BYD additionally isn’t chasing straight-line efficiency targets, with the Atto 3 accelerating to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds. Leisurely by at the moment’s EV requirements, however completely fast sufficient for a automobile like this. Remember, it’s alleged to be a good-value household automobile designed to fit into your on a regular basis life; too many EVs have the kind of rocketship efficiency that your passengers, canine, and groceries merely received’t stand for. The Atto 3’s acceleration is enough, and we’re right here for it.

Range, after all, is much extra necessary. BYD’s declare of 260 miles (WLTP) is 25 in need of the Kia Niro EV and 23 behind the £45,000/$44,000 Tesla Model Y, however 11 forward of the similarly-priced Škoda Enyaq. Take driving model and temperature into consideration, and you must count on a real-world vary nearer to 220 miles. Not unhealthy, however you’ll nonetheless lengthy for sooner charging each time you plug in.

The brakes are fantastic, though the pedal is spongy, and the swap from regenerative braking to utilizing the discs and pads is properly judged. There are two strengths of regeneration to select from, through a toggle swap on the middle console or by diving into the touchscreen, however neither is especially robust and, sadly, one-pedal driving isn’t an choice.

This being a brand new automobile constructed to adjust to Europe’s newest security requirements means the same old frustrations are all current and proper. You are instructed off each time you exceed the velocity restrict, even by simply 2 mph, and since the highway signal recognition system makes errors, you’ll generally be scolded by the automobile’s voice assistant when it has misinterpret an indication. Bafflingly, generally the navigation display and the motive force show disagree on what the velocity restrict is; different occasions they don’t present a restrict in any respect.

There’s no Tesla Autopilot-style hands-off driving, however the Atto 3 nonetheless has lane-keep help amongst different driver help programs. It often points a little bit of light suggestions in case you stray over a lane marking, however on two events throughout our 90-minute drive the automobile grabbed the wheel like a panicked driving teacher. The first time it occurred was an actual shock, because the steering wheel was tugged at for no apparent motive, and, as with these programs on nearly all new vehicles, the primary intervention crops a seed of doubt that by no means actually goes away. As ever, it’s finest to show these programs all the way down to their least invasive setting.

Taste of Things to Come

What to make of the BYD Atto 3? The query may equally be, what to make of the approaching flood of electrical vehicles constructed by Chinese companies who’re giants at residence however unprecedented within the West?

This shouldn’t be a automobile for driving fanatics, clearly. And whereas additionally not groundbreaking, the Atto 3 is completely good at being an electrical automobile. It has a enjoyable, spacious, and properly designed inside that’s packed as commonplace with equipment typically hiding within the choices lists of pricier German vehicles.

The touchscreen software program wants some work, and everlasting local weather controls are a should in our e-book. Performance and vary are each fantastic, and trip high quality is respectable, however we want all that battery experience had resulted in sooner charging.

Ultimately, the Atto 3 does little to face out from what’s rapidly turning into a crowded section of the EV market. It feels properly made and represents good worth, however whereas that glittering Mayfair showroom guarantees lots, the unknown badge asks patrons to take a leap of religion.