The Latest BYD model, the Atto 2, is one of the cheapest cars in its class

As the UK steadily continues to embrace electric vehicles, and the surge of Chinese brand, BYD, the manufacturer’s newest offering is the Atto 2, which arrives with high hopes. In this blog, we’ll be looking at whether this compact SUV can blend urban practicality with tech savvy and pricing that truly stands out.

When is it expected?

Launched in the summer of 2025, the Atto 2 is expected on UK shores for pre-orders and deliveries from September onwards.

byd atto 2 exterior in dark grey

What is the Atto 2 and what should we expect from it?

Unveiled in two trims, Boost and Comfort, this new and small SUV starts at £30,850 and goes up to £34,950 (OTR). Classified as a small and agile, urban electric car, the Atto 2 offers no drawbacks on ‘big car’ features. Coated in BYD’s “Dragon Face” styling by Wolfgang Egger, this new model in BYD’s extensive range shares short overhangs and smooth curves, with slick LED lighting and displays distinctive “Chinese knot” rear lights.

Known in China as the BYD Yuan Up and in Latin America as the Yuan Pro - this car is a subcompact electric crossover SUV. A B-segment from the Chinese manufacturer. From this motor, drivers can expect urban comfort and ease of use, due to being easy to navigate thanks to its compact footprint and elevated driving position. The Atto 2 is well-suited for tight streets and parking manoeuvres. Visibility is excellent via large windows and a short bonnet. This car will be a smooth, inner-city ride with its gentle and composed nature at low speeds. The Atto 2 exudes quality with the refined cabin, making for a quiet interior and calm driving experience.

In Detail

Performance & Power Delivery: The Atto 2 offers adequate acceleration with 174 hp (130 kW) front-wheel-drive powertrain delivers a respectable 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds, striking a good balance between being both a nippy and manageable car.

Linear and Predictable: Acceleration is smooth and well-metered, though there is a slight delay in pressing the throttle which could affect responsiveness. Drivers will get two regenerative braking levels - Normal (soft) and High (more noticeable) and strong, progressive physical brakes.

This car is enjoyable at speeds, with caveats though, due to being stable on motorways, the Atto 2 feels planted and refined. It has been noted that the steering wasn’t as light as expected from a city-focused car, however it was far from heavy. The Atto 2’s turning circle was more than reasonable for a compact SUV, and as solid as that of the Skoda Elroq.

Being a pleasant car to drive, even on twisty roads, as the brakes feel natural and predictable, smoothly blending between the regenerative braking system and physical discs - which doesn’t always end up being the case with hybrid cars. Hunting around in the touchscreen can help you find all manner of features hidden inside the BYD Atto 2 and that is where the excitement starts.

byd atto 2 interior view of front seats and infotainment
green byd atto 2 driving through a town

Range, Charging & Costs

The BYD Atto 2 can trump certain rivals when talking about range, however the charging of this motor is just as impressive.

The range of the Atto 2 can vary when looking at the different trim levels BYD offer for their new variant, and with it coming in both Boost and Comfort, the two are similar but also very different at the same time. Equipped with a 51.1kWh Blade Battery, delivering around 214 miles WLTP combined, the Boost trim extends to roughly 302 miles. Real-world estimates suggest a slightly lower combined range around 210 miles, though still competitive in its segment. The Boost is also capable of up to 82 kW, achieving roughly 30-80% in 30 minutes.

When looking at the higher-end trim of this car, Comfort, the Atto 2 will possess a larger Blade Battery (64.8 kWh), offering up to 261 miles WLTP combined range. This trim is also capable of 155 kW, allowing a faster reach of 80% from 30% in about 21 minutes. With the range and charging capabilities of the two trim levels, the Atto 2 should possess good efficiency in winter and cold weather conditions, with an average consumption of approximately 3.3 kWh during mixed driving, and up to 4.8kWh in more relaxed weather conditions. A heat pump is standard across both trims, offering an extension and boosting cold-weather efficiency by 20%.

The cost of the BYD Atto 2 varies slightly, with the Boost acting as the base model of this motor, and Comfort being the more expensive variant. Boost £30,850 and Comfort £34,950 (on the road prices). It is also widely anticipated that both trims come with five years of free maintenance if ordered before the end of September 2025.

Features included in a BYD Atto 2:

Infotainment & Connectivity:

  • A 12.8 inch rotatable touchscreen that shifts between portrait and landscape modes on demand
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • ‘Hi BYD’ Voice Control
  • BYD Intelligent Cockpit
  • NFC Keyless Entry
  • Remote Climate Control

Comfort & Interior:

  • Vegan-leather Upholstery
  • Heated Front Seats and Heated Steering Wheel
  • Panoramic Sunroof and Mood-setting Ambient Lighting
  • Electronic Seat Adjustment

Convenience & Storage:

  • Vehicle-to-load (V2L) Function
  • 15W Wireless Smartphone Charging Pad
  • 400L of Boot Space - Expands to 1,340L with seats down
  • 360-degress Camera - Plus Front and Rear Parking Sensors
  • Ambient Lighting & Folding Side Mirrors

There are an array of things drivers can expect from the BYD Atto 2, but in the main, this car is a comfortable inner-city drive, with great visibility and manoeuvrability possessing soft suspension. Relaxed, with linear acceleration, while being stable on motorways, allowing the car to pull off long trips as well as city errands.

If your primary use case involves urban commutes, school runs, and low-speed runs, the Atto 2 delivers a calm, comfortable, and easy-driving experience. Its cabin comfort, spacious layout, and gentle ride makes it a very practical urban SUV.

byd atto 2 exterior in green