BYD Atto 3 – more than 9 months on, it’s worth it and still love it

I purchased the 2024 BYD Atto 3 Extended Range in June 2024 from the BYD dealership in Dandenong, Melbourne. The all-electric SUV, priced at around $51,000 drive-away, offers an advertised range of up to 480 km on a full charge. With its modern design, spacious interior, and Continental tires, the Atto 3 left a strong first impression. However, the removal of complimentary car mats and the $189 capped servicing for five years was a minor disappointment. You can read more about my initial review here.

Performance & Cost Savings

After more than nine months of ownership and more than 7,500 km on the monitor, I can confidently say that the BYD Atto 3 has been an excellent purchase. The transition from petrol to electric has resulted in significant cost savings. Instead of spending around $60 per fortnight on fuel, I now spend less than $10 per month on electricity for charging.

Key Features & Daily Use

• 360-Degree Camera: A standout feature that makes parallel and reverse parking effortless.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Works excellently on highways, making long drives much easier. While a speed limiter would have been nice, I’ve adapted well without it.
• Sunroof & Interior Lighting: The sunroof is enjoyable, and the customisable interior lighting enhances the driving experience at night.
• Quiet Ride: The vehicle is whisper-quiet when climate control is off, adding to the overall comfort.
• Safety & Convenience: Features like automatic door locking (a lifesaver with kids), blind-spot warning lights on the mirrors, and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay make driving much safer and more convenient.
• BYD Mobile App: Allows remote activation of the car, climate control, tracking, window closing, and door locking—an incredibly useful addition. I use the mobile app to start the climate control from wherever I am, allowing me to slip into a nice, cool car. I even love the ability to be able to pinpoint the location of my car, it’s both a deterrent to thieves and allows me to find my car in a large parking lot.

Drawbacks & Areas for Improvement

• Keyless Unlocking Limitations: Unlike many Japanese cars, unlocking is only available from the driver’s door, which can be frustrating when carrying a baby or groceries. But I unlock the car using a NFC card reader and through the mobile app.
• Boot Space & Lack of Frunk: The 400-liter boot is decent, but fitting a large pram leaves little room for anything else. The absence of a front trunk (frunk) or a spare tire is a missed opportunity.
• Interior Storage Limitations: The side door holders have holes, making them unsuitable for storing small items like coins. There’s also no dedicated space for sunglasses or garage remotes.
• Dust Accumulation & Plastic Components: The screens and plastic parts attract dust quickly, requiring frequent cleaning.
• No Built-In Speed Limiter: While adaptive cruise control is excellent, a dedicated speed limiter would have been a welcome addition.

Reliability & Maintenance

The Atto 3 has been completely reliable, with no mechanical issues so far. The range has remained relatively stable, with only a minor drop of about 10 km from the original 480 km estimate over time. My first service was seamless and hassle-free.

Comparison with Competitors

While I own the grey variant, I believe the pearl white and crimson red options stand out better than similar colors offered by competing brands.

I also had the opportunity to compare the Atto 3 with the 2024 Toyota RAV4. While the RAV4 is known for its legendary reliability, I found it to be bulkier, with an outdated infotainment system and lacking modern features like a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, and a large central touchscreen. The Atto 3 provides all of these at a lower price, making it a compelling choice for buyers looking for an EV with excellent features.

Additionally, I considered the BYD Sealion 6 (hybrid) and Sealion 7 (fully electric). After testing the Sealion 7, I found it to be a superior version of the Atto 3, offering a heads-up display, a larger dashboard, a roomier driver’s cockpit, a front trunk, and a sleeker design. For those needing more space, the Sealion 7 is a better option.

The BYD Atto 3 offers excellent value for money, packed with features and perks that make it a compelling choice against competitors that charge more for less. While it has an upmarket feel, public perception places it on par with a Toyota RAV4 rather than a luxury vehicle like a Porsche or a Tesla Model 3 (and this is especially the case with mainland Chinese folk, who have no trouble reminding you).

Final Thoughts

The BYD Atto 3 Extended Range has been an excellent car, exceeding my expectations in most areas. The cost savings, driving experience, and modern features make it a fantastic entry into the EV market. While some minor inconveniences exist, they don’t outweigh the overall value this vehicle offers.

I’m incredibly satisfied with my purchase and would highly recommend the Atto 3 to anyone considering an electric SUV. However, if BYD refines a few of the small drawbacks and enhances storage solutions, future iterations of this car could be even better.

Please support the website by liking the article or subscribing to the mailing list. The review and the experience above are based on my own views. No commission, freebies or payments have been received.

Here are some of my recent articles: