BYD launches Atto 2 DM-i compact SUV in Europe

Chinese leading new-energy vehicles maker BYD is introducing the ATTO 2 DM-i to European customers, delivering class-leading fuel efficiency through its Super Hybrid with DM technology, along with a practical cabin that’s loaded with useful innovations.

BYD calls its plug-in hybrids DM-i, which stands for “Dual Mode-intelligent.”  Proven by the success of the SEAL U DM-I, Super Hybrid with DM technology now gives the ATTO 2 DM-i the power to redefine the compact-SUV segment.

The model offers a mix of an EV driving experience and real-world combined range of up to 1000km (621 miles) – giving customers the freedom to make a confident step towards pure-electric motoring while enjoying the reassurance of hybrid backup.

With prices ranging from around £25,000 for the entry-level car to £28,000 for the bigger-battery variant, the ATTO 2 DM-i will be the cheapest PHEV on sale in the UK.

Executive Vice President of BYD Stella Li said: “Super Hybrid with DM technology offers an ideal stepping stone for customers who want the EV driving experience without any worries about range anxiety. And with the BYD ATTO 2 DM-i, we bring those advantages to the compact SUV segment, creating a standout offering. The car’s mix of pure-electric capability and huge real-world range make it unique in its class, and something that only we could produce. You can really see what we mean when we say it’s not a car, it’s a BYD!”

DISTINCTIVE SUV STYLE IN A COMPACT FORM

The BYD ATTO 2 DM-i mixes unmistakable SUV design cues with compact dimensions. It measures 4,330mm long (20mm longer than the all-electric ATTO 2), 1,830mm wide and 1,675mm tall. The wheelbase is relatively long, at 2,620mm, boosting cabin space and ensuring short front and rear overhangs that build on the SUV image.

The front of the vehicle features neatly integrated full-LED headlights and slim daytime-running lights, giving the ATTO 2 DM-i a strong visual presence. The front bumper has sharp angles for a dynamic look, along with a bright highlight lower down and efficiency-boosting vertical air curtains at the outer edges.

The sides of the ATTO 2 have lower cladding, broken up by highlights, to help accentuate the height of the car while maintaining a look of agility, and a ‘floating’ roofline that’s punctuated by a distinctive body-coloured element that meets glass at the C-pillar. The surfacing incorporates strong curves that, when combined with the dynamic alloy-wheel design, give the car a sense of energy.

At the rear, a distinctive roof spoiler sits above a full-width light bar that joins ‘Chinese knot’ tail-lights that look like the number 8 and a Mobius Infinity Ring, signifying endless good luck. A convex rear bumper and highlights on the lower cladding complete a sporty look.

The design tweaks compared with the existing EV version of the ATTO 2 include a larger middle front grille, decorative lower elements in the front bumper, the removal of the side vent details in the front wings and resigned badging on the tailgate.

The ATTO 2 DM-i is available in four colours, including a new Midnight Blue finish that is unique to the Super Hybrid models.

SUPER HYBRID WITH DM MIXES PERFORMANCE WITH HUGE RANGE

The ATTO 2 DM-i brings BYD’s ground-breaking Super Hybrid with DM (Dual Mode) technology to the compact-SUV segment, mixing the EV driving experience, response and refinement with huge real-world range in a manner that no rival can match.

Already a successful powertrain in the SEAL U DM-i and SEAL 6 DM-i, Super Hybrid with DM technology is based on several BYD-exclusive innovations, including dual high-speed electric motors with an integrated controller, a Blade Battery and a specifically developed Xiaoyun 1.5-litre petrol engine with a ground-breaking thermal efficiency of 43.04%.

As its name suggests, Super Hybrid with DM technology can operate in two distinct ways – EV, where the wheels are driven solely by the electric motor, and HEV, where the same principle applies most of the time; in these cases the petrol engine is supplying charge to the battery and electric motor via an inverter, and the car has the driving response of a pure EV. In moments when additional power is required, HEV mode can switch from Series to Parallel, combining the potential of the petrol engine and the electric motor.

The result is a powertrain that spends most of its time operating like an EV, with up to 90km (56 miles) of pure-electric range from the larger of the ATTO 2 DM-i’s two Blade Batteries, and the refinement and instant response of an electric car even in HEV mode. And the intelligent control of the systems (the ‘i’ in DM-i) lifts the efficiency beyond any of the car’s rivals, with weighted combined fuel consumption of as little as 1.8L/100km and a combined range, on a full charge and a full tank of petrol, of as much as 1000km (621 miles).

This makes the ATTO 2 DM-i an excellent real-world alternative to not only mild hybrids but also traditional pure-combustion models, thanks to its mix of outstanding cruising range and the ability to complete many journeys without using any petrol at all.

