BYD Atto 3: More details revealed, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto coming in Q4 2022

EVDirect has revealed new details of its BYD (‘Build Your Dreams’) Atto 3 pure-electric SUV in anticipation of its launch from July.

The local distributor has confirmed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone projection will be available in the affordable BYD EV in the fourth quarter (October to December) of 2022. Though, it’s still unclear whether it’ll be a wired or wireless system to connect to its large 12.8-inch rotating tablet-style infotainment system.

Likewise, it’ll also offer BYD’s DiLink ‘Intelligent Connection System’ in Q4 2022 which enables owners to install smartphone-like apps within the infotainment itself. It’s expected to be available for existing owners via an over-the-air software update.

The Atto 3 is also available in a new ‘Energy Red’ exterior colour option, but is exclusive to the Extended Range battery model and stretches the estimated delivery time to October 2022.

All other variants and configurations are said to be delivered in September 2022 for new orders as at publication. This means, the crossover SUV hasn’t experienced any delays, with the same five-month waiting time as when the order books opened in late February, ditto its price tag from the same $44,381 before on-road costs and state incentives.

Other new details in its updated brochure include a PM2.5 air filter, heat pump, automatic single-zone climate control, multi-colour gradient ambient lighting, and a built-in dashcam recording function as standard.

The affordable electric car will also include a domestic three-prong charging cable, vehicle-to-load (V2L) adapter, and uses a front-mounted camera, two front radars and four rear radars as part of its active safety assistance suite.

Interestingly, the company now claims the front-wheel drive only SUV has a 49.9kWh ‘Blade Battery’ capacity on the base Atto 3 Standard, instead of the 50.1kWh initially quoted.

It’s unclear whether this is a gross or net (usable) quoted figure, but it retains the same estimated 320km claimed driving range (WLTP), while the Atto 3 Extended has a 420km estimated driving range (WLTP) with its 60.4kWh pack.

Additionally, it’s also labelled names for its colour choices – ‘Ski White’ is standard, while ‘Surf Blue’, ‘Boulder Grey’, and ‘Energy Red’ (Extended only) are a $700 option. The only interior offered is a two-tone ‘Eclipse Blue’ and ‘Hazy Grey’ theme with leatherette seats.

When the Shenzhen-made BYD Atto 3 lands in July, it’ll directly rival the heavily facelifted MG ZS EV which starts from a sharp $46,990 drive-away nationwide. Depending on which state you live in, the MG works out to be slightly cheaper than BYD’s offering but offers less standard equipment (click here for a spec and cost comparison).

The local distributor has partnered with select Mycar Tyre and Auto workshops to deliver and service BYD EVs, while it has also signed a “memorandum of understanding” with the Eagers Automotive Limited giant to display and offer test drives at its nationwide sites in the future.

For full Australian pricing and specifications of the BYD Atto 3, read here.