Used BYD Atto 3 buyer’s guide
The electric vehicle market is booming, and Chinese manufacturer BYD is making waves with its distinctive Atto 3—an electric SUV that's turning heads for all the right reasons. With its quirky interior touches, solid build quality, and competitive pricing, the Atto 3 represents a fresh alternative to established players like the MG HS and Nissan Qashqai.
But is it the right electric SUV for you? Whether you're a family looking for a practical daily driver or an eco-conscious buyer seeking your first EV, this guide will help you understand what makes the BYD Atto 3 tick—and whether it's worth your consideration.
Is the BYD Atto 3 a good car?
BYD (Build Your Dreams) might be a relatively new name in the UK, but it's actually the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer. The company has been perfecting battery technology for decades, and the Atto 3 showcases that expertise brilliantly.
The BYD Atto 3 is a family-friendly electric SUV that sits comfortably in the compact crossover segment. It offers a spacious cabin, a claimed range of up to 260 miles, and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. What really sets it apart, though, is its unique character—from the rotating touchscreen to the guitar-string door pulls, this isn't your average electric runabout.
For buyers seeking something different without sacrificing practicality, the Atto 3 delivers. It's competitively priced against rivals, offers decent performance, and comes packed with tech. However, real-world range can fall short of official figures, and some may find the quirky design elements a bit too much.
Features and Specifications
Interior design and comfort
Step inside the BYD Atto 3 interior, and you'll immediately notice it's not trying to copy anyone else. The cabin feels spacious and airy, with generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making longer journeys less tiring.
But it's the design details that really catch your attention. The door handles resemble guitar strings, the air vents look like dumbbells, and the 12.8-inch touchscreen can rotate between landscape and portrait modes—handy when using navigation versus music controls. Some might find these touches too playful, but they certainly give the Atto 3 personality.
Storage is practical, with a 440-litre boot that expands to 1,338 litres with the rear seats folded. That's enough space for the weekly shop or a family camping trip.
Innovative technology in the Atto 3
The rotating touchscreen isn't just for show—it houses BYD's infotainment system, which includes sat-nav, smartphone connectivity, and vehicle settings. The system is generally intuitive, though some physical buttons for climate control would be welcome.
Standard equipment is generous. You'll find LED headlights, a reversing camera, keyless entry, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. Higher trims add luxuries like a heat pump (which helps preserve range in cold weather), heated seats, and a panoramic glass roof.
One standout feature is bi-directional charging, which means the Atto 3 can power your home during an outage or supply electricity back to the grid. It's a genuinely useful capability that many rivals don't offer.
Performance and Battery Range
Official vs. real-world range
The BYD Atto 3 comes with a 60.5kWh battery pack and a single electric motor producing 201bhp. That's enough for a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds—not sports car territory, but brisk enough for everyday driving.
The official BYD Atto 3 range is quoted at 260 miles on the WLTP cycle. In real-world conditions, expect closer to 200-220 miles, depending on driving style, weather, and whether you're using the motorway. That's respectable for this price point, though some rivals like the Kia Sportage EV offer slightly more.
The driving experience is smooth and quiet, as you'd expect from an EV. The suspension does a decent job of smoothing out bumps, though larger potholes can send a thud through the cabin. Handling is safe and predictable rather than sporty, which suits the Atto 3's family-focused brief perfectly.
Charging capabilities and speeds
Charging the Atto 3 is straightforward. On a home wallbox (7kW), you'll need around nine hours for a full charge—perfect for overnight top-ups. Public rapid chargers (up to 88kW) can take the battery from 30% to 80% in around 30 minutes, making longer journeys feasible with a quick coffee break.
The inclusion of bi-directional charging is a real bonus, allowing you to use the car as a mobile power source. It's a feature that adds genuine value and future-proofs your investment as vehicle-to-grid technology becomes more widespread.
