Huge changes coming to popular EV: BYD Atto 3 Evo goes 800V and RWD to fight Kia EV3, MG S5 and Jaecoo J5

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BYD has updated its strong-selling Atto 3 crossover, and the changes for the Atto 3 ‘Evo’ are much more extensive than they appear.

The base Atto 3 Dynamic (now $41,990 before on-roads, up $2000) inherits the MY25 Atto 3 Premium’s drivetrain. A 60.5kWh battery delivers a claimed range of 420km (WLTP), and a front-wheel-drive motor puts out 150kW and 310Nm.

The new Premium ($46,990 before on-road costs, also up $2000), however, is almost a whole new car underneath. There’s a bigger battery (74.9kWh), more range (510km) and more power (230kW and 380Nm) and the Atto 3 Premium is now rear-wheel drive.

Remarkably, the Dynamic’s 400-volt electrical architecture is junked for an 800-volt system in the Premium, enabling DC fast-charging at 220kW, more than double the previous 88kW rate. 

BYD says a charge from flat to 80% should be possible in 25 minutes.

The Dynamic’s DC charging improves as well, but only to 110kW. With its smaller battery, a 0-80% charge should take 35 minutes and 3.3kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging is standard.

The only optional extra is any paint besides Ski White; Harbour Grey, Cosmos Black and Atlantis Grey (Premium-only) cost $600. 

BYD’s introduction of the Atto 3 Evo comes as compact electric SUVs surge in popularity. Despite the mark-up, it still undercuts Chasing Cars’ Small SUV of the Year, the Kia EV3 ($47,600 before on-roads), and the MG S5 ($42,990 before on-roads).

Changes to the exterior are slight. The side skirts and front and rear bumpers are subtly redesigned, and both front and rear lights now stretch the full width of the car. Dimensions are unchanged at 4455mm long, 1875mm wide and 1615mm tall.

What’s inside?

On the inside, the gearstick moves to the steering column, freeing up the centre console for more storage and a powerful 50-watt wireless charger. 

The Atto 3 Evo’s instrument cluster grows from 5 to 8.8 inches to improve legibility, and the front seats are electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated as standard.

In the Premium changes are, again, remarkably extensive. As well as dual-zone climate control and lumbar support for the driver, the Premium’s shift to rear-wheel-drive lets BYD put a 101-litre front boot in the Atto 3 for the first time.

Counterintuitively, the RWD Premium has more rear boot space than the FWD Dynamic at 490L instead of 434L.

BYD’s smartphone app can do more than before in the Atto 3; it’s now able to control the air conditioning and windows, as well as lock and unlock the car.

Safety-wise, the Atto 3 gains Child Presence Detection for 2026, which triggers alerts if the car is locked with someone in it. Added to the Premium but not the Dynamic is front cross-traffic alert.

Orders for the Atto 3 Evo are open now, with first deliveries expected in September.

2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Dynamic: $41,990 (up $2000)
• Premium: $46,990 (up $2000)