BYD Atto 2 DM-i Set to Enter the Australian Market
BYD’s Atto 2, which was launched in Australia late last year as the Chinese brand’s smallest and cheapest electric SUV, could soon be joined by its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, the Atto 2 DM-i. This model, which was revealed in October, is set to make its way to local showrooms, following confirmation for right-hand drive markets like the UK.
Despite the absence of an official announcement from BYD Australia regarding the arrival of the Atto 2 DM-i, it is anticipated that the model will soon be available in dealerships. However, the space within these showrooms is becoming increasingly limited as the brand’s local lineup continues to expand rapidly.
Specifications of the UK Market Atto 2 DM-i
In the UK, the Atto 2 DM-i is available only with front-wheel drive but comes with two different powertrains. Both variants feature a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 71kW of power and 122Nm of torque.
The base Active variant is paired with an electric motor and a 7.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that can be charged at up to 3.3kW on AC power. The total outputs are 121kW and 300Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 9.1 seconds and an electric range of 39km on the WLTP cycle.
Stepping up to the Boost grade brings a slightly more powerful electric motor and a larger 18kWh LFP battery that can be charged at up to 6.6kW. Total system power increases to 156kW (torque remains unchanged), reducing the claimed 0-100km/h time to 7.5 seconds, while the electric range increases to 89km.
Standard equipment across the range includes LED headlights, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in. The Boost trim adds features such as a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a surround-view camera.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The UK-market Atto 2 DM-i is priced at £26,995 (~A$50,200) in Active trim and £29,995 (~A$55,800) in Boost guise. This places it under the all-electric Atto 2 Boost at £30,875 (~A$57,400) and the longer-range Comfort at £34,975 (~A$65,000).
In Australia, the electric Atto 2 is priced at $31,990 before on-road costs in Dynamic guise and $35,990 plus PRCs in Premium form. Both use the same 51.1kWh battery as the UK-market Atto 2 Boost instead of the larger 64.8kWh pack. This suggests that the Atto 2 DM-i could arrive in Australia with a base price of under $30,000 before on-road costs.
Competitive Landscape
BYD Australia would need to ensure the Atto 2 DM-i isn’t more expensive than the larger Sealion 5 PHEV SUV it launched last year. The Sealion 5 is currently Australia’s cheapest PHEV with a base price of $33,990 plus on-roads. The next cheapest PHEV in Australia is another BYD model, the Seal 6 sedan, priced at $34,990 plus on-roads.
If the Atto 2 DM-i makes its way to Australia, it will be the only PHEV in the mainstream small SUV segment following the discontinuation of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. While there are numerous hybrid and electric options available, the latter includes the Atto 2 already on sale.
Sales Performance and Market Expansion
So far this year, BYD has delivered 2,141 Atto 2s, making it the brand’s fifth best-selling model behind the Sealion 7 (6,248), Shark 6 (4,851), Sealion 8 (2,491), and Sealion 6 (2,292).
BYD has delivered 25,243 vehicles year-to-date, marking an 110.8 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. The brand’s rapid lineup expansion is contributing to its sales growth as it aims for a top-three position in the Australian market. Currently, it is sitting in fifth place this year, behind Toyota, Mazda, Kia, and Ford, after finishing in eighth spot in 2025.
