BYD has confirmed prices and specifications for its new compact SUV - the Atto 3. The brand’s first all-electric offering will be priced from £36,490 and will be available in three trim grades, with the mid and high range versions the only models offered from launch. 

At 4,455mm long, 2,050mm wide, the Atto 3 sits squarely in the busy mid-size SUV sector, and will fight for sales with the Volkswagen ID.4, Škoda Enyaq iV and Kia Niro EV when sales start later this month. Designed by former Audi and Lamborghini designer Wolfgang Egger, the Atto 3’s interior is set to be something of a talking point thanks to its gym-inspired detailing. For example, drive selector takes the form of a kettle bell while the centre console has been made to look like a treadmill. In terms of space, the Atto makes the most of its all-electric platform and comes with a 440 litre boot than can be extended to 1,338 litres with the rear seats folded flat. 

Gym-inspired interior details include a 'treadmill' centre console and 'kettle bell' drive selector

The Atto introduces the brand’s acclaimed ‘blade’ battery technology to the UK for the first time. The 60.5kWh pack uses Lithium Iron-Phosphate (LFP) as its cathode material, which, according to BYD, offers a much higher level of safety than conventional lithium-ion batteries. The pack is also cobalt-free and comes with a new integrated heat pump as standard on all models. BYD claims that the pump delivers the industry’s first direct cooling and heating system, which has the potential to increase the thermal efficiency by up to 20% in the winter. Vehicle to Load (V2L) is also fitted as standard to all models from launch.

In terms of range, the Atto 3 comes with a modest 260 mile WLTP range, which is likely to deliver around 210-220 miles of real world range. Disappointingly, the Atto 3 only offers 87kW rapid charging capability. Although BYD claims that a 10-80% charge can be achieved in 44 minutes on a 150KW rapid charger, the Atto 3’s sector rivals (with the exception of the Kia Niro EV) offer significantly higher speeds with both the Škoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4 both coming with 135kW charging systems as standard.  

Atto 3 features a cobalt-free LFP battery that delivers a WLTP range of 260 miles

The Atto 3 does, however, come decently well equipped in other areas. All models feature Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Lane Keep Assistance, Lane Change Assist, and Emergency Lane Keep. Other driver aids include Blind Spot Detection System and Intelligent Speed Limit Control. 

Prices start from £36,490 for the entry-level Active model, which will be available from the middle of the year onwards. That means buyers who want to pick up an Atto now will need to opt for either the mid-spec Comfort model which starts from £36,990 or the range-topping Design which comes with aa £38,990 price tag. 

BYD sales and support for UK customers will be offered through a network of franchised dealer partners including Arnold Clark, Lookers and Pendragon. 

Atto 3 rapid charging maxes out at just 87kW, which is slower than many rivals can offer