Battery-electric bout: Zeekr X vs. BYD Atto 3

The Zeekr X is one of the latest additions to the country’s growing electric crossover segment. But how does it stack up against a segment staple, say the BYD Atto 3.

On that note, we pit the two nameplates against each other to see which of them comes out on top. Find out what vehicle emerges the victor in this battery-electric bout.

Tale of the tape

The Zeekr X measures 4,432 millimeters (mm) long, 1,863 mm wide, and 1,566 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,750 mm and a minimum ground clearance of 195 mm.

On the other hand, the BYD Atto 3 has an overall length of 4,455 mm, an overall width of 1,875 mm, and an overall height of 1,615 mm. Its wheelbase is at 2,720 mm and it clears the ground by 150 mm.

Exterior

Outside, the Zeekr X packs a modern-looking fascia befitting a futuristic crossover. The seamless front end is adorned by a pair of full LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights (DRL). It proudly wears the brand’s emblem on its bonnet

The side profile of the Zeekr X is similarly flawless. No door handles are present on its frameless doors and windows. Instead, buttons have been placed on its pillars, which facilitate smooth action when opening and closing.

It also has electric side mirrors and rides on either 19- or 20-inch wheels with trim-specific design.

At the back, the Zeekr X gets LED taillamps, a slightly extending roof that acts as a discreet spoiler, a third brake lamp, an illuminated Zeekr logo, reflectors on the rear bumpers, and an electric liftgate.

Conversely, the BYD Atto 3 looks akin to most internal combustion engine-equipped crossovers today, which could make it a more appealing choice for those who avoid vehicles that look like they came straight out of a videogame.

At the fore, the BYD Atto 3 has a clean-looking fascia with a decorative trim and a lower grille with horizontal slats. It boasts adaptive LED headlamps and LED DRLs as well as the marque’s logo in a silver trim.

Its flanks are highlighted with body-colored door handles, blacked-out pillars, roof rails, and a set of either 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels.

The hind section of the BYD Atto 3 sports horizontal LED taillamps, sequential turn signals, and an electric tailgate.

Overall, the two nameplates appear to have design elements from both ends of the spectrum. That said, we call this round a tie.

Interior

Inside the Zeekr X is a leather-covered steering wheel and polyurethane-finished seats. It also offers its occupants an 8.8-inch high-definition LCD instrument cluster alongside a 24.3-inch augmented reality head-up display. It also has a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

Other notable features of the Zeekr X include ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charger and a Yamaha-branded sound system. It also has a dual-zone air conditioning system and air quality sensors with an N95 filter.

Meanwhile, the BYD Atto 3 appears to have reserved its futuristic appointments for its cabin. Greeting the driver is a leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-functional controls and seats finished in a similar hide.

The dashboard and door trims are slapped with unique-looking accents, which to us look like the underbelly of a whale.

Aye-catching also is its five-inch LCD instrument cluster and a rotating 12.8-inch infotainment screen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

Features worth mentioning include an eight-speaker Dirac HD sound system, an automatic air conditioning system, a panoramic sunroof, a CN95 air filter, and a wireless charging pad.

Since both electric crossovers are neck and neck in this round, we call it a tie.

Electric powertrain

Propelling the Zeekr X is a high-performance permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) on its rear wheel axle, which draws power from a lithium nickel cobalt manganate battery. It generates some 268 horsepower (hp) with 343 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque.

The Zeekr X also has a range-topping all-wheel drive variant, which gets another PMSM to the front wheel axle. In total, it makes 422 horses and up to 543 Nm of pulling power.

Range for the Zeekr X is from 425-445 kilometers (km).

The BYD Atto 3 packs a single PMSM motor situated at the front wheel axle. Paired with the BYD Blade battery, it makes around 201 hp with 310 Nm.

It has an estimate all-electric range of 410-480 km.

Here’s where the Zeekr X slightly edges over the BYD Atto 3. Its choice of either a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configuration could make it a more appealing option. So, the round goes to the Zeekr X.

Safety

When it comes to safety, the Zeekr X features airbags and seatbelts, a 360-degree view camera, electronic stability control, hill descent control, an anti-rolling program, an anti-lock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic traction control, cornering brake control, a brake assist system with emergency braking light flash, and low-speed pedestrian warning.

On top of standard airbags and seatbelts, the BYD Atto 3 offers safety technologies such as an anti-lock brake system, electronic stability control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, an electric parking brake, hill descent control, as well as a rear-view camera, and a 360-degree view monitor.

BYD also slapped the crossover with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot detection, among others.

With near identical safety features, we call this round a tie.

Pricing, variants

Zeekr X Premium RWD: P2.6 million
Zeekr X Flagship AWD: P3 million

BYD Atto 3 Dymanic: P1.598 million
BYD Atto 3 Premium: P1.798 million

Verdict

The Zeekr X has won over the BYD Atto 3 thanks to its more versatile electric powertrain options. The said electric crossover not only offers its would-be owners a cool-looking ride but also a capable one at that.

Photos from Zeekr, BYD, and Juan Paulo Papa

Also read:

Zeekr X vs. the competition

BYD Atto 3: from the metro to the mountains

Zeekr X: the 2 available trims