Alongside these impressive efficiency figures, the Super Hybrid with DM technology also delivers comfortable performance; the ATTO 2 DM-i can accelerate from 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) in as little as 7.5 seconds, and both versions can reach a top speed of 180km/h (112 mph).

There are two configurations of Super Hybrid powertrain available in the ATTO 2 DM-i. In Active spec the Blade Battery capacity is 7.8kWh and the maximum system power is 166PS (122kW). This version has a WLTP pure-electric range of 40km (25 miles) and an overall WLTP combined range of 930km (578 miles).

The ATTO 2 DM-i Boost takes the battery capacity up to 18.0KWh and increases the system power output to 212PS (156kW) – enough for a 0-100km/h (62 mph) time of just 7.5 seconds. The larger battery delivers a WLTP pure-electric range of 90km (56 miles), along with a WLTP Combined Range of 1000km (621 miles). It gets a more powerful 6.6kW AC charger, allowing the bigger battery to be recharged from 15% to 100% in three hours when connected to a 32A three-phase AC power point.

The strengths of the Super Hybrid with DM Technology give the ATTO 2 DM-i the edge over other compact SUVs. The car matches hybrid rivals on efficiency even when its battery is in a low state of charge, and pulls far clear on power, performance and combined range. No other model can equal the ATTO 2 DM-i’s combination of usability and real-world efficiency, making it a segment-redefining offering.

CUTTING-EDGE TECH IN SPACIOUS, HIGH-QUALITY CABIN

The ATTO 2 DM-i features a sharply styled interior with high-quality materials, generous space and cleverly integrated technology. The front cabin design builds on the exterior treatment, with a mix of SUV elements like chunky door handles and clean, simple lines that run across the fascia, creating a widened look.

The centre console contains a pair of cup-holders and an integrated arm rest that opens to reveal one of several storage areas, along with a control panel incorporating hard keys for some key functions, such as the windscreen demister, driving modes and audio volume.

Subtle changes to the layout compared with existing EV versions of the ATTO 2 include switching from a central gear selector to one mounted on the steering column, the addition of a glasses holder for the driver, an extra headrest for the third passenger in the rear seats and a new design of front seat with adjustable headrests.

At the heart of the fascia are an 8.8-inch full-LCD instrument panel and a 12.8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system features BYD’s latest software, complete with multi-finger gesture control for heating and ventilation, and incorporates a stunning upgrade of voice control, thanks to the ‘smarter assistant’. Activated by ‘Hi BYD’, it now offers truly human-like interaction thanks to the latest in Generative AI and Large Language Models. The system has expertise across multiple domains, offering a powerful Q&A capability across everything from travel and news to general knowledge – and supports multi-turn dialogue and remembers discussions to better understand what the user is saying and requesting.

The cabin ambiance is enhanced on Boost versions by a panoramic glass roof, which allows generous amounts of natural light for all occupants, and the completely flat floor ensures that the rear seats are practical enough for family use.

Beyond the passenger compartment, the ATTO 2 DM-i’s boot measures 425 litres – more than you’ll find in many C-segment family hatchbacks. And this capacity can be increased to 1,335 litres when the split folding rear seat is lowered.

NO COMPROMISES ON STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Beyond the technical differences on battery size, power and range, the ATTO 2 DM-i’s two trim levels are both subtly distinct in their standard equipment. But the car is generously kitted out, regardless of version.

The ATTO 2 DM-i Active features metallic paint as standard, along with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and tail-lights, electrically adjustable side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, four USB Type-C charging ports, rear parking sensors with rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control and a smart key that allows access via a smartphone or a wearable.

The ATTO 2 DM-i Boost, meanwhile, increases the size of alloy wheels to 17 inches and adds front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, heated front seats with electrical adjustment, a heated steering wheel, rear privacy glass, a panoramic roof with electrically adjustable sunshade, and a wireless smartphone-charging pad (50W). This model also features Vehicle to Load, allowing external devices to be powered at up to 3.3kW – perfect for a car that can take you further through the power of Super Hybrid with DM technology.

FULL SUITE OF SAFETY AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE TECH

The new BYD ATTO 2 DM-i has been designed with safety in mind, and both versions come equipped with driver’s and front passenger’s airbags, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

In addition, there’s also a full line-up of Driver Assistance systems, including a Driver Monitoring System (DMS), Adaptive and Intelligent Cruise Control (ACC/ICC), Intelligent Speed Limit Control, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Assist (LDA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Door Opening Warning (DOW), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Traction Control System, Hill Descent Control, Forward and Rear Collision Warning (FCW, RCW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) with Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RTCB).

FIRST DELIVERIES IN EARLY 2026 – COMPREHENSIVE WARRANTY INCLUDED

The BYD ATTO 2 DM-i is due on sale in European countries in early 2026. Prices will be announced in individual markets in due course. The new model will come with BYD’s usual extensive warranty package – a six-year manufacturer’s warranty and eight years’ cover for the drivetrain and battery.