Quick reads
- The upcoming BYD Atto 2 was recently seen testing on Indian roads covered in camouflage
- Measures about 4.3 metres long, and will compete with popular mid-size SUVs
- Global versions get two battery choices, with up to 430 km of range.
- A plug-in hybrid version exists overseas, though we are not sure yet if BYD will actually bring it here
BYD is currently testing a brand-new midsize SUV on Indian roads, called the BYD Atto 2. A heavily camouflaged test mule was spotted recently, giving us a good hint that the launch is right around the corner. It is expected to sit just below the larger BYD Atto 3 in their showroom lineup. It will directly fight against electric cars like the Hyundai Creta EV, the Maruti e Vitara, and the Mahindra BE 6.
BYD Atto 2 Design and Size
Even with all the camouflage covering the test car, we can tell a few things about how the Atto 2 looks. It has a proper upright SUV shape. You will notice sleek LED headlights tied together by a shiny black strip across the nose. The sides show off some interesting petal-shaped alloy wheels. Thick black plastic pieces wrap around the wheel arches and the bottom edges of the car. It is 4,310 mm long and 1,830 mm wide. That makes it compact enough for crowded city streets but large enough to comfortably fit your family.
BYD Atto 2 Battery Options and Range
We can look at the international models to see what might power the Indian version. Over in Europe, the Atto 2 comes with a front-mounted electric motor. Buyers can pick between two battery sizes. The smaller one is a 45.1 kWh pack. The larger option holds 64.8 kWh of energy. If you go for the bigger battery, BYD claims you can drive up to 430 kilometres on a full charge. The electric motor pushes out up to 201 horsepower. That is plenty of punch to merge onto a highway safely. The SUV can go from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 7.9 seconds.
What About a Hybrid BYD Atto 2 Version?
Interestingly, BYD also makes a plug-in hybrid version of this car for other countries. They call it the DM-i. It pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a strong electric motor. Together, they produce 212 horsepower. This hybrid setup boasts a massive total driving range of 1,000 kilometres. We do not know for sure if BYD plans to sell the hybrid Atto 2 in India. They currently only sell pure electric cars here. However, they recently showcased their hybrid technology locally. So, it is entirely possible they might offer both versions down the line.
Inside the Cabin
The interior of the Atto 2 focuses heavily on modern tech. The centrepiece is a large 12.8-inch touchscreen that can physically rotate from landscape to portrait mode. The driver gets a separate 8.8-inch digital screen behind the steering wheel. The cabin feels bright thanks to a massive glass roof. Other neat touches include a 50-watt wireless phone charger, a six-speaker sound system, and a 360-degree parking camera. The car also features vehicle-to-load technology. This means you can plug regular household appliances directly into the car to power them up during a camping trip or a sudden power outage.
Conclusion
The BYD Atto 2 looks like a very competitive package. It bundles a lot of modern features into a sharply styled SUV body. We expect the car to arrive in Indian showrooms by the end of 2026. The price will likely hover around 18 lakh to 25 lakh rupees. If you are planning to switch to an electric vehicle soon, you might want to wait and see what BYD delivers with this brand new model.
