Key Points
- The BYD Atto 5 will replace the Atto 3 in New Zealand in 2027. Australia shares the same BYD range, so a local launch is likely to follow.
- It is bigger than the Atto 3, switches to rear-wheel drive, and offers up to 240kW of power.
- It is the first BYD EV with Flash Charging, which can charge from 10 to 70 per cent in just five minutes.
BYD has confirmed the new Yuan Plus will be sold in New Zealand as the Atto 5, arriving in 2027. The news was first reported by AutoTrader NZ. Given Australia and New Zealand have historically shared the same BYD model range, an Australian launch is a strong possibility.
BYD Auto NZ general manager Warren Willmot confirmed the new model will replace the current Atto 3 in New Zealand. The higher number reflects the car's larger size.
In Australia the Atto 3 Evo has been approved for sale in Australia. It is currently on sale in Europe and is expected to be released in Australia this year.
A Bigger Car
The Atto 5 is based on the third-generation Yuan Plus, revealed at the 2026 Beijing Motor Show. It measures 4,665mm long, 1,895mm wide and 1,675mm tall, on a 2,770mm wheelbase. That is 210mm longer and 50mm wider than the current Atto 3, with a 50mm longer wheelbase.
The platform also moves from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive. Two single-motor outputs are available: 200kW and 240kW. The current Atto 3 produces 150kW.
Specs: Atto 3 vs Atto 3 Evo vs Atto 5
Here is how the three models compare across key specifications:
BYD Atto 3 vs Atto 3 Evo vs Atto 5
Specification | BYD Atto 3 | BYD Atto 3 Evo | BYD Atto 5 |
Drive | FWD | RWD or AWD | RWD |
Power | 150kW | 230kW (RWD) or 330kW (AWD) | 200kW or 240kW |
Length | 4,455mm | 4,455mm | 4,665mm |
Width | 1,845mm | 1,845mm | 1,895mm |
Height | 1,620mm | 1,620mm | 1,675mm |
Wheelbase | 2,720mm | 2,720mm | 2,770mm |
Battery | 49.92kWh or 60.48kWh | 74.8kWh | 57.5kWh or 68.5kWh |
Range (WLTP) | Up to 480km | 510km (RWD) / 470km (AWD) | 540km or 630km |
Battery Type | Blade Battery (Gen 1) | Blade Battery | Blade Battery (Gen 2) |
Charging Platform | 400V | 800V | 800V |
Max DC Fast Charging | — | 220kW | — |
Flash Charging | No | No | Yes |
0–100 km/h | — | 5.5s (RWD) / 3.9s (AWD) | — |
Torque | — | 560Nm (AWD) | — |
Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Battery and Range
Two battery options are available in China. The standard pack is 57.5kWh with a CLTC range of 540km. The larger pack is 68.5kWh with a CLTC range of 630km. Both use BYD's second-generation Blade battery and run on an 800-volt platform.
First BYD EV with Flash Charging
The Atto 5 is the first BYD EV to support Flash Charging. BYD says it can charge from 10 to 70 per cent in five minutes, and from 10 to 97 per cent in nine minutes. This requires a compatible Flash Charging station.
What This Means for Australia
Australia and New Zealand have historically shared the same BYD model lineup. Every model sold in New Zealand has also been offered in Australia. That makes an Australian launch of the Atto 5 very likely, though BYD Australia has not made an official announcement.
BYD has been growing its Australian presence quickly. The brand recently committed to sending 30,000 extra EVs to Australia and has been expanding its dealer network.
Tech and Cabin
Inside, the Atto 5 gets a floating central touchscreen, a head-up display, a two-spoke steering wheel, twin wireless phone chargers, a 16-speaker audio system, a heated and cooled centre console fridge, and a power tailgate.
In China, the car also includes BYD's LiDAR-based DiPilot 300 driver assistance system. This is unlikely to be offered in New Zealand or Australia.
Pricing and Specs: To Be Confirmed
BYD has not confirmed pricing or final specifications for the New Zealand or Australian market. More details are expected closer to the 2027 launch.
About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
