BYD Atto 2 DM-i: small SUV becomes Australia’s cheapest plug-in hybrid at $24,990 before on-roads

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Fresh off announcing Australia’s cheapest EV, BYD has announced the nation’s cheapest plug-in hybrid.

BYD’s Atto 2 small SUV, currently electric-only, is being joined by a plug-in hybrid version, the DM-i. Undercutting the electric version, which starts at $31,990 before on-roads, the DM-i is just $24,990 in base Essential trim and $29,990 for the better-equipped Premium.

That’s $9000 less than Australia’s next-cheapest plug-in hybrid, BYD’s own Sealion 5 mid-size SUV ($33,990 before on-roads). It’s level with a budget-car icon, the Suzuki Swift, which is also $24,990 before on-roads in base-model, 5-speed manual form.

The DM-i is distinguishable from the regular Atto 2 by its front bumper, which now needs a grille for its combustion engine.

Both Atto 2 DM-i variants combine a 72kW 1.5L petrol engine with an electric motor to drive the front wheels.

The $24,990 Essential grade has a 7.85kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery delivering 39km of electric range (WLTP), with petrol-plus-electric combined power of 122kW. So long as the battery is kept above 25 percent charged, BYD claims fuel consumption of 1.8L/100km.

The $29,990 Premium scores an 18.03kWh LFP battery, with benefits across the board: 90km electric range (WLTP), combined power of 156kW and consumption of 0.7L/100km.

Combined torque is 300Nm for both. The Atto 2 DM-i can take up to 3.3kW AC charging; a full charge from 15 percent takes 2 hours and 42 minutes for the Essential, and 6 hours and 6 minutes for the Premium.

Like many hybrids, the Atto 2 DM-i drives in three ways – electric-only at low speeds, series-hybrid (engine on, but generating power rather than driving the wheels) at higher speeds, and parallel-hybrid (engine and electric motor driving the wheels together) for highway cruising.

Inside, both the Essential and Premium have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the Premium adding a larger touchscreen, heated front seats, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, ambient lights, a glass roof and a wireless charger.

Boot space measures 425L, or 1335L with the back seats folded.

The Premium also provides front parking sensors, roof rails and – rarely for the price – 3kW vehicle-to-load charging, meaning whitegoods like coffee machines or even barbeques can be powered from the car.

BYD estimates Atto 2 DM-i deliveries will start in October.

2026 BYD Atto 2: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Dynamic (electric): $31,990
• Premium (electric): $35,990
• DM-i Essential: $24,990
• DM-i Premium: $29,990