BYD is prepping up a new electric vehicle for a launch in the Indian market. If recent reports are to be believed, the company will introduce the BYD Atto 3 electric SUV in India at the upcoming Auto Expo next year. If so, we already have ample insights into company’s first passenger-segment vehicle in the country, thanks to its international variants that are sold across different parts of the globe.
For those unaware, BYD or Build Your Dreams is a noted automobile giant based in China, and has a strong presence across several international markets. In India, the BYD logo can be seen on several electric buses and MPVs running in various fleets. The company, however, is yet to enter the passenger vehicle segment in India and it now seems like BYD Atto 3 will be its first-ever EV to do so.
Launched in China in February 2022, the all-electric SUV is likely to be unveiled in India at the 2023 Auto Expo. A new report by Autocar India suggests that the BYD Atto 3 will come as a CBU import or a completely built-up unit, and because of this, may have a high price tag attached to it. It is expected that the electric SUV will cost about Rs 30 lakh in India upon its launch.
This would still be way more decent than its international pricing which goes beyond the Rs 30 lakh mark. BYD will likely abide by the lower mark of the pricing, in order to make the BYD Atto 3 an attractive EV in India. As for all the other highlights it will come with, here is a look.
BYD Atto 3: Specifications and features
Being an all-electric SUV, the BYD Atto 3 is particularly big in terms of dimensions and features. To start with the former, know that the Atto 3 measures 4,455mm in length, 1,875mm in width, 2,720mm across its wheelbase and weighs around 1700 kg. This beast of a vehicle promises an acceleration of 0 to 100kmph in just 7.3 seconds and a range of over 400 km in some of its models.
Some models, because not all are equipped with the 60.48kWh battery pack that promises a WLTP range of 420 km. The other option is a 49.92kWh battery pack with a 320 km claimed range. Both of these battery packs use BYD’s patented Blade Battery Technology and support up to 80kW DC fast charging. For performance, the BYD Atto 3 comes with a permanent magnet synchronous motor that can churn out 204hp of power and 310Nm of max torque.
Other notable features of the Atto 3 electric SUV include LED headlamps, panoramic sunroof, electric tail gate and 18-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, it promises a comfortable experience with powered front seats, ambient lighting and a large 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen for infotainment.
There are several functions to aide the drivers as well, including fully adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, autonomous emergency braking, collision warning at both the front and the rear, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot warning. Several safety features like seven airbags and a 360-degree camera are also present in the BYD Atto 3.
Interestingly, the report by Autocar cites company sources to claim that the all-electric SUV is coming to India. The sources also indicated that the India-spec Atto 3 will carry all the ADAS features of the international models of the car, with no “stinting on equipment.” All this, of course, will come at a price though.
With an expected price of around Rs 30 lakh, the BYD Atto 3 will have to compete with many top-end electric SUVs in India like the Hyundai Kona as well as the MG ZS EV. It will be interesting to see how the Chinese automaker is able to set its offering apart from the competition, as far as the competition is concerned.
