BYD has launched two new trims—the entry-level Dynamic and the mid-spec Premium—for Atto 3. Earlier, the electric SUV was available only as a fully loaded model, which BYD now calls the Superior trim. The Dynamic, Premium and Superior trims are priced at Rs 24.99 lakh, Rs 29.85 lakh and Rs 33.99 lakh, respectively. Crucially, the base trim brings in a smaller battery and fewer features for more competitive pricing.
The biggest change in the new Dynamic trim is under the skin—a new 49.92kWh battery with an ARAI-claimed range of 468km. The Premium and Superior trims get the larger 60.48kWh battery that the Atto 3 originally came with; their ARAI-claimed range is 521km. All three trims continue to be powered by a single front-axle electric motor that produces 204hp and 310Nm of torque.
Using a DC fast charger, the Atto 3’s battery pack can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in 50 minutes, irrespective of the variant. When using an AC charger, it takes 8 hours to fully charge the smaller battery and approximately 10 hours for the larger battery. The company is offering a 7kW home charger and a 3kW portable charging box.
The entry-level and mid-spec trims naturally lose out on a few features available in the Superior version. The mid-spec Premium trim doesn’t have the ADAS suite and adaptive LED headlights. The Dynamic version even misses out on a powered tailgate, an 8-speaker sound system and multi-colour ambient lighting, and it rides on smaller 17-inch wheels. BYD has also introduced a new Cosmos Black colour for the all-electric SUV.
All trims continue with features such as a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 5-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, automatic climate control and powered front seats. Safety features include a 360-degree camera, seven airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability programme and TPMS.
Until now, the Atto 3 did not have a direct competitor, with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 having a more premium positioning and the MG ZS EV being a lot more affordable. But now, the Atto 3’s entry-level variants are far better placed as rivals to the ZS EV, which has a 50.3kWh battery pack, a claimed range of 461km and is priced in the range of Rs 18.98 lakh–Rs 25.44 lakh, ex-showroom. The Atto 3 will also see competition from upcoming EVs such as the Hyundai Creta EV and Maruti eVX.