After receiving a facelift in China earlier this year, the BYD Atto 3 is now set to gain a serious mechanical upgrade. You may remember that last month it was reported that this unassuming electric SUV would get a significant bump in performance thanks to the fitment of a motor from the Seal Premium, producing 313 PS (230 kW) and 360 Nm – all to the front wheels, no less.
That report also hinted at a new battery, and now a filing from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has revealed that the car will be fitted with a much more energy-dense 74.88 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, according to Autohome. By contrast, the outgoing Atto 3 has a maximum capacity of 60.48 kWh, so you’re looking at a near 24% increase.
As you can imagine, this has had a big impact on range, which has jumped from 510 km on the long range model to 650 km. This is on China’s incredibly optimistic CLTC cycle, mind, so expect a WLTP range closer to 530 km (the current car does 430 km).
These changes go hand in hand with the implementation of an 800-volt electrical architecture that will see the charging speeds go up from a meagre 88 kW to a much more acceptable 150 kW – the same as the Seal. This has had the added side effect of moving the charging port from the front to the rear fender.
Beyond that, the exterior looks to remain unchanged as previous MIIT filing leaks suggested. This includes sportier front and rear bumpers, new wheels and a new D-pillar chrome strip and quarter windows. The interior with its smoothened dashboard and door panels – expunging the car of much of its muscle-inspired design cues – and larger 8.8-inch digital instrument display should also be carried over.
The revamped powertrain should help the Atto 3 stand out amid some stiff competition from a string of new rivals, including the likes of Geely (Proton), MG, Leapmotor and even GWM. This led to BYD engaging in a price war not only in China, but also in export markets. Hopefully, this upgrade will be offered globally as well, as we’re still waiting on the aforementioned facelift.
GALLERY: 2025 BYD Atto 3 facelift
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This model is long in the tooth now. Outlook refresh is badly needed.
wow, 800V and larger battery, definitely closer to 530km WLTP.
Just hope they find ways to handle the extra power and torque. Even in its current form with 200hp + 310Nm, the car can easily torque steer if you are driving a bit more enthusiastically.
then the solution would be to buy a car with less power. mazda cx5 is the perfect car for you , 2.5 NA hybrid with only 145 bhp, confirm no torque steer.
This is a welcome upgrade especially on the range… which is all that matters here.
If they keep the current price (plus the generous rebate) on this new version, it will fly out of the showroom in numbers.
so fast the chinese car makers keep changing their vehicle specification. that raises a question of whether product obsolete also very fast ? will that defeat the purpose of buying now ? will that further worsen the vehicle after sale value ?
the solution is either to 1. buy EV only after year 3000 when the tech is mature , or 2. buy petrol car now
then the solution is to either buy a conventional car, or wait till year 2050 when the EV tech is mature already then buy EV.