BYD continues its expansion in the electric vehicle sector with the Atto 2, a brand-new B-segment electric SUV. Following in the footsteps of the larger Sealion 7, the Atto 2 is set to make an impact in one of the most competitive and rapidly growing segments of the EV market.

With new entrants like the Renault 4, Citroen e-C3 Aircross, and Fiat Grande Panda, the competition is fierce—so how does BYD’s latest offering measure up? We took the Atto 2 for a spin around Madrid’s city streets and highways to get a first impression, with further insights to come when it lands in Ireland.

Performance

Built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, the Atto 2 integrates the company’s well-known Blade Battery technology directly into its structure. The initial launch model features a 45.1kWh battery, powering a 130kW (174bhp) front-mounted motor, with a larger battery variant expected later this year.

Acceleration is lively enough, with a 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds, making it one of the quicker options in its class. In everyday driving, it feels responsive and easy to handle, particularly in urban environments. A tight turning circle and excellent visibility make navigating through city traffic stress-free. While it doesn’t have a full one-pedal driving mode, the well-calibrated regenerative braking and smooth acceleration make stop-start driving effortless.

Range and Charging

The launch model of the Atto 2 features a 45kWh battery, providing an estimated range of up to 312km. A higher-capacity battery will arrive later in the year, expected to push range figures closer to 400-420km.

Charging speeds are reasonable but not class-leading. The Atto 2 supports 65kW DC fast charging, allowing a 30% to 80% top-up in about 28 minutes. While not the fastest in its category, it remains competitive, especially given its expected price point.

Design and Interior

The Atto 2 embraces a compact SUV stance while incorporating BYD’s cell-to-body construction for added structural integrity. This design choice improves safety, weight distribution, and crash resilience while keeping the vehicle light and efficient.

From a styling perspective, the Atto 2 shares design cues with the larger Atto 3, but adopts a chunkier, more rugged SUV look. Sleek LED headlights, a black trim strip across the nose, and contrasting black cladding with body colour dashes, give it a modern yet understated presence. The rear light bar and LED signature add a touch of sophistication, ensuring it stands out.

Inside, the Atto 2’s cabin feels more refined than some of its competitors, with a sleek digital instrument cluster, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a large 12.8-inch infotainment screen—which, in true BYD fashion, rotates between portrait and landscape modes.

Unlike some of BYD’s other models, which incorporate quirky design elements like flipper-style door handles and unconventional gear selectors, the Atto 2 opts for a more conventional and user-friendly layout. It also offers a generous 400-litre boot, making it more spacious than the Smart #1 and Jeep Avenger Electric, though slightly smaller than the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia EV3.

Cost Considerations

While official pricing for the Irish market has yet to be announced, the Atto 2 is expected to start at under €30,000. With the BYD Dolphin currently priced at just over €26,000, a starting point around €28,000 would make it cheaper than the Kia EV3.

Notably, the Atto 2 comes with a standard EV heat pump, a feature that helps optimise cabin heating in colder weather. Many rivals charge extra for this, making it a valuable inclusion at this price point.

Verdict

While the Atto 2 may not be the most eye-catching EV on the market, it delivers where it counts. With solid performance, a well-equipped interior, and competitive range and charging capabilities, it positions itself as a strong contender in the compact electric SUV space.

BYD is marketing the Atto 2 as a versatile, urban-friendly EV, but we’re eager to see how it performs in real-world conditions on Irish roads. First impressions are promising, and with its well-balanced mix of practicality, technology, and affordability, the Atto 2 could be a compelling option for those looking to make the switch to electric.

We’ll share further insights once we get behind the wheel on home soil, so stay tuned for a full review soon.