This newly-refreshed Atto 3 can now be driven by either its front or rear wheels, depending on variant.
While Proton’s e.MAS 7 may currently sit atop Malaysia’s EV sales charts, the model it dethroned is not going down without a fight. Such is as BYD has now introduced a comprehensively-updated version of its Atto 3, bringing with it a raft of powertrain, charging and chassis upgrades beneath a subtly revised exterior.
Now the big news with this update has to be the addition of the new flagship Premium variant, which swaps the familiar front-mounted motor for a rather powerful rear-mounted unit producing 313 PS and 380 Nm of torque. The result is a significant performance boost, with the century sprint now taking just 5.5 seconds before the SUV reaches its 180 km/h top speed.
Backing up that extra performance is a larger 74.88 kWh Blade LFP battery, which extends the Premium’s WLTP-rated range to 510 km. The new range-topper also benefits from an 800 V electrical architecture, enabling DC fast charging at up to 220 kW and allowing for a 10-80% recharge in just 25 minutes. AC charging capability has likewise increased to 11 kW from 7 kW before, with a full recharge now taking around eight hours.
Though while much of the attention will understandably be focused on the new Premium, BYD has not entirely neglected the outgoing (and now dethroned) Ultra variant either. DC charging power has increased from 88 kW to 110 kW, reducing the 30-80% charging time by approximately 10 minutes to 30 minutes flat. AC charging meanwhile remains unchanged at 7 kW.
The Ultra retains its familiar front-mounted motor, producing 204 PS and 310 Nm of torque, for a respectable 0-100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds. Its carry-over 60.48 kWh Blade LFP battery in turn provides a claimed WLTP range of 420 km, which is incidentally still comparable to the top-tier e.MAS 7.
Visually, the facelifted Atto 3 adopts a cleaner and more mature look than before. Up front, both variants receive a redesigned bumper with more sculpted side intakes inspired by the smaller Atto 2. Around the rear meanwhile, BYD has borrowed styling cues from the larger Sealion 7, most notably through new triangular taillight graphics and a redesigned roof spoiler featuring twin vertical centre brake lights.
Further exterior revisions include slimmer-looking D-pillars thanks to the addition of rear quarter-light windows, while the scale-like trim pieces previously found on the rear pillars have been removed entirely. The Ultra continues to ride on two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Premium receives a new grey turbine-style wheel design of the same size.
The Premium further actually distinguishes itself with a new dual-jointed MacPherson strut front suspension setup paired with a five-link rear suspension too, replacing the previous four-link arrangement. This rear-wheel-drive variant also gains a rear-mounted charging port and a useful 101-litre front trunk.
Moving along inside, the Atto 3’s cabin has similarly received a subtle refresh. Cleaner dashboard surfacing is joined by a new steering wheel borrowed from the Atto 2, while ahead of it sits a larger 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Occupying the centre of the dashboard meanwhile is a now landscape-fixed 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Standard equipment on the Ultra includes single-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, faux leather upholstery, a panoramic glass roof, heated side mirrors, a 360-degree camera system, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. Stepping up to the Premium adds driver-seat lumbar adjustment, a six-way power-adjustable passenger seat and, somewhat curiously, a rigid parcel shelf in place of the conventional tonneau cover.
The new Atto 3 is available in four exterior colours: Ski White, Atlantis Grey, Harbour Grey and Cosmos Black.
Prices for the Atto 3 now start from RM125,800 for the Ultra and RM138,800 for the Premium. Included in the purchase price is an eight-year free service package, a six-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty, an eight-year or 160,000 km high-voltage battery warranty and an eight-year or 150,000 km drive unit warranty.
A separate three-year or 60,000 km warranty in turn covers the multimedia system, wheel bearings, shock absorbers, the PM2.5 measuring instrument, dust covers, AC/DC charging port assemblies, bushings, gaskets and USB charging port connectors. Owners additionally receive a four-year or 100,000 km warranty covering the vehicle’s lighting system, tyre pressure monitoring modules and ball joints.
And to mark the launch, BYD Sime Motors is offering an introductory package worth up to RM 14,000 for the first 500 customers. This comprises a RM 10,000 early-bird overtrade rebate, alongside a choice between a wall charger with standard installation or a six-year standard service package.