Safety and Reliability
Euro NCAP ratings
Safety is clearly a priority for BYD. The Atto 3 achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, with particularly strong scores for adult and child occupant protection. That's reassuring for families and should provide peace of mind on every journey.
Safety features included in the Atto 3
Standard safety kit includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Rear cross-traffic alert helps when reversing out of tight spaces, while the 360-degree camera makes parking easier.
The Atto 3's battery is protected by a robust structure, and BYD's extensive experience in battery technology should mean reliable performance over the long term. The company offers an impressive warranty package, including six years or 93,750 miles on the vehicle and eight years or 125,000 miles on the battery.
Pricing and Market Positioning
Available trims and options
The BYD Atto 3 price starts from around £36,000 for the base model, rising to approximately £41,000 for the top-spec Design trim. That positions it competitively against established rivals while offering generous standard equipment.
Both trims share the same powertrain and battery, so the main differences come down to features like the panoramic roof, upgraded upholstery, and additional driver aids. Even the entry-level model feels well-equipped, making it a sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Comparison with competitors
Against rivals like the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Tucson electric, the Atto 3 holds its own. It offers more character than the MG and more space than some similarly priced alternatives. However, the established Kia and Hyundai EVs come with stronger dealer networks and longer track records in the UK market.
If you're considering a used Atto 3, expect to save a few thousand pounds compared to new prices, though availability is still limited given the model's recent arrival. Always check the vehicle's history and ensure any warranties are transferable when buying second-hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charge BYD Atto 3?
Charging costs depend on where and when you charge. At home on an off-peak electricity tariff (around 7p per kWh), a full charge of the 60.5kWh battery costs approximately £4.24, giving you up to 260 miles of range. That works out at roughly 1.6p per mile—significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel.
Public charging varies widely. Standard public chargers (slow or fast) might cost 30-50p per kWh, while rapid chargers can reach 70-85p per kWh. A rapid charge from 30% to 80% would cost around £17-£21. Installing a home wallbox and charging overnight remains the most economical option for most owners.
Can BYD Atto 3 use Tesla Supercharger?
The BYD Atto 3 uses a CCS (Combined Charging System) connector, which is the standard in Europe. Some Tesla Supercharger locations now offer CCS compatibility through their "open Supercharger" pilot programme, meaning Atto 3 owners can access these stations where available.
However, not all Tesla Superchargers are open to non-Tesla vehicles yet. Check the Tesla app or third-party charging apps like Zap-Map to identify which stations accept non-Tesla EVs. When available, charging rates apply based on Tesla's pricing structure, which is generally competitive with other rapid charging networks.
How many kW is BYD Atto 3?
The BYD Atto 3's electric motor produces 150kW of power, which translates to 201bhp in more familiar terms. This provides plenty of performance for everyday driving, with smooth, instant acceleration that makes overtaking and merging onto motorways stress-free.
The battery capacity is 60.5kWh, offering a good balance between range and charging times. The maximum DC rapid charging rate is 88kW, meaning you can add significant range during short stops at compatible charging stations.
Does BYD Atto 3 have auto parking?
The BYD Atto 3 doesn't feature fully automated parking, but it does include several parking aids that make tight spaces much easier to navigate. The 360-degree camera system provides a bird's-eye view around the vehicle, while front and rear parking sensors help judge distances accurately.
The Design trim also includes a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines that adjust based on your steering angle. These features, combined with the Atto 3's relatively compact dimensions and good visibility, make parking straightforward even in busy urban environments.
Does BYD Atto 3 have heads-up display?
Unfortunately, the BYD Atto 3 doesn't come with a head-up display, even on the top-spec Design trim. Instead, you'll find a digital driver's display behind the steering wheel that shows speed, range, and other vital information clearly.
While a head-up display would be a nice addition, the main instrument cluster is well-designed and easy to read at a glance. The large touchscreen also positions key information conveniently, reducing the need to look away from the road for extended periods.
