BYD introduces new Atto 2 EV and Sealion 8 PHEV
BYD is widening its SUV offering with a new small electric model and a seven-seat PHEV in the pipeline.
BYD is already one of Australia’s fastest growing automotive brands and the Chinese car maker is showing no signs of taking its foot off the gas with the announcement of two new models - the fully electric BYD Atto 2 small SUV and the Sealion 8 seven-seat PHEV.
What we know about the Atto 2
First up and due in the fourth quarter of this year is the Atto 2, a small battery-electric SUV built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, which utilises Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology.
BYD claims this manufacturing technique increases the chassis’ torsional rigidity by 32%, improving performance, safety, and efficiency.
The Atto 2 will be offered in Essential and Premium grades with both variants powered by a 51.13kWh Blade battery and a single permanent magnet synchronous motor.
The rear of the Atto 2 features a full-width light bar and spoiler.
No driving range has been quoted for the new model but in China a similar vehicle delivers a claimed 401km (WLTP).
Both variants boast identical 130kW/290Nm outputs, with drive sent to the front wheels via BYD’s so-called ‘8-in-1’ powertrain, which integrates the vehicle motor, reducer, motor controller, on-board charger, DC-DC converter, high-voltage distribution unit (PDU), battery management system (BMS), and vehicle control unit (VCU).
BYD claims this approach reduces NVH levels and enhances vehicle reliability.
Stylistically, the Atto 2 features a rakish look created by BYD’s in-house design studio, helmed by German design veteran Wolfgang Egger, who previously worked at Alfa Romeo, Seat, Audi and VW.
The front fascia features LED lights and brightwork surrounds, with the SUV’s short overhangs and dynamic curves complemented by flush door handles, a sleek floating roofline and panoramic sunroof.
At the rear the compact SUV features a full-width light bar and spoiler.
A rotating infotainment screen is a feature of the Atto 2's interior look.
Inside, the Atto 2 features a sophisticated-looking interior packed with amenities including an 8.8-inch LCD digital instrument panel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, synthetic leather seats, and a rotating infotainment screen.
The more affordable Dynamic gets a 10.1-inch screen, with the Premium adopting a larger 12.8-inch unit.
The Atto 2 also offers a full suite of safety features, including ADAS technologies, six airbags, and either a reversing camera or a 360-degree surround-view camera system, depending on the spec.
Other Atto 2 convenience features include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, NFC digital key passes, and adaptive cruise control.
No pricing has yet been released but with the larger Atto 3 SUV starting from $39,990 the Atto 2 will need to come in under that to ensure strong competition for key rivals including Kia EV3 (from $47,600) and the MGS5 EV (from $40,490 driveaway).
The Sealion 8 PHEV is headed to Australia next year.
What we know about the Sealion 8
While the Atto 2 is likely to be too small side for most families, BYD’s other new model the Sealion 8 promises roomy seven-seat accommodation and a plug-in-hybrid electric (PHEV) drivetrain.
When it arrives in the first quarter of 2026, the full-size SUV will be the latest addition to BYD’s growing family of SUVs, including the Sealion 6 and Sealion 7.
Unlike these models, however, the Sealion 8 will be BYD’s first seven-seater, taking the fright up to other large PHEVs including the Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-80 and Kia Sorento.
The Sealion 8's cabin.
Available from launch with two powertrain specifications – DM-i (Intelligence) and DM-p (Performance) – the PHEV SUV is fitted with either a 19kW (DM-i) or 35.6kW (DM-p) Blade battery.
The DM-i variant is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 110kW/220Nm, and an electric motor on the front axle producing 200kW/315Nm, delivering claimed 0-100km/h acceleration of 8.6 seconds.
The range-topping DM-p variant employs the same 110kW/220Nm, 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and 200kW/315Nm electric motor on the front axle, but adds a 141kW/360Nm electric motor on the rear axle.
This combination is said to deliver especially rapid 0-100km/h acceleration of just 4.9 seconds.
Visually, the Sealion 8 boasts an arresting exterior design with LED headlights and daytime running lights up front, a swooping roofline, and wraparound, full-length LED taillights at the rear.
The Sealion 8's rear seats.
The interior features premium materials and accents, and, depending on the variant, amenities such as heated and cooled massaging seats for the first and second rows (DM-p).
BYD Australia general manager Wing You promised that the Sealion 8 would exceed “consumers expectations for tech, luxury, and value”.
No details of the new model’s fuel-efficiency or electric-only range details have yet been released but some local media have quoted Chinese lab test results claiming up to 200km of electric range.
Pricing has also not yet been released but the smaller Sealion 7 SUV is priced between $55,990 and $63,990, so it’s likely the Sealion 8 will be positioned to pick up where that model leaves off.
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