The most-awaited third-generation BYD Atto 3 (Yuan Plus) finally launched in China. BYD has introduced the domestic market in four variants that are 540 KM Leading, 540 KM Beyond, 630 KM Beyond and 630 KM Excellence, whose prices in Chinese yuan are 119,900, 129,900, 142,900 and 149,900; and the costs in Indian rupees are 16.9 lakh, 18.37 lakh, 20.20 lakh and 21.19 lakh.
The newly introduced Atto 3 is built on e-Platform 3.0 EV, improving structural rigidity, energy efficiency, electronic communication systems, and thermal management. Notably, the outgoing model was available with a front-wheel drive configuration, but the new one comes with rear-wheel drive. With the rear-wheel vehicle, it now features better weight distribution and stronger acceleration.
Replacing the standard battery, now it gets BYD’s Blade 2.0 LFP battery that is safer and comes with higher energy density. Now, it supports the brand’s flash charger that reduces the charging time like refuelling. Comes with DiPilot 300 ‘God’s Eye B’ ADAS, featuring both urban and highway NOA, it works with roof-mounted lidar, 30 sensing units, a camera, radar sensors, and ultrasonic sensors.
Features adaptive damping technology, DiSus-C, an intelligent suspension system; it continuously adjusts suspension stiffness based on road conditions, speed, steering input and braking forces to ensure better ride comfort, reduce body roll, and improve stability at high speed; iTAC 2.0 Torque Control features better traction on slippery roads; and Tyre Blowout Control keeps the car stable even in case of a tyre burst.
Available with two battery packs that are 57.5 kWh and 68.5 kWh, whose range is 540 km and 630 km on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle. Notably, it takes only 5 minutes for 10-70% charging and 9 minutes for up to 97% charging. In case of extreme cold, it takes 3 minutes extra. Equipped with a PMSM on the rear axle, which generates the maximum power of 200 kW and 240 kW, respectively.
Dimensionally, it is 4,665 mm longer, 1,895 mm wider and 1,675 mm taller. Its wheelbase, the distance between the front and rear wheel, is 2,770 mm. Features a front trunk storage of 180 litres with the knock-to-open feature, which helps in carrying small items. Upfront, it features LED dragon-eye-shaped headlights with the integrated LED daylight running lights giving a modern look, a lower air intake for battery cooling, and a closed-off grille to ensure better aerodynamics.
In profile, it gets flush-type door handles to add a modern touch, body-coloured powered ORVMs with integrated side indicators, and multi-spoke large alloy wheels for bold road presence; and at the rear, it is equipped with full-width woven-pattern LED taillights, roof-integrated spoilers, and a minimalistic tailgate for an uncluttered view. Available in a total of nine colour options, which also includes double-tone options with Fantasy Pink, Trendy Blue, and Green.
Features a seating capacity of 5 people in a layout of 2-3, and behind the rear seat, it gets a boot space of 750 litres. Get powered ‘Queen Seats’ at the front row for passengers with extended leg support for better comfort; notably, both front seats are heated and ventilated. On the dashboard, it features a floating touchscreen for infotainment with the DiLink system and a two-spoke steering wheel that is heated with physical buttons on it for short, under which there’s also a digital instrument cluster.
Also get a head-up display that projects driving information on the windscreen; it ensures that the driver stays focused on the road and drives safely. Other notable features of the cabin are a 50W wireless phone pad at the front row, a built-in refrigerator, a column-mounted gear selector, a 16-speaker premium audio system, multi-colour ambient lighting, and a large panoramic sunroof.