New BYD Atto 3 Evo (2023 - )

Meet the BYD Atto 3 Evo - the next level of development, according to the Chinese automaker, when it comes to family electric SUVs.

Having hit the UK market not long ago, the initial version of the Atto 3 has already won the hearts of those who appreciate comfort, technology, and functionality. The newly introduced model embodies all these features even more prominently, with increased power, improved batteries, and faster charging.

With a streamlined model lineup and improved specifications, the Atto 3 Evo is poised to offer an even more compelling option for those navigating the demands of family life while prioritising sustainability and performance. Our motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay was at the Atto 3 Evo's UK media launch to find out what the car is like.

As alluded to, in its new guise, the Atto 3 shifts from a front-wheel drive only setup to rear - or all-wheel drive. This change is complemented by an upgrade to the rear suspension from a four-link to a more advanced five-link configuration, enhancing its driving dynamics. And as previously noted, the Evo is available in a straightforward range with two variants, both containing a 74.8kWh battery.

The rear-wheel drive Design edition is equipped with a single rear motor delivering 313PS. This potent setup means it can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 5.5 seconds, surpassing its main competitors. In contrast, the all-wheel drive Excellence has an additional front motor, delivering an output of 449 horses. This configuration axes the zero to 62mph time to an eye-watering 3.9 seconds.

The advancements in performance and handling are reflected in a fairly engaging and dynamic driving experience, as far as all-electric family SUV class cars go. There is some body roll, but the Evo cushions scarred tarmac well, coping agreeably with rural roads and faster stretches of blacktop. Grip is laudable, especially in the all-wheel drive Excellence grade. Mind you, the steering is fairly heavy - and even though both models are super quick, the BYD is more at home being a comfy family-focused motor than an acrobat or athlete.
 

The dimensions of the Atto 3 Evo are the same as those of the previous model. It still perhaps has a face only a mother could love, but the external features have been modified, including new front and rear bumpers, attractive 18-inch alloy wheels, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. 

What’s more, the Atto 3 Evo features a straightforward, easy-to-understand trim-level structure, with the main distinctions between the two models being power, performance, and all-wheel drive. Both versions, Design and Excellence, come equipped with generous standard features that elevate them above the class norm.

The rear-wheel drive Design grade includes an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, four USB-C ports (two at 60W, two at 18W), wireless smartphone charging with integrated cooling, front and rear parking sensors with a 360-degree surround-view camera, Vehicle-to-Load capability, an efficient heat pump, electrically adjustable heated front seats, and ambient cabin lighting. 

All of the above is fab, with the only real criticism being that the Infotainment system could be more intuitive.

In addition to all-wheel drive and improved performance, the Excellence model adds a head-up display, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof with an electric sunshade.

Both editions of the Atto 3 Evo are available in six paint colours and two interior shades. Of these exterior options, Iris Blue, a new hue, is the standard finish, while the other five cost an additional £750.

The Atto 3 Evo has a length of 4455mm, a width of 1875mm, and a height of 1615mm, making it identical to its predecessor. The wheelbase remains at 2720mm, too - but a new platform maximises space efficiency, resulting in room for five people - and a boot that’s 50 litres larger than before, now offering 490 litres. That is large enough to accommodate a weekly family shopping haul, two large suitcases, or a folded-up pushchair. 
The cargo capacity expands to 1360 litres with the split rear seats folded down. Additionally, the BYD Atto 3 Evo comes with a new 'frunk' beneath the bonnet, providing an extra 95 litres of storage space, perfect for carrying your gym kit or storing charging cables.
The interior design is much roomier - particularly in the front - because the gear selector, which used to be on the centre console, is now on the steering column. Even though there’s space for five-up, four will be even comfier - especially long-legged rear seat occupants.
 

The new models feature a larger 74.8 kWh battery and rapid DC charging of 220kW, enabled by an advanced 800V electrical architecture. Indeed, the charging speed doubles the maximum rate possible in the outgoing Atto 3, allowing either Evo model to charge from just 10 to 80 percent in only 25 minutes.
The Atto 3 Evo will be very economical to operate, particularly if you mainly juice it up at home. As a bonus, you won't have to fret about the Expensive Car Supplement impacting your road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) significantly, either. While electric vehicle road tax is no longer free, it'll cost you just £10 for the first year, with subsequent charges set at £200 (from April 2026).
Zero emissions make it a top choice for company car drivers, as is true of all EVs, as they become more established. 
The rear-wheel drive Design variant offers a WLTP combined range of 317 miles, while the all-wheel drive Excellence variant provides a WLTP combined range of 292 miles.
As an aside, as briefly cited earlier, both versions of the Atto 3 Evo are equipped with BYD's Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, which can efficiently power external devices such as a coffee machine or lawnmower at up to 3kW.
Additionally, the vehicle's e-Platform 3.0 incorporates BYD's proprietary Blade Battery, utilising lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry for enhanced durability and safety.
 

Apart from its so-so looks, there's not much to dislike about this BYD model.

The Atto 3 Evo does what it says on the tin - it'll accomodate a family - it's comfy - and practical - and it has a enough range for a country the size of the UK - where these days, if you can't charge at home, you're never really that far from a public charging station - even if it takes some planning. Once you're there, it's quick to charge, too. Add to all that the kind of acceleration you get in a petrol-propelled supercar of not so long ago, and you're on to a winner.

And if all that doesn't grab you, the Atto 3 Evo comes with BYD's comprehensive after-sales support. It includes a six-year manufacturer's warranty for the car and eight years or 155,350 miles of coverage for the battery, with a guaranteed state of health of at least 70%.

And - this will be the dealbreaker for many parents - I know, as I am one - and that’s the safety of this car. Well, rest assured as the BYD Atto 3, including this updated 2026 Evo model, vaunts a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating under 2022 protocols, achieving impressive results of 91 percent for adult occupant protection and 89 percent for child passenger protection.

In addition to the enhanced crash performance of its cell-to-body construction, the Evo features a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance systems. These include seven airbags (for the driver and front passenger, as well as a front centre airbag, front side airbags, and curtain airbags), Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Cruise Control, Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Assist, Front and Rear Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Intelligent Speed Limit Control.