The Indian EV market is about to get a new contender. BYD is testing the Atto 2 on Indian roads, giving us the first proper clues about the midsize SUV that could add another option for buyers looking for a feature rich electric SUV.
The test vehicle was covered in camouflage, but quite a few details could still be seen. The SUV has a neat front design with slim LED headlights linked by a gloss black strip. The BYD badge sits in the middle. The alloy wheels have a petal like pattern, while black cladding can be seen around the wheel arches and lower body.
The rear was not clearly visible in the latest spy images. The international model gets connected LED tail lights and a black bumper with silver elements, so similar styling could be used on the Indian version.
What can be seen inside
The cabin of the test vehicle was also partly visible. It had black seats and a clean dashboard layout.
Some expected features include:
- 12.8 inch rotatable touchscreen
- 8.8 inch digital driver display
- Panoramic sunroof
- 50W wireless phone charging
- 360 degree camera
- Six speaker audio system
- Vehicle to Load charging
- Front and rear parking sensors
- ADAS technology
The international Atto 2 also gets a beige and black cabin option. The dashboard has a three spoke steering wheel with physical buttons, along with the large central touchscreen.
Two powertrain choices abroad
The interesting part is the choice of powertrains. BYD sells the Atto 2 internationally as an EV and as a plug in hybrid.
The electric version gets two battery options. The smaller unit has a capacity of 45.1kWh, while the larger one is 64.8kWh. The bigger battery offers a claimed WLTP range of up to 430km.
The EV uses a front mounted electric motor producing up to 201hp and 310Nm. BYD claims a 0 to 100kmph time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 170kmph.
The plug in hybrid version gets a 1.5 litre petrol engine along with an electric motor. It is available with 7.8kWh and 18kWh battery options.
BYD Atto 2 international specifications
| Specification | Details |
| EV Battery | 45.1kWh / 64.8kWh |
| EV Range | Up to 430km WLTP |
| EV Power | Up to 201hp |
| EV Torque | 310Nm |
| PHEV Engine | 1.5 litre petrol |
| PHEV Battery | 7.8kWh / 18kWh |
| PHEV Output | Up to 212hp |
| PHEV Torque | 300Nm |
| PHEV Range | Up to 1,000km WLTP |
| Infotainment | 12.8 inch rotatable screen |
| Driver Display | 8.8 inch |
The PHEV setup produces up to 212hp and 300Nm, with a claimed total WLTP range of up to 1,000km. This could make it an interesting choice for buyers who do not want to depend only on charging.
What about the India version?
BYD currently sells electric models in India. The company has also shown its DM i plug in hybrid technology, with the Seal U expected to be the first model using this system in the country.
That makes the Atto 2 powertrain choice an interesting question. BYD could offer the SUV as an EV, or also introduce the plug in hybrid version.
If the EV version is offered, rivals could include the Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Sierra EV, Mahindra BE 6 and Maruti e Vitara. A PHEV version would put it against petrol and hybrid midsize SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Renault Duster, MG Astor, Maruti Grand Vitara and Victoris.
Image – CarsIndia