The BYD Atto 2 is a new Chinese electric SUV with a low starting price, a karaoke machine, and a name that actually makes sense—sort of. But how does it compare to its many competitors, and should you consider buying one? In this review, we find out.
BYD’s Growth in Europe
Just a few years ago, BYD was massive in China but had no passenger cars in Europe. Hardly anyone in Europe had even heard of BYD, let alone known that it stands for “Build Your Dreams.” However, the manufacturer has made significant progress in a short time.
While its total number of sales in the UK remains small compared to major brands, BYD was the fastest-growing car brand in the UK in 2024. Soon, it will have six models available.
Naming Conventions and Model Lineup
BYD introduced the Atto 3 in March 2023, an electric SUV with a name inspired by a unit of time. In China, the Atto 2 is known as the BYD Yuan Up.
The Atto 2 is smaller than the Atto 3, placing it logically within BYD’s lineup—although logic in its naming scheme doesn’t always hold. Other BYD models in Europe include the Seal, Seal UDMi, Sea Lion 7, and the upcoming Seagull. Interestingly, the model below the Atto 2 isn’t called Atto 1 but rather the Dolphin.
Exterior Design and Features
The Atto 2 shares its electric platform with the Dolphin and Atto 3 but features a distinct design. At the front, it has full LED headlights and slim daytime running lights. The rear includes a roof spoiler and a full-width light bar with unique squiggly designs.
Buyers can choose from four paint colors, and all versions come with 17-inch alloy wheels. Although it shares a platform with the Dolphin and Atto 3, its dimensions place it between the two. At 4.3 meters long, it competes with models like the Kia EV3, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Vauxhall Frontera.
Interior and Build Quality
BYD is known for quirky interior designs, such as gym equipment-inspired elements in the Atto 3 and flipper-style door handles in the Dolphin and Seal. However, the Atto 2’s interior is more serious and sensible. The only standout quirk is the rotating infotainment screen.
While the materials used are not the most luxurious, the build quality is solid. There are soft-touch surfaces, blue highlights, and contrast stitching.
The driving position feels high, offering good visibility, and both front seats have electric adjustment as standard. Unfortunately, adjustable lumbar support will only be available with a new trim level later in the year.
Infotainment and Technology
The Atto 2 features an 8.8-inch digital driver display and a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that rotates between landscape and portrait modes. However, if you use Apple CarPlay in portrait mode, it will automatically switch back to landscape, which can be frustrating.
The latest BYD software is snappy, but some icons and text are too small. A new shortcut bar at the bottom of the screen allows customization, although the buttons are tiny.
Climate controls are touchscreen-based, which can be distracting while driving, but BYD has introduced a clever solution: swiping three fingers down or up adjusts the temperature, while swiping sideways controls fan speed.
Storage and Practicality
For a small electric SUV, the Atto 2 offers impressive storage. The center console includes a large cubby, two cupholders, a sizable wireless charging pad, and a deep storage compartment. The door bins are decently sized as well.
Rear Space and Comfort
In the back, legroom is generous for a small electric SUV. The Atto 2 is taller than the Dolphin, and headroom remains decent even with the standard panoramic sunroof.
Large windows contribute to an airy feel. The flat floor helps with passenger comfort, although the middle seat has a noticeable bulge, making it less comfortable. Overall, the rear space is comparable to the Kia EV3.
Boot Space
While the boot initially appears small, it offers 400 liters of storage—larger than the Dolphin’s 345 liters. The adjustable boot floor provides extra space when set at its lowest position. In its highest position, there’s virtually no loading lip, and the rear seats fold flat for extended storage.
Competitors like the Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona Electric offer around 460 liters, making them slightly more practical. Unfortunately, there is no front boot (frunk), even though there appears to be room for one.
Battery and Range
At launch, the Atto 2 will come with one battery and one motor. Most European markets will receive a 45.1 kWh battery, while the UK version will have a slightly larger 50 kWh unit. BYD’s proprietary “Blade” LFP batteries are more durable and cobalt-free but less energy-dense than traditional lithium-ion batteries.
With the 45.1 kWh battery, the Atto 2 has a WLTP range of 194 miles—one of the lowest in the small electric SUV segment.
The UK’s slightly larger battery could improve this by about 20 miles, but it still makes the Atto 2 more suited for urban use than long trips. A standard heat pump helps improve efficiency, a feature that is optional on rivals like the EV3.
Charging Speed and Features
The Atto 2 supports a maximum charging rate of 65 kW, meaning a 10% to 80% charge takes around 37 minutes. This is slower than rivals like the EV3 and Kona Electric, which can charge at 100 kW.
The Atto 2 includes vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing it to power external devices, but the required adapter must be purchased separately.
Equipment and Safety
The UK will only receive the higher-spec “Boost” trim, which includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 360-degree camera system, and ambient lighting.
A “Comfort” trim with a larger battery and more powerful motor will arrive later in 2025, offering around 260 miles of range. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring.
Driving Experience
The Atto 2 features a 174-hp front-wheel-drive electric motor with a 0-62 mph time of 7.9 seconds—quick for the class. Acceleration is strong, especially in Sport mode, making city driving effortless. However, handling is uninspiring, with light, lifeless steering and noticeable body roll.
The suspension is soft but lacks refinement, resulting in excessive movement and occasional harsh impacts. Compared to other small electric SUVs, the Atto 2 falls short in terms of ride quality and handling.
Pricing and Final Verdict
There has been speculation about the affordability of Chinese EVs, but BYD’s pricing is not as aggressive as MG’s. The Dolphin starts at around £26,000, while the Atto 3 costs over £37,000. The Atto 2 is expected to start at around £30,000 in the UK, making it one of the more affordable options in its class. It also comes with BYD’s generous six-year warranty.
Despite its good infotainment system, spacious interior, and decent pricing, the Atto 2 struggles to stand out in the competitive small electric SUV market. Rivals offer better driving dynamics, longer range, and faster charging for similar money.
