A technical overhaul and styling update for BYD’s popular small SUV is coming to Australia soon, but an all-new model shown in China looks to be some time away.
A significant upgrade to BYD’s first high-volume car in Australia, the Atto 3 small electric SUV, is on track for Australian showrooms by the end of the year.
An all-new version of the BYD SUV sold in Australia as the Atto 3, the Yuan Plus, was revealed in China last month with a significantly larger body, longer range, and ultra-fast charging.
While the new Yuan Plus is reportedly destined for New Zealand as the Atto 5, it is yet to be locked in for Australia, where the brand is about to launch a heavy update of the current Atto 3, branded Evo.
“We’re just working through that as we speak. Stay tuned for that, but [it’s] most likely [due in the] second half of the year,” BYD Australia chief operating officer Stephen Collins told Drive, when asked about Atto 3 Evo plans in recent weeks.
MORE: 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo revealed, approved for Australia
The Atto 3 Evo switches the small SUV from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, and adds an all-wheel-drive option for the first time, in conjunction with a larger battery for a longer range.
Prices are yet to be confirmed for Australia, but it may command an increase over the $39,990 to $44,990 plus on-road costs of the current Atto 3 Essential and Premium.
It is possible BYD could keep RRPs similar, given the price of today’s Atto 3 was set in early 2025, nine months before the Atto 2 arrived for $31,990 to $35,990 plus on-roads, as well as other Chinese EVs offering Atto 3 Premium-like features for less than the Essential.
The rear-wheel-drive Atto 3 Evo uses a single 230kW/380Nm motor on the rear axle – up from 150kW/310Nm on the front axle in today’s Premium grade – claimed to be good for zero to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds.
MORE: BYD Atto 5 on the way for New Zealand, could be on track for Australia
All-wheel drive adds a front electric motor for 330kW and 560Nm combined, and a claimed 3.9-second 0-100km/h sprint.
Driving range ratings have risen from 340km and 420km in the outgoing Atto 3, from 49.9kWh and 60.5kWh batteries, respectively, to 510km with RWD and 470km with AWD from a 74.8kWh pack.
DC charging has also improved, now capable of accepting up to 220kW for a 10 to 80 per cent recharge in a claimed 25 minutes, down from more than 40 minutes in Drive testing of the outgoing Premium.
Styling changes include new front and rear bumpers, restyled silver 18-inch alloy wheels, Dolphin hatch-esque tail-light signatures, slimmer side skirts, a new rear window pillar garnish, and a sportier rear spoiler with twin brake lights.
MORE: BYD Atto 1 not cutting Dolphin’s lunch as sales ramp up
Inside, the centre console has been reshaped to fit a ventilated wireless phone charger – and move the gear selector to a steering column stalk – while the steering wheel and seats have been reworked.
The carry-over 15.6-inch infotainment display in European models now incorporates Google functions for maps, alongside a new 8.8-inch instrument display.
Boot space has grown by 50 litres, a 110-litre under-bonnet storage area has been added, and more advanced five-link rear suspension, up from four-link, to improve driving dynamics.
More details of the 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo are due closer to its local arrival by the end of this year.
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