2026 BYD Atto 2 Price and Specs: Australia's Cheapest Electric SUV

The BYD Atto 2 launches in Australia with two trim levels, both powered by the same electric drivetrain. The pricing positions it as a genuine alternative to traditional combustion-powered small SUVs.

At $31,990 before on-road costs, the Atto 2 Dynamic undercuts the Chery Omoda E5 ($38,990 drive-away) and Leapmotor B10 ($38,990 drive-away). It also comes in significantly cheaper than its larger sibling, the BYD Atto 3, which starts at $39,990 before on-road costs. For context, the Atto 2 is even competitive with many petrol-powered small SUVs in the Australian market, making it one of the cheapest electric cars in Australia.

The Atto 2 adopts BYD's 'Dragon Face' design language, penned by Global Design Director Wolfgang Egger. Short overhangs and sculpted body surfaces create a sporty appearance, while the robust exterior emphasizes the vehicle's SUV credentials despite its compact footprint.

Sharp LED headlights pair with distinctive daytime running lights to create a modern, premium appearance. At the rear, the continuous LED tail-light bar features BYD's signature Möbius ring design, a styling element shared across the brand's electric vehicle range.

Despite its compact 4.3-meter length, the Atto 2 maximizes interior space thanks to BYD's e-Platform 3.0 architecture. The flat floor and optimized battery packaging create a surprisingly roomy cabin for both front and rear passengers.

The 380-litre boot expands to an impressive 1,320 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats down, providing genuine versatility for weekend adventures or large shopping trips. The elevated driving position offers excellent visibility in traffic, while the compact dimensions and tight turning circle make urban maneuvering effortless.

The cabin centers around a rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen that serves as the command center for infotainment and vehicle settings. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, DAB+ digital radio, and over-the-air software updates. Voice control via 'Hi BYD' allows hands-free operation of key functions.

Leatherette upholstery covers manually adjustable seats (6-way driver, 4-way passenger), while USB-A and USB-C outlets in both rows keep devices charged. Single-zone climate control with rear vents and a heat pump ensures efficient cabin conditioning. Keyless entry with BYD digital key functionality adds convenience.

Material quality throughout the cabin is impressive for the price point, with soft-touch surfaces on key contact points and a well-organized dashboard layout. The flat floor, courtesy of the e-Platform 3.0 architecture, creates a surprisingly spacious feel for both front and rear passengers.

A single front-mounted electric motor produces 130kW of power and 290Nm of torque, delivering a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.9 seconds. The front-wheel-drive configuration maximizes interior space and efficiency, making the Atto 2 adequately brisk for urban and highway driving.

The 51.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery provides a WLTP-claimed range of 345km. While real-world range will vary based on driving conditions, expect around 280-312km in typical mixed driving. The LFP chemistry prioritizes safety and longevity, tolerating regular charging to 100% without the degradation concerns of NMC batteries.

Charging capabilities include 7kW AC charging (8.2 hours for a full charge) and 82kW DC fast charging (10-80% in 38.6 minutes). The vehicle uses Type 2 (AC) and CCS2 (DC) charging ports, compatible with Australia's extensive public charging network. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability transforms the Atto 2 into a mobile power source for appliances, tools, or camping equipment.

Built on the e-Platform 3.0 architecture, the Atto 2 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety systems as standard:

While ANCAP crash test results are pending, BYD's track record with the Atto 3 (5-star ANCAP rating) and the advanced e-Platform 3.0 architecture suggest strong safety credentials. The Blade Battery has passed extreme safety tests including nail penetration without thermal runaway, demonstrating exceptional battery safety.

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keep assist and emergency lane-keep assist
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Safe exit warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Front, front-side, and curtain airbags
• Reversing camera and rear parking sensors
• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keep assist and emergency lane-keep assist
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Safe exit warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Front, front-side, and curtain airbags
• Reversing camera and rear parking sensors

The Atto 2's e-Platform 3.0 architecture integrates the battery pack into the vehicle structure using Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology, creating exceptional torsional rigidity. This translates to composed handling and a planted feel on the road, with minimal body roll through corners despite the elevated SUV seating position.

Steering is light and responsive, ideal for urban maneuvering, while the tight turning circle makes parking effortless. Regenerative braking offers multiple levels of adjustment, allowing one-pedal driving in higher settings. The transition between regenerative and friction braking is smooth and predictable.

Noise levels are impressively low for the segment, with minimal wind and road noise at highway speeds. The electric drivetrain's inherent quietness is complemented by effective sound insulation, creating a refined cabin environment that punches above the Atto 2's price point.