4 biggest reasons to consider the BYD Atto 2 DM-i

BYD Cars Philippines has recently expanded its crossover lineup with the introduction of the Atto 2 DM-i. It was launched together with the updated Seal 5 DM-i and the Atto 2 in July 2026. 

Beyond further diversifying its electrified vehicle portfolio, the addition of the Atto 2 DM-i is likewise a boon for would-be adopters who are looking into BYD nameplates. They now get an additional option to turn to, and a highly accessible one at that, with its starting suggested retail price (after introductory period) of P1.048 million for the Dynamic and P1.258 million for the Premium. 

But what are the biggest reasons to buy the BYD Atto 2? Let’s find out here. 

Peppy but efficient powertrain

The biggest reason to buy the BYD Atto 2 is its DM-i powertrain. To be exact, this system consists of a 1.5-liter gasoline mill linked to an electric motor and a 41.1-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. 

Altogether, this system can dish out 162 horsepower (hp) and 300 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque, far surpassing most crossovers of its kind and within its price range. 

Moreover, the BYD Atto 2 is also proven to be a highly efficient vehicle through the verified test results of the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP). Specifically, it was found that the model was able to cover 1,340.1 kilometers (km) from a single full tank of gasoline - around 28 percent more compared to its on-paper indicated extended range of 1,045 km. 

In real-world driving, this means extra savings as one would not need to refuel as much compared to a plain internal combustion model. 

Additionally, the Atto 2 DM-i, like most of its DM-i compatriots, was designed to be a smooth operator. This ability is provided by its electric-only range of 45 km. 

Topping up the Atto 2 DM-i is likewise made easy thanks to its alternating current (AC) port, which can take its state-of-charge from 15-100 percent in two hours. And of course, like any DM-i nameplate, this latest model comes with a regenerative braking system and multiple drive modes as well. 

Besides its powertrain, the Atto 2 DM-i uses a front MacPherson strut suspension and a torsion beam rear end. It also has disc brakes for all four wheels. 

Other stories: Wheel-to-wheel: Denza B5 vs GWM Haval H7 Geely EX5 EM-i vs other PHEV crossovers This Toyota Corolla Cross HEV proves xEVs are more than just A-to-B cars

 

Comfortable, well-equipped 

Another reason to bring the BYD Atto DM-i home is its generously appointed interior. 

For starters, the model comes with a relatively roomy five-seater layout equipped with automatic air-conditioning, leather upholstery, a 60:40 split-folding second row, and plenty of soft-touch panels all around. 

Notably, the air-conditioning system of the BYD Atto 2 DM-i was given dedicated physical controls - a rarity amongst modern cars. This, of course, is a huge advantage when it comes to driveability and safety, and it allows one to control temperature and fan speed without having to fiddle with the touchscreen while driving. 

Other notable driver amenities included in the BYD Atto 2 DM-i are: 

• Keyless entry
• Push-to-start button
• Digital key (BYD app)
• Front cabin armrest
• 8.8-inch LCD gauge cluster
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Electronic parking brake
• Urethane steering wheel

For on-board entertainment and navigation, the BYD Atto 2 DM-i uses a 12.8-inch touchscreen (Premium) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This display is linked to a six-piece speaker set, and it is also capable of over-the-air updates, 4G connectivity, and accepting voice commands. 

Other noteworthy interior amenities available to the Atto 2 DM-i include eight bottle/cup holders, USB charging ports, a particulate matter 2.5 filter for its AC, a 12-volt accessory outlet, an NFC car reader, and the DiLink Ecosystem. 

The model’s total maximum cargo capacity is likewise generous at 1,335 liters. On the one hand, it also has a default cargo capacity (rear seats up) of 433 liters, which is more than enough for day trips and grocery-getting. 

Lots of passive and active safety equipment

The BYD Atto 2 DM-i, particularly its Premium variant, comes with tons of safety equipment in both passive and active forms. For the typical car buyer, this is a huge advantage, as it provides additional peace of mind, especially when one considers the chaos of driving on Philippine roads. 

With regard to its passive kit, the Atto 2 DM-i comes standard with ISOFIX child seat anchors, electronic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, hill-descent control, tire pressure monitoring, a brake override system, and an anti-theft system. It also has dual front airbags, side airbags, and side curtain airbags. 

Reinforcing these, at least on the Premium trim, is a wide array of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS). Collectively, this suite, called DiPilot, consists of the following: 

• Automatic emergency braking
• Front collision warning
• Intelligent cruise control
• Intelligent Speed limit information and warning
• Intelligent speed limit control
• Traffic sign recognition
• Lane departure assistance
• Emergency lane keeping assist
• High beam assist
• 360-degree view with see-through mode

Attractive contemporary exterior

Of course, the BYD Atto 2 DM-i, at first glance, is an attractive vehicle, and that is always a valid reason to make it part of one’s garage. 

Up front, the Atto 2 wears the Dragon Face front fascia, featuring sharp LED headlamps, a chrome bar that looks like the whiskers of a dragon, and a closed grille that adds a dash of sleekness to the model. From the side, it has a high-riding stance characterized by black plastic claddings and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. 

Then again, the exterior of the BYD Atto 2 DM-i goes beyond eye-candy. In fact, it is also filled with useful amenities that will make driving a bit easier. Apart from what was already mentioned above, its exterior features include automatic headlamp functionality, power-adjustable side mirrors, rear fog lamps, and a rear wiper. 

Size-wise, the model is 4,330 millimeters (mm) long, 1,830 mm wide, and 1,675 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,620 mm and a ground clearance of 150 mm. 

BYD Atto 2 DM-i: specifications

Model	BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,330 x 1,830 x 1,675
Wheelbase (mm)	2,620
Ground clearance (mm)	150
Wheel size	17-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Automatic headlamp functionality Rear fog lamps 8.8-inch LCD gauge cluster Push-to-start button NFC card reader Electronic parking brake Drive mode selector Tilt and telescopic steering column Urethane steering wheel 60:40 split-fold second row Automatic air-conditioning Six-piece speaker set Voice assistant  4G connectivity OTA updates Vehicle-to-load function
Infotainment system	12.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Electric motor setup	Single motor
Internal combustion engine	1.5-liter gasoline
Drivetrain	Front-wheel-drive
Extended range	1,045 km
EV range	45
Horsepower	162
Torque	300 Nm
Technology
ADAS	Automatic emergency braking Front collision warning Intelligent cruise control Intelligent Speed limit information and warning Intelligent speed limit control Traffic sign recognition Lane departure assistance Emergency lane keeping assist High beam assist 360-degree view with see-through mode
Price	P1.258 million

Final thoughts

Overall, the BYD Atto 2 DM-i is great value for the money, especially for those wanting to dive into plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, specifically five-seater nameplates. It is compact and predictably easier to handle in the city, and its sheer array of features, as well as its powertrain capabilities, places it ahead of many similarly sized rivals in the market right now. 

So, if you’re the type who likes what they see in the Atto 2 DM-i, do not hesitate to pay the nearest BYD dealership a visit and ask for a test drive. Because who knows, this could just be the right crossover for you. 

Also read:

3 reasons to buy the BYD Sealion 7 EV

EV Love: PHEVs from Bentley, BMW, BYD

Check out the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i’s 2 trims

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/