Overview

The BYD Atto 3 is one of the most character-filled compact electric SUVs on the market. It’s priced from around £37,700 for the Comfort trim and about £39,700 for the design trim we tested here. What it lacks in badge appeal it makes up for in originality. There’s a 15.6 inch rotating centre screen, a panoramic sliding glass roof and a cabin that mixes useful features with quirky styling and tech.

Driving

The Atto 3 isn’t pitched as a performance EV, but its 201bhp motor gives it more than enough punch for daily driving. It does 0–62mph in 7.3 seconds and feels brisk when you need to join fast-moving traffic or pull past slower vehicles. It has an easy, predictable performance that suits everyday use without feeling underpowered.

Where the Atto 3 stands out is in its comfort and composure. The suspension is on the softer side, so potholes and rough surfaces are soaked up. This creates a relaxed feel that pairs well with its light steering, which makes low-speed manoeuvres and parking pretty effortless. At higher speeds, the cabin remains quiet, with minimal wind noise and drivetrain vibrations to distract from the smoothness.

Regenerative braking can be adjusted, though even its strongest setting won’t quite deliver full one-pedal driving. The Atto 3 isn’t one for enthusiastic drivers hunting for excitement, but it delivers a comfortable, refined and genuinely pleasant experience.

Range and running costs

With a WLTP range of around 260 miles from its 60.4kWh battery, the Atto 3 delivers solid real-world usability. In mixed driving conditions, I saw somewhere in the mid-200s, which aligns well with rivals. Efficiency is also respectable, helped by BYD’s own Blade Battery technology, which provides durability and thermal stability without compromising usable range.

Charging performance is adequate. AC charging at 11kW allows a full top-up overnight, while DC rapid charging peaks at around 88kW, meaning a 10–80per cent charge typically takes 40–45 minutes on a fast charger. That’s slower than the quickest rivals (which now exceed 150kW), but acceptable for most users with routine charging habits.

Design

Outside, the Atto 3 has a clean, friendly look without being too flash. Its smooth surfaces give it a modern, almost minimalist presence, while the sculpted sides and gently rising shoulder line add just enough character without being too fussy.

Step inside the Atto 3 and it feels unlike anything else in the segment. BYD calls its interior style “unique and gym inspired”, and while the gym inspiration isn’t immediately obvious, it’s definitely unique. The dashboard is curved and the centre console rises in a sweeping arc. The doors feature elasticated guitar-string-like bands, which act as storage space... Whether you actually strum them is another matter, but they can hold water bottles securely. There is also a panoramic sliding glass roof, which floods the cabin with light, making the already spacious interior feel even airier.

The 15.6 inch rotating touchscreen is the cabin’s centrepiece. It’s crisp, bright and the ability to shift between portrait and landscape at the press of a button is something passengers will love to marvel at. Portrait is ideal for navigation, while landscape suits media or vehicle settings. Some functions however, aren’t as intuitive as I would like and sit quite deep in the menu, particularly climate controls, which take some learning.

Material quality is a mixed bag. Most areas feel solid and thoughtfully finished, but some of the more stylised plastics won’t fool anyone into thinking this is a premium cabin. That said, the playful, futuristic aesthetic will win many buyers over, and the overall build feels robust.

Comfort and practicality

The Atto 3 is deceptively spacious. Its wheelbase and interior packaging mean it accommodates adults comfortably in both rows. Front seats offer good support and adjustability, and the driving position is natural, even with the raised centre console.

Rear-seat comfort is excellent for the segment. There’s generous legroom, ample headroom thanks to thoughtful roof shaping, and air-conditioning vents for back-seat passengers (something that’s still missing from some rivals at this price point). The rear bench is wide enough to manage three passengers on shorter journeys, though it would feel tight on longer trips.

Storage is plentiful and cleverly arranged, with large door pockets, a deep two-tier centre console, and well-placed cubbies. The guitar-string door pockets, while amusing, are fairly practical for small items. The boot is sensibly sized with enough space for typical family food shops or holiday luggage. The low loading lip helps when lifting heavier bags and the rear seats can be folded to create space for bulkier items.

Verdict

The BYD Atto 3 might be quirky, but underneath its playful design lays a fundamentally well-executed compact EV. It combines comfort, strong equipment levels, practical interior space and solid range with a refreshing personality missing from many competitors. While it falls short on ultra-fast charging and takes a little time to understand some of its controls, the Atto 3 remains a standout choice for buyers wanting something modern, distinctive and user-friendly.

Key Specs

BYD Atto 3 2024

Price (RRP OTR): From £37,705–£39,695
Top speed: 99mph
0–62 mph: 7.3 seconds
Power: 201bhp
Torque: 228lb-ft
Driving range: Up to 260 miles WLTP
Charging time: AC 11kW 6–7 hours (0–100%), DC 88kW 40–45mins (10–80%)
Insurance group: 37–38 (varies by trim)
Vehicle warranty: 4 years / 70,000 miles
Battery warranty: 8 years / 125,000 miles