The BYD Atto 3, also marketed as BYD Yuan Plus in China and several Latin American countries, is a battery electric compact crossover SUV (C-segment) manufactured by BYD Auto. It is the successor to the BYD Yuan, and was released in China in February 2022 with overseas introductions afterwards.

According to BYD, the name "Atto" was inspired by the attosecond, the smallest time scale unit in physics, depicting BYD's claim that the vehicle is "speedy, energetic, and dynamic". As part of BYD's highly successful "Dynasty" series of new energy vehicles, it is named after the Yuan dynasty.

Overview 
The Atto 3, marketed as the Yuan Plus in China, is the successor of the BYD Yuan, which was also available in petrol ICE and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions in addition to the battery electric (BEV) model. The Yuan Plus only comes in a BEV model, and is significantly larger than its predecessor, occupying the C-segment compact crossover space (A-class in China).

The Yuan Plus was first showcased in August 2021 at the Chengdu Auto Show, and was officially released in February 2022 after pre-orders in China opened in January. During its introduction, BYD also announced its export market name, the Atto 3, and promised to dedicate a production line solely for the right hand drive markets.

The Yuan Plus / Atto 3 is based on BYD's latest all-electric e-Platform 3.0, unlike other models in the Dynasty Series that are modified from ICE/PHEV platforms. It is equipped with a  front-wheel drive electric motor providing  of torque, powered by BYD's proprietary lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade battery. It offers two battery pack options — the 49.92 kWh unit capable of travelling  under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) driving cycle or  under the WLTP standards; while the 60.48 kWh battery pack is rated at  (CLTC) or  (WLTP). It is equipped with MacPherson strut front suspension, and multi-link independent rear suspension.

The Yuan Plus / Atto 3 is built on 400-volt electrical architecture and supports maximum AC charging (Type 2) of 7 kW (standard) or 11 kW (option) as well as DC fast charging (CCS2) at a maximum rate of either 70 kW (Standard Range) or 80 kW (Extended Range). At 80 kW, charging from 0% to 80% can be completed in 45 minutes.

Its interior design is inspired by fitness culture and features aesthetics resembling gym and sports equipment such as treadmill, boxing ring, dumbbells and muscle fibers. The centre 12.8-inch (with an optional larger 15.6-inch) infotainment system is based on Android, and the screen can be rotated between portrait and landscape orientations. The boot space is measured at , or  with the rear seats folded.

Markets

China 

The BYD Yuan Plus was officially released in China in February.

Costa Rica 
The BYD Yuan Plus was released in Costa Rica in July 2022. Two variants are offered in the country, the GL trim with a battery of 49.92 kwh with a range of  under the NEDC cycle, and the GS trim, full extras with a 60.48 kwh battery and a range of  also under NEDC.

Australia 
The Atto 3 was introduced in Australia in August 2022, with deliveries starting in September 2022. Two models are offered, which are Standard Range and Extended Range. In October 2022, deliveries were delayed as a 'stop delivery' notice was in effect due to non-compliance of Australian Design Rules, as the rear middle seat of the Atto 3 is missing an appropriate top tether to use for a child seat. Deliveries resumed in November 2022 after a four-week pause, with modifications done for compliance.

Europe 
The Atto 3 was introduced in Germany in October 2022. In the United Kingdom, the vehicle went on sale in March 2023 in three trim levels: Active, Comfort and Design.

In July 2023, the Atto 3 became the bestselling electric vehicle in Sweden, beating rivals like Volkswagen ID.4 and Tesla Model Y.

India 
The Atto 3 was introduced in India in November 2022. It is locally assembled in India, at the company facility near Chennai.

Japan 
The Atto 3 was released in Japan in February 2023 as the first BYD model introduced in the country, with deliveries scheduled in March.

Malaysia 
The Atto 3 was released in Malaysia in December 2022 with two models, Standard Range and Extended Range. Deliveries started in January 2023.

Thailand 
The Atto 3 was released in Thailand in October 2022. In one month after its introduction, BYD received 10,000 orders for the model.

Brunei 
The Atto 3 was launched in Brunei in 8 July 2023, with only in Superior variant.

Reception 
In a review published in March 2023, British media Top Gear rated the car 7/10, noting that "Broadly, we're impressed... it drives decently under most circumstances… depressing though it is to say, in this class 'decent' is as good as it gets," while noting its soggy brakes and small boot space. The media also recorded a  acceleration time in 7.3 seconds. British Auto Express commented that "BYD has done a good job with the brakes". Car magazine from the UK noted that the Atto 3 supports DC rapid charging, but only at speeds up to 88 kW, which means a 30–80% boost takes around 29 minutes. Australian media Drive awarded the Atto 3 as the winner of the "2023 Drive Car of the Year Best EV under $70,000" in March 2023, due to its exceptional price, comfort, roominess and performance. The publication noted its poor tyre performance, unintuitive 'P' park button, and an unrefined lane-keeping assistance system, rating it 7.1/10. Malaysian publication Paultan.org commented that the Atto 3's seats are "among the most comfortable chairs we’ve ever sat in." Autocar India stated that the vehicle feels roomy due to its long wheelbase and the presence of a sunroof, and features well-built cabin panels.

Safety 
In a 2022 testing, the Atto 3 was rated 5 stars in Euro NCAP.

Awards 

 2022 New Zealand Car of the Year
 VAB Family Car of the Year 2023
 The Straits Times Car of the Year 2022
 Israel Sport 5 Vehicle of the Year
 2022 Thailand Best EV SUV
 2023 Drive Car of the Year Best Electric Vehicle Under $70,000

Sales 
During its first ten months in the market, a total of 202,018 units of the Yuan Plus were sold globally in 2022, which accounted 25 percent of battery electric vehicles sold by BYD in the period. During the first half of 2023, 201,505 units were sold globally.

References

External links 

 Official website

Atto 3
Cars introduced in 2022
Front-wheel-drive vehicles
Compact sport utility vehicles
Crossover sport utility vehicles
Production electric cars
Euro NCAP small off-road