With the new Atto 2 model, BYD proves that it is ready to make a serious breakthrough even in one of the most competitive SUV segments. The interior of the BYD Atto 2? Like a karaoke room with a steering wheel. But that's just the beginning...
Chinese BYD is becoming a name to remember – and the new BYD Atto 2 proves why. It is a compact electric crossover in the B segment, whose goal is clear: to stir up trouble for European veterans such as the Renault Captur E-Tech, Peugeot e-2008 or VW ID.2 X (when it finally arrives). And while it may not have fully established itself in your automotive lexicon yet, it will soon—mainly due to its surprisingly luxurious interior and price, which remains below €30,000This means that a car with the subsidy will cost around 23,000 euros in countries where this incentive exists.
First impression? You've entered a digital lounge with a touch of futurism. The dashboard follows a minimalist philosophy, but that doesn't mean it's boring. An 8.8-inch (22.4 cm) display with basic information reigns in front of the driver, while the infotainment system comes in two sizes – 10.1-inch (25.6 cm) or 12.8-inch (32.5 cm) – and offers one of the most unusual tricks on the market: the screen can rotate from landscape to portrait. Yes, you read that right – a Tesla-style display with TikTok functionality.
Functional futurism
The infotainment system is reportedly fast, intuitive and works almost like a smartphone – you can customize the icons, multi-touch support allows for precise climate control and… get your microphones ready: it even has a built-in karaoke mode. Seriously. With a catalog of over 100 songs and optional microphones, you can entertain your passengers – or your neighbor at the traffic lights. Or not – depending on your singing ability.
Materials that don't disappoint
The plastics in the upper part of the dashboard and doors are soft to the touch, and the details are thoughtfully integrated - without kitsch, but enough imagination to keep the cabin from being boring. The center console has cleverly arranged buttons for driving, a gear lever, cup holders and enough storage areas to hide half your life in them. Surprising for a vehicle in this price range.
Space for people – and things
Thanks to the clever design of the electric platform, there is more space than you might expect – even in the back. Even taller passengers will find plenty of head and knee room. The floor of the vehicle is not too high, which is a common problem with electric vehicles due to the batteries. Luggage compartment? With basic 400 liters (14.1 cubic feet) is quite competitive for the class, and with the seats folded, it increases to 1,340 liters (47.3 cubic feet). Just right for a weekend getaway with half the apartment.
What's under the hood? (expected specifications)
Although BYD has not officially presented all the technical data for the European market, we can fairly confidently assume the following based on the sister model BYD Dolphin Extended Range:
- Battery: 45 to 49 kWh, BYD Blade LFP type – known for high safety and long lifespan
- Range (WLTP): between 420 and 430 km (260–267 mi)
- Engine power: around 150 hp (110 kW, 147 hp)
- Torque: ~310 Nm
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h: approximately 7.3 seconds
- Top speed: 160 km/h (99 mph)
- AC charging: up to 11 kW three-phase
- DC charging: up to 88 kW, which means 30–80 % in about 30 minutes
This makes the Atto 2 fully competitive with models such as the Peugeot e-2008, Opel Mokka Electric or Fiat 600e, but above all it stands out with a lower entry price and a bold interior.
Conclusion: The Little Giant of China
The BYD Atto 2 is proof that China is no longer making “cheap copies”, but innovative and well-thought-out products that deserve serious attention. Its interior offers more than many European competitors – not only in terms of equipment, but also in usability and imagination. Take, for example, the rotating screen, karaoke and smart space layout – these are not just marketing gimmicks, but functionalities that can really improve everyday driving. BYD makes thoughtful vehicles.
If the price is really below 30.000 €, then we can talk about a very attractive price-performance ratio. Of course, the question remains how it will perform in driving and what the final technical data will be, but given BYD's previous products, expectations are high. The biggest threat? Perhaps not European competitors, but their own models, such as the Dolphin and Seal U.
For now, we can only say: BYD Atto 2 is not just a “small SUV” – it is a grand announcement of a future in which imagination finally finds a place behind the wheel.
