Summary
The BYD Atto 3 is a mid-sized all-electric SUV, and its Chinese manufacturer’s first foray into the UK market. The model became available to order in Spring 2023, but is only available online – BYD currently doesn’t have any dealerships in Britain.
Arriving to challenge established family-sized EVs like the Kia Niro EV and Volkswagen ID.4, Car‘s Alan Taylor-Jones comments that the Atto 3 is “a solid start” for the BYD brand – a competitive performance package with a respectable battery range and plenty of on-board tech for a reasonable price tag. “Sadly it’s not as satisfying to drive as the best in class, but it’s comfier than most which goes a long way to make up for it.”
“It is the character of this car that is off-putting in the end”, says Erin Baker of AutoTrader. “The brakes and steering lack the dynamic finesse of cars designed for European drivers.”
What Car? adds that the SUV’s rivals offer quicker charging speeds, while Parkers concludes that the Atto 3’s rear headroom is “not great”. The Carbuyer team also points out that BYD is a new name with an unknown long-term reliability record.
Despite its drawbacks when compared to more expensive rivals, Autocar‘s James Attwood argues that the Chinese manufacturer has “produced a credible contender” in one of the fastest growing and most competitive car segments. “In its quiet competence, the Atto 3 is a statement of huge ambition for BYD’s future plans.”
As of March 2023, the BYD Atto 3 holds an Expert Rating of 65%, based on 12 reviews published by British motoring outlets. This is a brand new model, and therefore, we expect to see more UK-based reviews being published in coming months, which could push the rating up or down by a few points.
Atto 3 highlights
- Well-built, upmarket interior
- Well-equipped as standard
- Comfortable driving experience
- Reasonably priced
Atto 3 lowlights
- Long-term reliability unknown
- Charging speeds could be quicker
- Rivals are more fun to drive
- Rear headroom is rather tight
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £36,490 on-road
Launched: Spring 2023
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“We like the Atto 3’s comfort and it’s stylish, well-made interior, while the technology is as good as it gets right now. The car is efficient and safe – the biggest challenge it has is to keep BYD’s full name quiet – having Build Your Dreams emblazoned across the back may put some buyers off.” (Steve Fowler)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“It is the character of this car that is off-putting in the end. The brakes and steering lack the dynamic finesse of cars designed for European drivers, who tend to drive on twisty roads and are in a permanent hurry to be somewhere else.” (Erin Baker)
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“With the Atto 3, BYD has jumped straight into one of the most competitive car segments going – and produced a credible contender. In that way, in its quiet competence, the Atto 3 is a statement of huge ambition for BYD’s future plans.” (James Attwood)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If we’re talking thoroughly sensible family transportation, the BYD Atto 3 is definitely worthy of your consideration. Performance is strong enough, the range respectable and it’s certainly keenly priced for the sheer amount of kit you get. Sadly it’s not as satisfying to drive as the best in class, but it’s comfier than most which goes a long way to make up for it.” (Alan Taylor-Jones)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The BYD Atto 3 is an electric SUV from a Chinese newcomer that’s well priced, spacious and has a 260-mile range.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
“For a first foray into the UK market, the BYD Atto 3 is a respectable effort. It offers the value and quality to seriously consider compared with the established names, although that lack of space may prove a sticking point.” (Ryan Hirons)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BYD Atto 3 is a quirky but compelling electric family SUV with a comfortable and well-appointed cabin that allows it to stand out from the pre-established competition.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Atto 3 might not set a new price benchmark in the same way MG did with the MG4, but in terms of equipment, the Atto 3 makes everything else in the segment look a little mean.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s a convincing and credible contender in the fast-growing electric SUV market, and while it plays it safe in terms of driving dynamics there’s enough character and quirk to help it stand out among a big pool of rivals.” (James Attwood)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“Space inside is for the most part good while quality and equipment impresses. Given that it’s nearer the price of an EV hatch than similarly sized SUV, it’s good value, too. We do wish there was a bit more rear headroom while the driving experience isn’t going to appeal to an enthusiast.” (Alan Taylor-Jones)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The BYD Atto 3 drives decently, and depressing though it is to say, in this class ‘decent’ is as good as it gets.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Atto 3 should turn a few heads in the electric SUV world. While far from groundbreaking in any area, it has a plush interior and tidy driving manners. Equipment levels are strong too. A few improvements – including a faster charging rate and slightly less road noise – would make this contender even stronger against established rivals.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 89%
Vulnerable road users: 69%
Safety assist: 74%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of March 2023, the BYD Atto 3 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of March 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the BYD Atto 3 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Atto 3, we’ll publish the score here.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BYD Atto 3, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
Audi Q4 e-tron | BMW iX3 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Kia Niro EV | Kia EV6 | Mercedes-Benz EQA | Polestar 2 | Skoda Enyaq iV | Tesla Model Y | Volkswagen ID.4 | Volvo XC40 Recharge
Buy a BYD Atto 3
If you’re looking to buy a new or used BYD Atto 3, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.
Search for your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more
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Lease a BYD Atto 3
If you’re looking to lease a new BYD Atto 3, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
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Subscribe to a BYD Atto 3
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
