Should you buy the BYD Atto 3? Pros and cons explained

Launched in late 2022, the BYD Atto 3 is the Chinese EV maker’s entry-level model for the Indian market. The Atto 3 is brought to India as a full CBU (completely built unit) import, and competes with the Mahindra XEV 9e and Tata Harrier EV. Should you be looking to bring a new electric SUV home, we’ve detailed three reasons why the Atto 3 is worth considering, and two reasons why you’d be better off with one of its rivals.

Comfortable and uniquely designed cabin

Funky dashboard design sets Atto 3 apart

Step inside the Atto 3, and you're greeted with a cabin that's unlike anything else in this price range. The upper half of the dashboard immediately grabs attention with its wave-like undulations, while the lower half is shod in a soft, white material that resembles a duvet. Also of note is the aircraft-style gear lever, rotatable 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, retro AC vents, and the door pad ‘guitar strings’ that run from the bottle holder to the centre of the speaker.

Comfortable seats and lots of room

Though the Atto 3’s cabin may not be to everyone’s tastes, there’s no denying that it’s a well-built and comfortable place to be. As we pointed out in our Atto 3 review, overall cabin quality is impressively robust, and the seats are roomy and supportive. There’s ample space at the rear as well, the flat floor allows for low seating, and the panoramic sunroof lets in a lot of natural light.

Advanced battery tech

49.92kWh and 60.48kWh battery packs get Blade tech

The Atto 3 uses BYD’s Blade Battery tech – one of the safest and most reliable EV battery systems currently available – for its 49.92kWh and 60.48kWh units. In fact, Mahindra borrowed the Blade Battery tech from BYD for the XEV 9e’s batteries.

Up to 521km of claimed range

Both the Atto 3 battery packs are wired up to a single front-mounted electric motor, which develops 204hp and 310Nm. As for the Atto 3 range, the 49.92kWh variants deliver an ARAI-claimed 468km, while the larger 60.48kWh battery manages 521km on a single charge. Speaking of which, charging options for the Atto 3 comprise 3.3kW and 7.2kW AC chargers, as well as 88kW DC fast chargers.

Effortless to drive

0-100kph in 7.3 seconds (claimed)

With 204hp and the characteristically peppy power delivery of an EV, the Atto 3 is a delight to drive around town. Torque is always on standby for quick overtakes, and it’s worth noting that the Atto 3 dispatches the 0-100kph run in a claimed 7.3 seconds (60.48kWh).

Ride comfort and maneuverability is excellent

Additionally, overall refinement is great and the Atto 3’s suspension glides over rough patches and regular bumps, resulting in remarkable ride comfort. Even as you speed up, the Atto 3 remains composed and doesn’t let your confidence waver. The steering also feels perfectly tuned, with the Atto 3 responding well to even the slightest of inputs.

Now that we’ve discussed the Atto 3’s strengths, let’s dive into a couple of the SUV’s weaknesses.

Much more expensive than rivals

Up to Rs 5 lakh more expensive than comparable electric SUVs

Owing to its CBU status and higher taxation, the Atto 3 price starts at Rs 24.99 lakh and tops off at Rs 33.99 lakh. This makes the Atto 3 the most expensive SUV in its segment, with the XEV 9e and Harrier EV undercutting it by up to Rs 3.09 lakh and Rs 3.50 lakh at the base level, respectively.

Rivals offer better features and more potent powertrains

Moreover, the Atto 3’s specs and features don’t justify the steeper price it commands either, as its locally-assembled competitors offer larger batteries, stronger powertrains, longer ranges, and more creature comforts.

Limited dealer and service network

BYD nowhere near as established as Mahindra and Tata

BYD entered India just a few years ago, so the Chinese carmaker’s dealer and service network here is still small. On the other hand, Tata and Mahindra are established brands that have widespread retail networks across cities of every tier. Given that the Atto 3 is an imported car, maintenance costs may also be higher than that of its rivals.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.

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