BYD ATTO 3 review: The new electric SUV gunning for the UK market

BYD splash into the UK market with the family-friendly ATTO 3

BYD (Build Your Dreams) has accomplished what seemed impossible just a few years ago – overtaking Tesla in UK new car sales.

In May 2025, BYD registered over 3,000 new vehicles in the UK, five times more than the same period in 2023 and significantly outpacing Tesla's 2,000 registrations for the month.

While the SEAL U hybrid SUV has been BYD's top seller in the UK so far this year, the Chinese giant's electric lineup including the ATTO 3, SEAL, and DOLPHIN has helped them close in on Tesla's overall 2025 sales figures, with BYD registering 14,807 models compared to Tesla's 15,002.

With over 1.8 million EVs produced globally in 2022, BYD has cemented its position as the world's largest manufacturer of electric vehicles and the leading Chinese EV brand.

The BYD ATTO 3 was their first venture into the UK market and helped establish the foundation for their remarkable growth.

This practical and spacious family SUV competes with vehicles like the Kia Niro Electric, Hyundai Kona Electric, and newer alternatives such as the Kia EV3, SKODA Elroq, and MG S5 EV.

We've been testing the BYD ATTO 3 to see how this pioneering model holds up against increasingly tough competition in today's electric SUV market.

What did we drive?

• Model: 150kW Design 60kWh 5dr Auto
• Transmission: Automatic
• Power: Electric (201HP)
• Colour: Parkour Red
• Wheels: 18-inch
• OTR: from £36,490*
• Price of model driven: £38,990*

*Prices correct at the time of publication

Price

The BYD ATTO 3 is now available in two trim levels, after the entry-level Active trim was discontinued. Current prices start from £37,705 for the Comfort trim, with a jump to £39,705 for the range-topping Design trim.

Both trim levels come packed with excellent equipment, including a rotating touchscreen (12.8" on Comfort, 15.6" on Design), wireless charging, voice control, and a comprehensive suite of safety assistance technologies.

While some rivals undercut the ATTO 3, it remains a competitive option in the EV market.

Batteries, range and charging

BYD keeps things simple with just one battery option across the ATTO 3 range.

The 60.4kWh Blade Battery uses clever lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) technology that's both safer and more durable than traditional batteries.

On paper, you'll see a WLTP Comb range of 261 miles, but let's be honest – real-world testing shows you're looking at 190-200 miles (WLTP Comb) in typical driving. City dwellers get a better deal with up to 351 miles (WLTP Comb) possible in urban settings. Not too shabby, that.

The ATTO 3 has upped its charging game since launch.

Early adopters got 88kW DC charging, but newer models now support speedier 110kW charging. This means you can juice up from 10-80% in about 35 minutes, which is just enough time for a coffee, a sandwich, and a rest.

Home charging options won't disappoint either.

Both trim levels come with an 11kW on-board charger that'll charge the battery in about six hours 20 minutes on a compatible wallbox. Using a standard 7kW home charger? Set aside around nine hours 42 minutes for a full charge. Perfect for overnight top-ups.

One standout party trick is the vehicle-to-load (V2L) function.

This clever feature lets you use the car's battery to power external devices or even rescue another EV in a pinch.

Camping trip with a portable fridge? Covered.

Power cut at home? No problem.

The standard heat pump is another thoughtful touch, helping maintain range when the temperature drops. British winters won't sap your battery life quite as much as they might without it.

Behind the wheel

The ATTO 3 delivers exactly what you want from a family-friendly EV – a comfortable, fuss-free driving experience for everyone.

On the move, it's smooth as silk with responsive steering that makes navigating tight city streets or winding country lanes a breeze.

The suspension errs on the softer side, brilliant for soaking up potholes and speed bumps (your coffee cup will thank you). But it does mean you'll experience a bit of body roll if you channel your inner racing driver in corners.

With 201bhp powering the front wheels, the ATTO 3 sprints from 0-62mph in a respectable 7.3 seconds. It won't pin you to your seat like some performance EVs, but there's more than enough zip for confident overtaking and merging onto motorways.

Visibility is generally spot-on, the low-set dashboard gives you a commanding view of what's ahead.

Rear visibility isn't quite as generous thanks to the sloping roofline, but the standard 360-degree parking camera system has your back.

The airplane-style gear selector might look like a gimmick, but it's surprisingly intuitive and comfortable in daily use – proof that sometimes quirky design choices can actually work.

Design and interior

From the outside, the ATTO 3 plays it safe with a relatively conservative design that won't ruffle any feathers in the European market. It's not going to stop traffic, but it's not trying to hide either. The styling is clean and contemporary, if a tad forgettable in today's sea of SUVs.

The front-end sports long headlights that might remind you of older Kia designs, while the side profile could be mistaken for a Volkswagen ID.4 from certain angles.

At the rear, a full-width light bar gives a nod to the CUPRA Born. All models roll on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard; nothing flashy, just sensible shoes for everyday use.

One exterior feature that screams "new kid on the block" is the "Build Your Dreams" lettering boldly sprawled across the boot lid – something BYD has toned down in newer models, which now sport just the simpler BYD badge.

Step inside, though, and it's like the designers unleashed their inner child.

The cabin is exuberant and playful, with character that's genuinely refreshing in this segment.

High-quality materials feature throughout, with a pleasing mix of soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The vegan leather upholstery doesn't just talk the environmental talk – it feels properly premium, and the overall build quality would make some European manufacturers take notice.

Unique design elements abound, including door bins with guitar strings (yes, you can pluck them, though your passengers might tire of your impromptu concerts), air vents inspired by dumbbells, and clever roll-back door handles integrated into the speaker tops. The standard panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, making it feel even more spacious.

