BYD Atto 2 DM-i

The BYD Atto 2 DM-i features a minimalist yet premium-looking cabin finished in black. It offers a respectable blend of soft-touch materials and hard plastics for its price. In terms of practicality, its cabin can comfortably accommodate five passengers, while the trunk offers an impressive maximum cargo capacity of up to 1,335 liters (with rear seats folded down). Additionally, its fabric seats provide decent cushioning and support for all passengers, even on long trips.

Up front, the driver gets an 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster, a urethane-wrapped steering wheel with multiple controls, and a column-mounted shifter. The Atto 2 DM-i also comes with four USB (Type-A and Type-C) charging ports (front: 2, rear: 2), a 12V power socket, a center console compartment, and a total of eight bottle/cup holders (front: 4, rear: 4), all of which contribute to its overall practicality on the road.

For entertainment and information accessibility, this crossover SUV is fitted with a 12.8-inch touchscreen display for the higher-spec Premium trim, while the base Dynamic gets the 10.1-inch version. The Atto 2 DM-i’s infotainment system is equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB input, Bluetooth Handsfree, 4G connectivity, BYD Cloud Service, and is linked to a 6-speaker sound system.

For starters, the BYD Atto 2 DM-i model line measures 4,330 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height. This crossover SUV also comes with a 2,620-mm wheelbase and a 150-mm unladen ground clearance.

The BYD Atto 2 DM-i flaunts a subtle yet rugged look, complemented by hypermodern design elements. At the front, it features BYD’s “Dragon” fascia flanked by LED headlamps with slim LED daytime running lights (DRLs). The BYD emblem is placed on the smooth black panel connecting its headlamps. And, underneath, its blacked-out lower grille and curved side contours add more boldness to its front design.

From the side, it blends SUV-like proportions with sleek crossover styling, highlighted by its prominent body cladding. The Atto 2 DM-i comes with manual-folding side mirrors with integrated turn lamps and power adjustment. The Premium trim is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Dynamic trim gets the smaller 16-inch counterparts. And, for a more modern touch, it also comes with semi-hidden door handles.

Meanwhile, at the rear, it showcases unique, futuristic styling, accentuated by LED tail lamps featuring an infinity-like pattern and a slim light bar. This crossover SUV is also fitted with an LED high-mount brake lamp and rear fog lamps for enhanced visibility, especially at night. It also gets a bulky rear bumper with a silver accent underneath.

The BYD Atto 2 DM-i is equipped with a MacPherson Strut suspension at the front and a Torsion Beam at the rear. This crossover SUV delivers nimble maneuverability and great absorption of bumps and other minor road imperfections in the city. As a result, all passengers can enjoy a supple ride inside this plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). That said, its suspension setup prioritizes comfort over performance.

The Atto 2 DM-i runs on BYD’s Super DM-i (plug-in hybrid) technology that combines a permanent magnet synchronous motor, which generates 165 PS of maximum power and 300 Nm of maximum torque, with a 1.5L high-efficiency generator, which mainly acts as a range extender. Feeding its motor is a 7.9-kWh BYD Blade battery that offers a 45-km (NEDC) EV driving range. Combined, its Super DM-i technology offers an extended range of up to 1,045 kilometers. This crossover SUV utilizes a front-wheel drivetrain.

That said, this crossover SUV is impressively quick off the line. It offers plenty of power and torque on tap for quick highway overtakes and steep rural inclines. Additionally, it feels smooth and refined in city speeds while delivering excellent efficiency, even in heavy traffic. The Atto 2 DM-i is also equipped with four selectable drive modes: Economy, Normal, Sport, and Snow. Overall, this crossover SUV is a practical everyday city vehicle and a capable long-distance tourer. 

In terms of safety, both trims of the BYD Atto 2 DM-i are equipped with a camera system (Premium: 360-degree, Dynamic: rear only), parking sensors (Premium: 6, Dynamic: 4), and cruise control (adaptive for the Premium variant). The higher-spec Premium also gets a wider array of advanced driver assistance systems, such as an automatic emergency braking system, front collision warning, intelligent cruise control, an intelligent speed limit information system, an intelligent speed limit warning, and intelligent speed limit control, among others.

Additionally, its braking setup consists of ventilated discs at the front and regular discs at the rear. The Atto 2 DM-i’s braking setup is also supported by an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, hill descent control, a traction control system, electronic stability control, and a brake override system.

The BYD Atto 2 DM-i is truly a game-changer in its segment. It combines a premium, full-EV-like experience with everyday practicality, proving that it is both enjoyable to drive and easy to live with wherever it goes.