Atto 2, a name that might not mean much to you. BYD? Perhaps not either. Let's do a quick recap. We had explained in detail who BYD is on the occasion of the launch of another electric model, the Atto 3. A few months later, at the launch of the electric saloon Sealion 7, we explained how, while Europe continues to pay the price of incoherent policies and the absence of a strategic vision to accompany a sustainable transition, China is advancing. What's more, BYD recently declared its intention to seek suppliers in Italy — yet another sign of its drive to accelerate growth in Europe.

And while the Antitrust authority has opened an investigation into the electric range claims of certain brands (BYD, Stellantis, Tesla and Volkswagen), and while Trump is brandishing the spectre of tariffs (initially only against electric vehicles, now against all cars not built in the US), China presses forward with compelling offers in terms of quality and affordability — with the added confirmation of plans to open production sites within the EU, the first in Hungary. The Atto 2, the urban electric SUV just unveiled by Chinese giant BYD, is living proof not only that tariffs cannot be the solution, but that the Asian industry is making giant strides, doing what the European car industry struggles to do: making the electric car accessible.

BYD Atto 2, the (attractive) price and the (fierce) competition

Exactly. BYD is making its debut at the very heart of the car market — a market that continues to go through a difficult period (in January, registrations in Italy fell by 5.9 per cent compared to 2024, with a transition at a standstill, no incentives in sight and electric vehicles stuck at 5 per cent, according to Unrae data) — yet one in which the compact electric crossover/SUV segment represents a potentially very lucrative seam. To recap: the Atto 2 (admittedly, the model names could have been more appealing…) slots into BYD's lineup between the compact Dolphin and the aforementioned Atto 3.

To put it in context, we are talking about a highly competitive slice of the market, with electric models such as the Renault Megane, Hyundai Kona, Peugeot e-2008 and many others. These are models from certainly better-known brands (and perhaps with more distinctive and attractive exterior styling…), against which BYD, with the Atto 2, counters with some rather convincing arguments: generous standard equipment levels and, above all, a competitive launch price of 27,900 euros.

BYD Atto 2, a profile in brief

Let's start with the dimensions, which help define its likely use: the Atto 2, as we said, is an SUV designed (also) for the city, yet with a look that winks at weekend getaways. Measuring 4.31 metres in length and 1.83 metres in width, it is a model that is manageable enough even in city traffic, where the driving position — higher than average — actually offers better road visibility and therefore greater safety. External dimensions that, as we shall see, translate into interior space that is very generous relative to its footprint (thanks to a long wheelbase, i.e. the distance between the front and rear wheels).

The electric motor delivers 130 kW of power (over 170 in old-fashioned horsepower) and is fed by a cobalt-free lithium iron phosphate battery of 45.12 kWh, which provides a claimed range of 312 kilometres, rising to 463 in urban use (we'll look at what these figures mean in real-world conditions shortly). To complete the profile: the Atto 2 accepts DC charging at up to 65 kW (some rivals do better here), translating into a wait of around 40 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent, while a full charge takes 5 and a half hours using the standard 11 kW three-phase AC charger — we will never tire of stressing the importance of this energy coming from renewable sources. The Atto 2 also offers a Vehicle-to-load function with a socket that can power an external device at up to 3.3 kW.

The five GreenNCAP stars

Awarded 5 GreenNCAP stars, a closer look at the Atto 2's features immediately reveals one that many far more expensive models do not offer: a heat pump, which helps maximise efficiency and range, especially during the winter months. Once inside, you find several characteristics common to other BYD models, such as an 8.8-inch instrument display in place of the usual dials in front of the driver, and a second touchscreen (which can rotate) for managing infotainment. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available (wireless), as are very intuitive voice commands (simply saying "Hi BYD, I'm hungry" brings up a list of nearby restaurants), heated seats upholstered in eco-leather, and a glass panoramic roof. Cabin temperature can also be adjusted by voice, as can the electric windows.

Space, practicality and that increasingly "Western" quality

Easy to use, immediately practical, and sober in its interior design (perhaps a touch too much so), the Atto 2 can be accessed using NFC technology or via smartphone. There is a generous amount of space both for passengers (especially headroom, despite the slightly raised floor due to the battery pack) and in the boot, where it outperforms many rivals. And for those who need to carry bulky items, folding down the rear seats (split 60/40) creates a flat, regular loading area. The overall interior quality is good, with "Western-standard" trim and finishes.

The rotating touchscreen (a showstopper, though one whose actual usefulness we have some doubts about…) has a clear interface; its menus are not always intuitive, but this is offset by the many physical controls that allow you to manage the climate system and audio setup in a straightforward way. And, as mentioned, there is also a voice command system that can handle multiple requests simultaneously and is highly effective.

Declared vs real electric range: what the Antitrust authority is investigating

Behind the wheel, the Atto 2 reflects the same sense of ease and practicality already found in the interior. In the city, manoeuvring is effortless, thanks to the light steering and tight turning radius that allows it to navigate extremely confined spaces as well as — or better than — some more compact cars. There are 4 driving modes — Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow — each of which subtly alters the car's on-road behaviour, affecting steering sensitivity and power delivery through the accelerator response, which can be more or less prompt.

For real-world range, expect around 250 kilometres in mixed use (the manufacturer's stated figure is 312); add roughly a hundred more if you drive mostly in the city. It is precisely on the subject of range — one of the most important factors to consider when buying an electric vehicle — that the Antitrust authority has launched an investigation into how car manufacturers provide information (described by the authority as "generic and sometimes contradictory") about the range of their models and the factors that affect real-world driving distance. But what are the 3 main factors that affect the range of an electric car?

• driving style
• weather conditions
• type of route

Thanks to the driver monitoring system, distraction — the leading cause of accidents — becomes a thing of the past

Relatively light for an electric SUV, the Atto 2 is also quite sprightly — both in the city, where it remains above all practical and agile, and on out-of-town journeys, where the power is more than adequate and where comfort (the suspension is fairly soft) is only slightly compromised by the odd excessive aerodynamic wind noise. Overall efficiency is also good, especially when using the second level of regenerative braking, which significantly reduces reliance on the conventional brakes as well. Finally, there is a strong focus on safety: among the numerous driver assistance systems (mandatory since July 2024), the driver monitoring system flags even the slightest moment of inattention with a warning light and an audible alert.