The party piece has to be the rotating touchscreen, a proper conversation starter that lets you switch between portrait and landscape orientations.

Navigation looks particularly impressive in portrait mode, while entertainment functions shine in landscape. Just note that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are locked into landscape mode only.

Space and practicality

The ATTO 3 offers plenty of space to stretch out, whether you're up front or riding in the back.

Up front, you'll find comfortable, electrically adjustable seats that make long journeys a breeze, while rear passengers benefit from decent headroom and legroom that's on the generous side.

One standout feature is the completely flat floor in the back – no awkward transmission hump means the middle passenger won't be playing footsie with those on either side. This makes three-across seating more bearable than in many rivals.

Boot space hits the sweet spot for family life at 440 litres with the seats up.  It’s enough for a substantial supermarket shop or holiday luggage. Fold those rear seats down and you'll unlock 1,338 litres of space. Perfect for those inevitable IKEA runs.

There's also handy underfloor storage to keep your charging cables from tangling with your shopping.

Size-wise, the ATTO 3 sits comfortably in the middle of its class. It offers more cargo room than the Peugeot E-2008 (408 litres) and Vauxhall Mokka Electric (310 litres), though it can't quite match the Kia EV3 (470 litres) or Hyundai Kona Electric (466 litres).

Parents will appreciate the ISOFIX points on the outer rear seats and front passenger seat, making it a doddle to secure child seats.

Technology

The infotainment system steals the show with the Design trim flaunting a massive 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen (Comfort trim owners get a still-impressive 12.8-inch version). The screen responds quickly to taps and swipes, though you'll need to dig into submenus for some climate controls – slightly annoying when you just want to crank up the heat.

Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on board for seamless smartphone integration. The built-in navigation comes with free updates for the first three years, and the voice control system makes adjusting settings while driving much simpler. Just say "Hi, BYD" and your wish is its command

The tech goodie bag doesn't stop there:

• 8-speaker audio system that punches above its weight
• Wireless smartphone charging (15W) so you can ditch the cables
• USB ports front and rear (both Type A and C) to keep everyone's devices topped up
• 4G connectivity with over-the-air updates keeping everything fresh
• BYD app letting you check charging, pre-condition the cabin, and more

The driver's display is noticeably compact next to the dominating central screen, creating an interesting visual contrast. Despite the size difference, it delivers all the vital information you need, proving good things come in small packages.

Safety

The BYD ATTO 3 aced its Euro NCAP safety test with a full five-star rating, scoring an impressive 91% for adult protection and 89% for child safety. Those are numbers that should help you sleep soundly at night.

You get a comprehensive safety package straight out of the box, no expensive option packs needed. The roster includes:

• Adaptive Cruise Control 
• Lane Keep Assistance 
• Blind Spot Detection 
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert 
• Forward Collision Warning 
• Traffic Sign Recognition 
• 360-degree camera system 
• Front and rear parking sensors 

The Rear Cross Traffic system deserves a special mention.  It uses millimeter-wave radar to spot approaching vehicles when you're backing out of spaces.

Not only does it warn you, but it'll also apply the brakes if you don't react in time. Perfect for those supermarket car parks where everyone seems to be in a rush.

Model lines and equipment

With the Active trim now discontinued, the ATTO 3 keeps it simple with just two specifications:

Comfort

• 12.8" rotating touchscreen 
• LED headlights and taillights 
• Panoramic sunroof 
• 18" alloy wheels 
• Vegan leather seats 
• Electrically adjustable front seats 
• Heated steering wheel and front seats 
• Dual-zone climate control 
• 11kW on-board charger 
• Heat pump
• Vehicle-to-Load 
• Keyless entry and start 
• Wireless smartphone charging 

Design

Everything from the Comfort trim, plus these luxury touches:

• 15.6" rotating touchscreen 
• Electric tailgate 
• Ventilated front seats 
• Multi-color ambient lighting 
• PM2.5 air purification system 

The Design trim lets you pick any color at no extra cost, while Comfort comes in Surfing Blue as standard.

Want Climbing Grey, Skiing White, or Cosmos Black on the Comfort instead? That'll cost you extra.

What’s the verdict?

The BYD ATTO 3 remains a solid contender in the electric SUV game, but it's no longer the fresh-faced newcomer that turned heads on arrival.

What once stood out as a cracking value proposition now faces stiff competition from newer, often cheaper alternatives.

What we love

• Distinctive, playful interior design with quirky touches
• Comprehensive standard equipment (no costly option packs needed)
• Excellent build quality that rivals premium European brands
• Standard heat pump for better cold-weather range
• Bi-directional charging capability for powering external devices
• Impressive safety features and five-star Euro NCAP rating

Room for improvement

• Real-world range of around 200 miles lags behind newer competitors
• Pricing now looks less competitive than at launch
• Driving experience is comfortable but unremarkable
• Some wind noise at higher speeds
• That otherworldly pedestrian warning sound might turn heads for the wrong reasons

Go for it if…

• You value character and uniqueness over maximum range
• You appreciate thoughtful interior design with high-quality materials
• You want comprehensive equipment without ticking option boxes
• You're planning to keep the car for several years (strong build quality)
• You need the versatility of bi-directional charging

Look elsewhere if...

• Maximum range is your top priority
• You're seeking the absolute best value for money
• You want the very latest tech features
• You prefer a more engaging driving experience
• You need class-leading boot space

For a first UK offering, the ATTO 3 shows BYD has serious EV-making chops – and with the company's impressive growth trajectory, we can't wait to see what they do next.