BYD’s inaugural electric vehicle in Australia, the Atto 3, is poised for a significant upgrade, with authorities approving more powerful variants and the introduction of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. These enhancements are set to bolster the electric SUV’s appeal in the Australian market, where it first launched in 2022.
Enhanced Performance and Drivetrain Options
The updated BYD Atto 3 will be offered in both Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations, as revealed in newly approved documentation. Power outputs are set to see a substantial increase: the RWD version will deliver 230 kW, while the top-spec AWD model will boast an impressive 330 kW. This marks a considerable jump from the current front-wheel-drive version’s 150 kW output, which has achieved tens of thousands of sales since its introduction.
While specific battery details are not yet disclosed in the approval documents, it is anticipated that the Atto 3 will continue to feature BYD’s Blade battery technology. Expectations are also high for potential improvements in charging speed, as the current model’s DC charging capacity tops out at 88 kW. Furthermore, the upgraded Atto 3 is expected to retain the convenient Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability found in current models.
Updated Specifications and Market Positioning
In terms of dimensions, the Atto 3 SUV measures 4.4 meters in length and stands at just over 1.6 meters in height, with an available ground clearance of 150 mm. The RWD variant will have a kerb weight of 1,880 kg and a towing capacity of up to 750 kg. The more powerful AWD version will weigh over 1,990 kg, with its braked towing capacity also limited to 750 kg.
Further details regarding the upgraded BYD Atto 3, including specific local specifications and pricing, are anticipated later this year. Industry observers suggest the starting price for the new model could be around $45,000, a step up from the current version which retails for under $40,000.
BYD’s Rapid Australian Growth
Since its 2022 launch, BYD has experienced rapid expansion in the Australian market, with the Atto 3 initially establishing itself as one of the most competitively priced electric SUVs available. The company surpassed its 2025 sales forecast of 40,000 local deliveries, selling over 50,000 vehicles in the past year alone.
BYD’s growth trajectory has been significantly influenced by strategic price reductions and the timely introduction of new models, enhancing both the accessibility and variety of electric vehicles for Australian consumers. This expansion includes the recent delivery of the Atto 2 electric SUV and the Atto 1, which is currently Australia’s most affordable EV, priced below $24,000.
With the introduction of these Atto 3 upgrades, BYD aims to further invigorate its sales figures. Building on the success of models like the Atto 2, the refreshed Atto 3 is expected to attract a new wave of buyers looking to transition to electric mobility in 2026.