The BYD Atto 3 is getting a serious update in China for 2026 with more power, a larger battery for increased range and quicker DC fast charging, following its facelift update earlier this year. Earlier reports had indicated that the popular EV SUV would be fitted with a punchier motor, but information regarding the battery and electrical architecture were still missing for now.
That has now all been confirmed now for the BYD Yuan Plus, as it is badged in its native market, according to a report by Chinese motoring site Autohome. The additional power comes courtesy of the same motor in the BYD Seal Premium that gives it 313 hp and 360 Nm of torque, intriguingly now sent to the rear wheels.
Under the body sits a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with increased capacity at 74.88 kWh, over the previous pack’s 60.48 kWh. The biggest winner here is the range that climbs to 650 km in the long-range variants, up from 510 km. However, this is on China’s wildly optimistic CLTC cycle, meaning the accepted WLTP figure should be around 530 km.
BYD has also fitted the Atto 3 with a new 800-volt architecture, pushing the DC fast charging speed up to 150 kW from the outgoing model’s 88 kW.
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Most of the notable upgrades are beneath the skin, that itself remains pretty much unchanged. As seen in the earlier facelift update, the new BYD Atto 3 will come with new wheels and sportier bumpers on the outside. The interior has been gone over with a mild abrasive, smoothening up the dashboard and door panels.
The upgrades have been a long time coming, especially taking into consideration that its peers haven’t been sitting around. In its home market, Geely, MG, GWM and Leapmotor are ready to pounce. Here in Malaysia, despite its still decent monthly sales figures, Proton has quickly taken over the lead with its eMAS 7, with the margin continuing to grow.
Expect the new BYD Atto 3 to reach Malaysia some time in 2026 – but can it retake its position as the segment leader, especially now when the fierce price war has also made its way over here?
