We help with the pros and cons — including everything from a quirky cabin and its unique battery tech, to price and other rivals — to help you decide if the BYD Atto 3 is the EV for you.
Launched in late 2022 as a full CBU import, the BYD Atto 3 has recently become the most affordable model from the Chinese EV maker in India. Head-turning looks, a staggering battery pack and a comfy drive, the BYD Atto 3 isn’t without its quirks as it faces off against the Mahindra XEV 9e and Tata Harrier EV. Below-the-cost 2023 BYD Atto 3 pros and cons: is this electric SUV worth your money? Here’s an in-depth review of the 2023 BYD Atto 3
Comfortable and uniquely designed cabin
Open the door to the BYD Atto 3 and you are greeted with a cabin which is unlike anything you’d find in this price segment. The dashboard is funky, with wave-like contours in soft-touch material and an aircraft-style gear lever. Those unique features include a rotatable 12.8-inch infotainment screen with retro AC vents and ‘guitar strings’ on the doors.
The BYD Atto 3’s seats are large and comfortable, with good legroom and a flat floor in the back. A panoramic sunroof lends the interior an airy feel. Everything feels well put together and the BYD Atto 3 is a justified comfortable and premium place to sit in.
Advanced Blade Battery technology
Among the highlights of the BYD Atto 3 is its Blade Battery technology. Providing 49.92kWh and 60.48kWh natural energy content capacity respectively, this system is designed for safety, reliability and efficiency. With a potential range of up to 521 km (claimed range), the bigger battery also gives the BYD Atto 3 everyday usability that would make it competitive in the real world.
The BYD Atto 3 comes with an emission-free 204 hp electric motor, enabling 0-100km/h in a claimed brisk 7.3 seconds (for the 60.48kWh version). Its peppiness and instant torque makes the car fun to drive in city traffic.
Ride comfort and handling
Ride comfort in the BYD Atto 3 is well-handled, with its suspension seemingly soaked up bumps and bustled along rough roads. The SUV remains composed even at higher speeds, and the steering is responsive to driver inputs. It renders the Atto 3 sufficiently competent for the daily grind, and longer hauls.
The Cons of BYD Atto 3
Higher price than rivals
Price remains the main disadvantage of the BYD Atto 3. It is priced from ₹24.99 lakh, going all the way up to ₹33.99 lakh, making it up to ₹3.5 lakh more expensive than the Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra XEV 9e that undercut it.
Competitors provide better specs for the money
The BYD Atto 3 has strong points overall, but rivals have bigger batteries, better powertrains, and more technology for less. That level of value dissonance can make competitors more alluring.
Limited service and dealer network
The second hurdle is a smaller dealer and service network of BYD in India, with the brand lacking the massive footprint of Tata or Mahindra, for example. This might impact longterm ownership ease for buyers of the BYD Atto 3.
Final Verdict
When it comes to interior talent, there are few like the BYD Atto 3 with its unique approach, advanced Blade Battery and money-smart finish. But its list price is steep and network is narrow, so you’ll have to balance the extra costs against your top priorities. For those who prioritize design, comfort and battery tech over all else, the BYD Atto 3 should be in your sights. However, its rivals may make more sense if you want more for less.
FAQs
Yes, if you are into unique design, comfort and cutting-edge battery. However, competitors provided more for less.
Claimed range with the 60.48kWh battery pack is up to 521 km for the BYD Atto 3.
Expensive, narrow dealer network and better equipped rivals for less.
