BYD India has launched a new base and mid-spec trim of the Atto 3 electric SUV. The new Dynamic base trim is priced at Rs 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom). However, it hasn’t provided prices for the Superior and Premium trims as of now. For reference, the SUV was previously priced at Rs 33.99 lakh. Crucially, the new base trim brings in a smaller battery and fewer features for more competitive pricing.
The biggest change in the new Dynamic trim is under the skin. It gets a new 49.92kWh battery with an ARAI-claimed range of 468km. The Premium and Superior trims continue with the larger 60.48kWh battery that the Atto 3 originally got, with an ARAI-claimed range of 521km. All three trims continue to be powered by a single rear-axle electric motor that produces 204hp and 310Nm of torque.
Using a DC fast charger, the Atto 3’s battery pack can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in 50 mins, irrespective of the variant. Meanwhile, using an AC charger, the smaller battery takes 8 hours to fully charge while the larger battery takes approximately 10 hours. The company is offering a 7kW home charger and a 3kW portable charging box.
The new entry-level trims naturally lose out on a few features available on the top-spec Superior trim. The mid-spec Premium trim deletes the ADAS suite and adaptive LED headlights; the base Dynamic trim further misses out on a powered tailgate, an 8-speaker sound system, multi-colour ambient lighting. The Dynamic trim also rides on smaller 17-inch wheels. BYD has also introduced a new Cosmos Black colour shade for the all-electric SUV.
The top-spec Superior trim continues with features such as a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 5-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, automatic climate control and powered front seats. Safety features include 360-degree camera, 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, an electronic stability program and TPMS.
Until now, the Atto 3 did not have a direct rival in the market with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 having a more premium positioning and the MG ZS EV being a lot more affordable. However, entry-level variants of the Atto 3 are now better placed as a rival to the ZS EV that also gets a 50.3kWh battery pack for a claimed range of 461km, and is priced between Rs 18.98 lakh and Rs 25.44 lakh, ex-showroom. The Atto 3 will also see competition from upcoming EVs like the Hyundai Creta EV and Maruti eVX.