BYD Atto 2: An affordable electric SUV for Europe
BYD is increasingly determined to get serious in Europe as well. Proof of this is the Atto 2, a new electric B-segment SUV one of the most important for the Old Continent market - which was presented at the Brussels Motor Show. The BYD Yuan Up, which is already available in China, serves as the basis.
The company has not yet revealed the starting price, but has already revealed some interesting information. The official market launch in Germany is planned for March 2025. In addition to the premium SUV Tang, the recently launched Sealion 7, the Seal U DM-i and its EV counterpart Seal U as well as the Atto 3, the compact Atto 2 complements BYD's SUV model range in Europe in terms of price downwards.
The Atto 2 measures 4,310 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width and 1,675 mm in height – so it's 145 mm shorter and 45 mm slimmer than the Atto 3. It has a comparatively long wheelbase of 2,620 mm to increase the space in the interior. Visually, it is reminiscent (especially at the rear) of the Smart #1 and various Mercedes models. The front offers large full-LED headlights integrated into the grille with the BYD logo.
BYD Act 2 at the Brussels Show 2025
The grey plastic trim provides a solid SUV look, while the dark insert on the C-pillar makes the flank look more dynamic. At the rear, there is the now ubiquitous light bar that connects the headlights to an original braided graphic reminiscent of the infinity symbol.
The signature of the taillights is intended to be reminiscent of a Chinese knot, which looks like the number eight and at the same time symbolizes infinite happiness. The Atto 2 is painted in Climbing Grey as standard; three additional shades are available as an option: Hiking Green (Green), Skiing White (White) and Cosmos Black (Black).
The interior of the Atto 2 is based on the design of the other models in the range, including the Seal. Again, the dashboard has a minimalist look with a rectangular instrument cluster and a large central infotainment screen.
BYD Act 2 at the Brussels Motor Show 2025, the interior
The center console offers a cup holder and an integrated armrest, and there is also a driving mode selector. A panoramic glass roof increases the feeling of space in the interior.
The trunk holds at least 400 liters (similar to that of the Dacia Sandero, one of the best-selling cars in Europe in 2024), and folding down the rear seats increases the volume to 1,340 liters.
The Atto 2 uses the e-Platform 3.0 developed by BYD, which was specially developed for electric cars and is characterized by a flat floor, among other things. It is equipped with a blade battery, which is used for the first time in a compact BYD model in cell-to-body (CTB) design. In this process, the battery is fully integrated into the vehicle chassis, with the top cover of the battery serving as the floor for the passenger compartment. This saves space and ensures exceptionally high body rigidity. The CTB design is unique to BYD and a novelty in the compact SUV segment.
In addition, the blade battery uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as the cathode material. Compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, LFP has a higher level of safety and durability and is also environmentally friendly, as it is 100 percent cobalt and nickel-free.
BYD offers the Atto 2 with two battery capacities: At launch, the standard battery version has a nominal capacity of 45.1 kWh. Equipped in this way, the combined WLTP range is 312 kilometres. The front engine has an output of 130 kW (177 hp) and drives the front wheels. A version of the Atto 2 with a larger battery will follow later this year, which will offer even more range. Further information will follow at the same time as the market launch of the Atto 2 in this country in March.