BYD Atto 3 Design Review 

Chinese EV just strums along

Some car manufacturers are finally beginning to understand rule number three of making electric cars – the first two being: the batteries should always go in the floor, and style the exterior to offer the least possible resistance to the wind – in other words, make it aerodynamic. The third rule however, supersedes the first two, and it is simply this – there are no rules. 

Let me explain. Conventional car design is dictated by the necessity of accommodating an engine, gearbox, drive axle, and of course a fuel tank. EVs on the other hand, sandwich the batteries beneath the passenger cabin, and stick a motor or two on the axle or sometimes even directly within the wheels, which basically means you can plonk just about any shape on top (as long as you can provide a crash structure and safety cell for the soft humans inside).

99.9% of those making the new generation of electric cars are ignoring rule number 3, resoundingly, and oddly, conforming to conformity. If you’re thinking I’m about to tell you that the BYD Atto 3 is different, then you’re wrong, outwardly at least, it holds fast to the established lexicon of car design. 

Inside however, there are screens that rotate through 90 degrees, door pockets that resemble guitars and air vents that wouldn’t be out of place on a spaceship designed by Wes Anderson – big, bold, elaborate and colourful. We’ll come back to those features, because also worth a mention is the BYD ‘Blade Battery’ technology that lines up cells in unique lines, increasing the density, and hence the efficiency, which to you and me, translates to more miles, with an impressive 260-mile range.

There’s a 60kW Lithium-Ion Phosphate battery and the drive unit provides 150kW or 201bhp of power. That will see this family crossover-style SUV accelerate from rest to 62mph in a hot-hatch equalling 7.3 seconds and not flag till it gets to 99mph. Interestingly the term Atto is derived from the attosecond, which is the smallest measurable unit of time. It alludes to the car being energetic. 

Prices for the BYD Atto 3 start at £36,490, but the range-topping Design edition as tested, comes with everything as standard and a tag of £36,490, which while appearing a little pricey, for EVs, seems reasonably accessible. 

There’s a boot of generous proportions, a rubberised floor matt to keep what’s below unsoiled, and what’s below is a false floor that lifts to reveal space for storing charging cables, and tyre repair kit. 

Open the rear doors and you’re greeted by art, and that’s before you get in, in fact I spend a good few moments completely distracted and enchanted by the door interior design before even putting a foot into the Atto 3. 

Yes, there multiple materials that curve and twist around each, fascinating to behold and fondle, but the door release level sliding along the circumference of a pronounced speaker tweeter, is a compelling combination of form and function. Nothing beats the door pockets being contained by tensioned stings, exquisitely presented and yes, irresistible to the strum. 

And delightful, they make a deep and resonating bass guitar noise. It’s a feature that will lead to many minutes of jovial jollity among passengers, until the constant pling-pling starts to get wearing and the driver shouts for silence, only to them break same silence by plucking the front door threads, and it all kicks off again. 

It’s just brilliant and oh, yes, if you’re interested, there’s plenty of space in the rear, good comfy seating, cupholders and chargers and those gloriously elaborate rear vents. 

All of these features are carried through and multiplied x-fold when you move to the front, and that’s before you induce self-dizziness by repeatedly stabbing the screen button on the steering wheel that rotates the giant centre display through 90 degrees. Oh look it’s vertical, now it’s horizontal, now it vertical again, now its… you get the idea. 

It’s a straight-forward touch-screen, full connectivity is apparent, charging plugs and wireless pads are present and correct, there is a two-tier centre console for storage and a proper lever to pull it into drive – a hefty grab handle Vin Diesel would be proud of. 

And bling-fan Tyrese would appreciate the crystal-cut centre starter button, which repeats the word ‘start’ within its diamond-esq design. The dashboard belongs in an art gallery, there’s a hint of humour and absurdity that’s reminiscent of the work of Austrian artist Erwin Wurm. 

With all this marvelling at the interior it’s easy to forget what we’re here for – to drive it. During a 10-minute run, with the pedal frequently mashed to the floor, there are two things immediately apparently. The range appears unaffected – in fact, even when you flick through the modes (Sports, Normal, ECO etc), there’s no lost range; and secondly, the performance is not quite as shocking as sticking your fingers in a live socket, which is what some modern EVs feel like the first time you floor them. 

Nor is there much hint of the one-pedal drive so vaunted by EV-makers, in fact the regen works quietly and unobtrusively in the back ground, with the vaguest suggestion of electro-vibrations felt through the brake-pedal, confirming that while you’re slowing, the Atto 3 is exciting its electrons. 

That’s not to say it’s a slouch, there’s plenty of performance on hand for most families on the move, plus quiet and serene momentum, but for some road-roar; appropriately handy anchors as already mentioned and a ride of remarkably composed attitude. 

Visibility is good out front, and the raised fenders help to place the car and make it quite manageable through contra-flows, while the rear view is a little tight, though cameras assist in parking. There’s adequate grip and composure through the corners and minimal understeer. Atto 3 is about as agile and responsive as you’d expect. 

Impressive design (the exterior isn’t bad either, while the interior belongs in a gallery), good range, reasonable performance and less than startling price tags, all make this latest EV offering from China a prime candidate for the shortlist. 

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