New BYD Atto 8 electric SUV unveiled
BYD has unveiled its new Atto 8 at the Paris Motor Show, a large seven-seat electric SUV capable of charging its battery from 10% to 97% in just nine minutes using the manufacturer’s latest charging technology.
The Atto 8 will sit at the top of BYD’s European SUV range, above models such as the Atto 3 and Sealion 7. Measuring just over five metres long, it will compete with large electric family SUVs such as the Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Volvo EX90.
Two versions have been announced, both featuring a large 115kWh battery. The rear-wheel-drive ‘Design’ model produces 456hp and offers a claimed driving range of up to 405 miles on a single charge, while the more powerful ‘Excellence AWD’ produces 764hp and has a range of up to 374 miles.
The all-wheel-drive model can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, compared with eight seconds for the rear-wheel-drive version.
Rapid charging
The Atto 8 will be the first BYD model in Europe to use the manufacturer’s second-generation Blade Battery, introducing its new Flash Charging technology.
BYD claims the battery can be charged from 10% to 70% in five minutes, or from 10% to 97% in nine minutes, when connected to a compatible charger. Even in temperatures as low as -30°C, the manufacturer says a 20% to 97% charge can be completed in 12 minutes.
These figures are considerably faster than the charging times currently offered by most electric SUVs, although achieving them will require access to BYD’s dedicated Flash Charging network. BYD plans to install 3,000 Flash Charging stations across Europe by the end of 2027. It has not yet confirmed how many will be located in the UK.
Seven seats and plenty of equipment
The Atto 8 has three rows of seats, with a 270-litre boot when all seven seats are in use. Folding the second and third rows increases luggage space to 1,960 litres, while an additional 136-litre storage compartment sits beneath the bonnet.
Inside, both versions feature a 16-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in, a ten-inch digital instrument display and a head-up display. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, a panoramic glass roof and heated, ventilated and massaging seats in both the front and middle rows.
Other features include three-zone climate control, wireless smartphone charging and a small refrigerated compartment that can also be used to keep food and drinks warm. The rear-wheel-drive model comes with a ten-speaker sound system, while the all-wheel-drive version gets a 21-speaker setup.
When is it arriving?
The BYD Atto 8 is expected to go on sale in European markets during the first three months of 2027. UK pricing, specifications and a customer delivery date have yet to be confirmed.
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