An all-new BYD Atto 3 has been revealed for China, just weeks after an updated version of the existing model was revealed for international markets, including Australia.
The 2026 BYD Atto 3 is set to split into two distinct models.
A trademark filing lodged with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reveals an all-new generation of the Yuan Plus, the Chinese market name for the Atto 3.
The newest version of the Yuan Plus adopts a larger body, a new rear-wheel drive platform, and evolved styling that, while new, remains similar to the outgoing Atto 3.
Instead of this new model, markets outside of China re set to receive an updated version of the current Atto 3, called the the Atto 3 Evo, which also made the switch to rear-wheel drive, but shares key body structure and interior parts with earlier versions of the Atto 3.
MORE: 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo revealed, approved for Australia
The new 2026 Yuan Plus steps up in size slightly compared to the model it replaces, with a 4665mm overall length and 2770mm wheelbase, making it 210mm longer overall, with a 50mm longer wheelbase, than the Atto 3.
Even after its growth spurt, the Yuan Plus is still 165mm shorter than the larger BYD Sealion 7 EV, with a 160mm shorter wheelbase.
Despite the bigger dimensions, the government filing suggests the new Yuan Plus will be barely heavier, with a 1690kg kerb weight, just 10kg more than the current front-drive Atto 3 Essential in Australia.
The new model will offer a choice of either 200kW or 240kW rear motors, straddling the 230kW base motor offered in the Atto 3 Evo.
MORE: 2026 BYD Atto 3 electric car’s potential replacement spotted in disguise
Unlike the Atto 3 Evo, which also comes in a more powerful 330kW all-wheel drive version, the only known 2026 Yuan Plus variants are rear-wheel drive.
Battery capacity and driving range specifics are still unknown at this stage.
Some Chinese media have speculated that the Yuan Plus will support BYD’s new ultra-fast five-minute ‘Flash Charging’ at up to 1500kW.
While BYD’s chinese line-up offers a confusing array of similarly-sized overlapping models, it appears that the Atto 3 Evo won’t be sold in China, moving to an export-only model for international markets, while the new-generation Yuan Plus will become the domestic offering.
MORE: 2026 BYD Atto 3 update firms for Australia next year, complementing Atto 2
Styling changes see the Yuan Plus adopt a more formal, flatter look than the Atto 3, with less fluid body sides, aligning with the latest designs from the Chinese brand.
A number of carry-over styling themes, like the frosted silver front grille blade and silver D-Pillar garnish connect the look of the new model with its predecessor.
The trademark filing suggests that the Yuan Plus is moving close to an official reveal, but with the comprehensively updated Atto 3 Evo already approved (but not officially confirmed) for Australia, it looks like the latest Chinese version could bypass Australia.
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