BYD, the world’s largest electric car manufacturer, provides the iron to enter the European market. We have reviewed their most successful model outside of China, the BYD Atto 3.
Like other Chinese players, BYD has invested heavily in Europe and in Sweden the BYD Atto 3 became the most popular electric car in terms of the number of new registrations during July 2023.
However, it is not a trend that has been particularly persistent and in 2023 they are in twentieth place in the statistics.
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BYD Atto 3 is soft and comfortable. Photo: BYDTough competition
Many Atto 3 customers are highly positive, but far from all. The reason for the brand’s rocket development can be traced to an attractive leasing offer, which is still available on the brand’s website.
It is precisely the BYD Atto 3 that is supposed to be the big seller on the non-Chinese market, including in Europe.
BYD has had difficulty getting cars onto the Swedish market as a result of unreasonably high prices.
However, the brand is the world’s largest manufacturer of electric cars, which is why they should reasonably be able to achieve it in the European market as well.
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A generic exterior
In terms of design, the BYD Atto 3 is incredibly identityless. It resembles any white goods, despite the fact that the design director is the same man who designed, for example, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.
In terms of size, it has positioned itself in one of the most competitive segments; midway between ID.3 and ID.4.
Atto 3 is thus not a car you turn your back on, but it is also not intended to appeal to a particularly discerning target group, but it is the large mass that is of interest.
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Externally, the Atto 3 is not very exciting. (Photo: BYD)Comical interior
It is said that the interior of the BYD Atto 3 has taken inspiration from the gym. A healthy dose of playfulness permeates the cabin, and the brand has gone in the opposite direction to minimalist and pared down, unlike its Chinese competitors.
This is a concept I’ve never heard of before in a car interior, which hardly comes as a surprise.
If you are a family with children, perhaps the children can at least appreciate plucking the three red guitar strings that emit out-of-tune notes to the annoyance of the parents. They can also be used to hold bottles and the like.
The infotainment system consists of a large rotatable touch screen and a smaller display in the form of the instrument panel. It is based on Android, but is perceived as unstable and difficult to navigate.
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The interior is said to be inspired by a gym. Photo: BYDS Purring like a cat
Overall, the car feels lively, especially at lower speeds, and it’s actually quite entertaining to use the direct power delivery and let the wheels spin.
We have previously criticized the anti-slip system and I stand by my opinion that the system feels archaic.
The drivetrain delivers 204 horsepower and 310 newton meters via the front wheels, which is enough to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.
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Atto 3 tackles a tough segment. Photo: BYD Comfortable Chinese
In terms of driving dynamics, the BYD Atto 3 behaves as expected. Comfort is reasonably high, and the chassis has no problems handling either the car’s weight or power. The brakes feel spongy, but overall the driving experience is enjoyable.
During our test period, we had a maximum range of around 30 miles, which isn’t particularly impressive. It can charge up to 88 kW on a fast charger, which does not make it suitable for longer trips.
However, that is roughly what the competitors for the same price can do with. In terms of price, BYD does not stand out, and with Hedin Bil as the Swedish agent, there is stability to fall back on.
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Atto 3 is not the only electric car from China. Photo: BYDBYD Atto 3 is a Chinese electric car
BYD is not the only Chinese to tackle the Swedish market. BYD is one of the most established options currently offered.
BYD Atto 3 takes on a tough segment filled with competitors. The target group is also the common man, who in many cases are not particularly interested in cars and are usually very price sensitive.
The overall package is appealing on several points, but there is nothing concrete that sets the Atto 3 apart from the competition. It thus becomes one of the crowd, which is problematic when you have to take on significantly stronger brands.
On the outside, the Atto 3 looks like any electric crossover, but on the inside, the Chinese have made a little fun of it. The luggage compartment is on the narrower side and the rear seat’s high floor and low roof are not optimal for adult passengers.
As always, the future will tell the outcome, but BYD Atto 3 is hardly something you build your dreams with despite the name, but we are not sold. If you take into account what the car actually costs to buy, it is a car that is difficult to recommend.
BYD Atto 3 is one of many cars in the segment. Photo: BYD Rating of BYD Atto 3: 2.5/5
BYD Atto 3 (2023)
Engine: Electric motor on front axle, 204 horsepower, 310 newton meters
Transmission: 1-speed automatic transmission, pre-Christmas operation
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 7.3 sec
Top speed: 160 km/h
Electrical range: 420 km
Weight: 2160 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4455/1875/1655 mm
Award: From SEK 532,900