Upcoming BYD Atto 2 midsize SUV spotted testing in India

The BYD Atto 2 midsize SUV, expected to launch in India this year, has been spotted testing again. The spy shots reveal some of its exterior design elements, which look similar to those of the internationally available model. The Atto 2 is offered in both EV and PHEV versions internationally. 

1. Spy shots show the SUV’s front fascia and side profile
2. Europe-spec EV gets up to 64.8kWh battery with 430km range
3. PHEV gets a 1.5L petrol engine and up to 18kWh battery

BYD Atto 2 spied: What was spotted?

Sleek LED headlights, alloy wheel design and a free-standing infotainment unit

The spy shots show the fascia and side profile of a camouflaged Atto 2, but some design elements are still visible. These include the sleek headlights connected by a gloss-black trim with a BYD badge, the petal-shaped design elements on the alloys and simple door handles. Keen-eyed viewers can also spot black cladding on the wheel arches and lower portion of the body. While the rear design has not yet been seen, it is expected to have connected LED tail-lights and a black bumper with some silver accents, like the international model.

A closer look inside the test mule reveals a camera-based ADAS sensor on the windscreen, a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system and all-black upholstery on the seats.

Upcoming BYD Atto 2: Other details

BYD claims a WLTP range of 430km for the EV and 1,000km for the PHEV

As mentioned earlier, the Atto 2 is offered in both all-electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) guises. In the European market, the Atto 2 EV comes with a 45.1kWh or a 64.8kWh battery, offering a WLTP range of up to 430km. Both versions are available with a front-axle-mounted (FWD) electric motor producing up to 201hp and 310Nm. BYD claims a 0-100kph time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 170kph. 

The plug-in hybrid, called the Atto 2 DM-i, is offered with a 97hp 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and a 7.8kWh or an 18kWh battery mated to a 197hp front-axle-mounted (FWD) electric motor. The Atto 2 PHEV has a combined system output of up to 212hp and 300Nm and a total WLTP range of 1,000km. 

Gets two interior themes and a minimalistic dashboard with two screens

The Atto 2’s cabin is identical for both the EV and PHEV versions, offered with an all-black or a beige-and-black interior theme. The minimalistic dashboard features a free-standing 12.8-inch rotatable touchscreen infotainment system with integrated AC controls, an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display and a chunky 3-spoke steering wheel with physical buttons. Features include a panoramic sunroof, a 6-speaker audio system, a 50W wireless phone charger, a 360-degree camera, a vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging function and front and rear parking sensors. The India-spec model could have a similar feature list.

Currently, BYD sells only EVs in India. However, the manufacturer showcased its proprietary DM-i plug-in hybrid in June, revealing that the Seal U will launch as the first model with this powertrain by the end of 2026. So, it remains to be seen whether BYD expands its plug-in-hybrid plans to the Atto 2 or offers it in an electric-only guise in the country.

The BYD Atto 2 EV is expected to rival the Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Sierra EV, Mahindra BE 6 and Maruti e Vitara, whereas the Atto 2 PHEV will offer a more efficient option to the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Renault Duster, Nissan Tekton, MG Astor and Maruti’s Victoris and Grand Vitara.