWD version is particularly impressive; in fact, it places the Atto 3 Evo among some of the quickest electric family SUVs currently available.
Both versions support up to 1500 kg braked towing and retain Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality for powering external devices.
Bigger Battery and Faster Charging
BYD has simplified the battery lineup. Instead of two battery sizes, the Evo uses a single 74.8 kWh Blade Battery paired with an 800V electrical architecture.
Key benefits include:
- DC fast charging up to 220 kW
- 10-80% charge in roughly 25 minutes
- Improved thermal efficiency and performance consistency
In practical terms, this could significantly reduce charging stops during highway travel, which is one of the most meaningful real-world improvements an EV can offer.
Interior and Technology Updates
The cabin also receives several noteworthy upgrades:
- Larger 8-inch digital instrument cluster
- 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen with AI-enhanced voice assistant
- Cloud-based large language model enabling natural voice commands
- Steering-column-mounted gear selector, freeing up space in the centre console
- Heated rear seats and improved rear comfort
These changes make the interior feel more modern and practical. The relocation of the gear selector, in particular, is a small change that makes a noticeable difference in cabin usability.
Safety and Features
Safety remains a strong point, with seven airbags and a comprehensive ADAS suite, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Detection
- Lane Departure Assist
- Cross Traffic Alert
- Collision Warning
- Traffic Sign Recognition
Convenience features such as NFC key access, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and V2L continue in the updated model.
Expected India Launch and Price
The current Atto 3 in India is priced between Rs 24.99 lakh and Rs 33.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Given the larger battery and additional hardware, I expect the Atto 3 Evo to start close to the current top-end pricing when it arrives.
If launched, it will compete with:
And indirectly with higher-priced EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volvo EX30
Verdict: A Much More Complete Package
The Atto 3 Evo doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it fixes many of the areas enthusiasts and owners had pointed out—drivetrain flexibility, faster charging, better suspension, and more cabin space. From my perspective, these are exactly the kinds of upgrades that matter in daily use rather than just on paper.
If BYD manages to price it competitively in India, the Evo could strengthen the brand’s position even further in the premium electric SUV segment.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs
Q. What is the battery capacity of the BYD Atto 3 Evo?
- The Atto 3 Evo uses a 74.8 kWh Blade Battery across all variants.
Q. What is the claimed range of the Atto 3 Evo?
- The RWD version offers up to 510 km, while the AWD version offers around 470 km, depending on testing standards.
Q. Does the Atto 3 Evo support fast charging?
- Yes, it supports DC fast charging up to 220 kW, allowing 10-80% charging in about 25 minutes.
Q. What drivetrain options are available?
- For the first time, buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).
Q. When will the BYD Atto 3 Evo launch in India?
- An official timeline hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the launch is expected after its international rollout, likely within the next product cycle.
Q. What are the main improvements over the current Atto 3?
- Key upgrades include a larger battery, faster charging, AWD option, five-link rear suspension, updated interiors, and improved practicality.
