This post was originally published on Autocar
Chinese giant tries its hand in the ultra-lucrative, ultra-competitive electric compact crossover class
It’s difficult to overestimate the importance of the BYD Atto 2 to its maker.Slotting into the range between the Dolphin and Atto 3, it’s a mid-size crossover looking for a slice of market share from an ultra-competitive segment.Rivals are flooding in from all corners of the globe, including the Vauxhall Frontera Electric, Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia EV3, Peugeot e-2008, Renault Megane… the list goes on.Built primarily for urban families, the Atto 2 promises class-leading interior technology and practicality, generous levels of standard equipment and a competitive price tag. Let’s find out if it can hold its own.The BYD Atto 2 range at a glanceKnown in China as the Yuan Up, the model’s name links it to the Atto 3 – despite BYD having said all its future SUVs would carry the Sealion name. But let’s not worry about that for now…The cars at the European launch event in Spain were fitted with a 45.1kWh battery that officially can take you 194 miles, but UK-specification cars will get a 50kWh pack for a bit more range (the WLTP figure isn’t confirmed yet, though). The battery is mated to a single 174bhp motor on the front axle.There will be two specifications at launch, but we won’t be offered Active in the UK, meaning the better-equipped Boost will be the base model here. A Comfort version with a larger battery (and thus a longer range) and a punchier motor will join the ranks at the end of 2025.All cars get an 8.8in digital instrumentation display, which is accompanied by an infotainment touchscreen of varying sizes depending on which specification you choose. Active cars get a 10.1in unit, while Boost and Comfort get a 12.8in unit that can be rotated from portrait to landscape depending on your preference. Elsewhere inside, every model supports over-the-air updates and is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice command, seats upholstered in faux leather, heated seats, a crystal-effect gear selector and a panoramic glass roof.