BYD Atto 3

The BYD Atto3 stands out with its Coupe SUV styling, featuring a design influenced by a designer who once worked on Porsche models. This influence is evident in its pleasing proportions, short overhangs, and decent approach and departure angles, making it well-suited for Indian roads. 

The car’s exterior design is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional, with a good breakover angle that handles challenging terrains like roads with large hume pipes effortlessly. 

At 4500 mm long, 1800 mm wide, and 1700 mm tall, the BYD Atto3 is comparable in size to popular models like the Seltos or Creta, offering ample road presence and practicality without bottoming out on speed bumps, thanks to its 172 mm ground clearance.

The BYD Atto3 is powered by a 50kW Blade battery, delivering an impressive real-world range of 450 kilometres on a single charge. This exceptional range positions the vehicle as a strong contender in the rapidly growing EV market, especially for those who may have been hesitant about making the switch from traditional fuel vehicles. The car’s weight, ranging from 1700 to 1800 kilograms, doesn’t hinder its agility. 

With 200bhp and 310Nm of torque, the Atto3 feels well-planted at high speeds, and its braking system, supported by ventilated front discs, offers sure-stop confidence.

Charging is also efficient, with DC charging taking the battery from 10% to 80% in just 50 minutes, while AC overnight charging takes around 9 hours.

Inside the BYD Atto3, the cabin exudes a high level of quality and craftsmanship. The interior is reminiscent of an airplane cockpit, with solid and tactile switches, including knurled metal switches that feel as refined as those found in a Jaguar. 

The central screen is massive, akin to a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and can be adjusted between landscape and portrait modes, although it’s more practical to keep it in landscape to avoid obstructing the windshield view. The seats, which are six-way adjustable, offer excellent support and comfort, though they may not feel as durable as those in the Kona due to the softer materials used. 

The vehicle also boasts a large boot, which becomes even more spacious when the rear seats are folded flat, though it lacks a spare tire, offering only an inflator and tire repair compound.

The BYD Atto3 excels in providing a comfortable and safe driving experience. The suspension is well-tuned for comfort, ensuring a smooth ride over uneven surfaces, and the car glides effortlessly over Bangalore’s notorious speed breakers.

Despite the suspension’s softness, the chassis doesn’t feel as taut as that of the Kona or Ioniq5, making it less sporty in terms of handling. However, the car remains very comfortable for both the driver and passengers, with minimal disturbance over bumps.

The insulation is also top-notch, effectively keeping outside noises at bay. The car’s safety features are complemented by its solid build quality, comparable to that of an Audi Q3, with a heavy metal gauge that adds to its sense of durability and protection.

While the BYD Atto3 might not be a driver’s car in the traditional sense, it excels as a comfortable, spacious, and well-appointed cruiser.

It offers multiple driving modes, including Normal, ECO, and Sports, with the latter being the most enjoyable, especially when paired with the Sports settings for steering and brake assist, which tighten the steering and make the brakes more responsive. 

The car’s ride quality is generally excellent, with a nimble feel despite its weight, but it’s more of a family-friendly SUV coupe than a sporty vehicle. 

The BYD Atto3 outshines the MG ZS EV in overall ride quality but doesn’t quite match the sporty handling of vehicles like the Kia EV6, which benefits from a firmer suspension and better chassis tuning.

Overall, the BYD Atto3 is a top-class, highly accomplished vehicle that offers a compelling blend of style, range, and comfort, though it may not appeal to those seeking a more performance-oriented driving experience.