BYD has made its popular Atto 3 electric SUV more accessible to Australian buyers by introducing a new entry-level Essential variant. This move significantly lowers the starting price of the Atto 3 range, making it an even more attractive option in the competitive electric vehicle market.
Pricing and Variants
- New Essential variant: $39,990 before on-road costs
- Previous entry price: $44,499 before on-road costs
- Extended Range variant: Receives a $2509 price cut (new price not specified)
Essential Variant Features
The new Essential variant comes with:
- 49.92kWh Blade battery (same as last year's Standard Range model)
- Reduced feature set compared to higher trims
Notable omissions in the Essential variant include:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Wireless phone charger
- Power tailgate
- Roof rails
- Heated front seats
New Technology
BYD has confirmed that the Atto 3 now includes BYD Digital Key functionality, allowing owners to unlock their vehicle using a mobile phone.
Servicing and Warranty
BYD offers competitive servicing and warranty terms for the Atto 3:
- Vehicle warranty: 6 years or 150,000km
- Battery warranty: 8 years or 160,000km
- Service intervals: Every 12 months or 20,000km
- Service costs:
- Minor service: $165
- Major service: Ranges from $498 to over $600 (every second visit)
The introduction of the more affordable Essential variant and the price cut for the Extended Range model demonstrate BYD's commitment to making electric vehicles more accessible to Australian consumers. While the Essential variant sacrifices some premium features, it maintains the core electric drivetrain and battery technology that has made the Atto 3 popular.
As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, BYD's strategic pricing and feature adjustments position the Atto 3 as an increasingly competitive option for buyers looking to make the switch to electric mobility.
