BYD India has introduced a new base and mid-spec trim level for the Atto 3 electric SUV. The new Dynamic base trim costs Rs 24.99 lakh ex-showroom. However, the costs of the Superior and Premium trims are still unknown. For comparison’s sake, the SUV’s initial cost was Rs 33.99 lakh. Importantly, the new base trim has a smaller battery and less features at a lower price.
The new Dynamic trim has the most modifications underneath the surface.
According to ARAI, their new 49.92 kWh battery is supposed to have a 468 km range. The Premium and Superior models still include the larger 60.48kWh battery that the Atto 3 initially arrived with, with an ARAI-claimed range of 521km.
A single rear-axle electric motor with 204 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque powers all three versions.
Regardless of the model, the Atto 3’s battery pack can be charged from 0% to 80% in 50 minutes using a DC fast charger. The larger battery takes about ten hours to fully charge when using an AC charger, whereas the smaller battery takes eight hours. The company sells a 3kW portable charging box in addition to a 7kW home charger.
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.