- Estimated Price: Approx. NIS 150,000
- Competitors: Chery Tiggo 7 Plug-In closest in price
- Pros: Design, quality, space, features, comfort, fuel consumption
- Cons: Ergonomics still need work
- Rating: 9/10
BYD continues to close gaps in its lineup, which today in Israel starts with the mini electric Dolphin Surf at NIS 115,000 and ends with the large 7-seater electric crossover at NIS 330,000, with seven more models in between. Not bad progress in three years.
Now comes the eighth model: Atto 2, a family crossover available in electric versions, and, keeping up with the times, also as a plug-in hybrid. The surprising success of the JAC 7 this year, which sold nearly 15,000 units despite a base price of NIS 170,000–180,000—mainly the plug-in version—demonstrates how Chinese automakers bypass European electric car taxation: Plug-in hybrids (and conventional hybrids) are tax-exempt on the continent and appeal to anyone with range anxiety.
In Israel, there’s no special tax penalty on Chinese cars, but there is electric vehicle fatigue, concerns about charging station searches, and fear of accelerated depreciation. Plug-in hybrids can travel tens of kilometers on electric power after charging while still functioning as regular hybrids, ensuring you never run out of power. Today, under NIS 200,000, seven plug-in models are sold, all Chinese, with more on the way.
The Atto 2 is the eighth model and the only one in the small crossover segment, making it also the cheapest plug-in. The full price will be set around NIS 150,000—20,000 less than the cheapest plug-in today, the larger Chery Tiggo 7, which in its base version is also far less equipped. By the end of next year, the Omoda 4 plug-in with similar dimensions will arrive in Israel, but for now, the Atto 2 opens a new category. After already driving the electric version, now we focus on the plug-in.
Design: In the vehicle market hierarchy, the Atto 2 is classified as an SUV-B, a category including the SEAT Arona and Hyundai Venue. But the Atto 2 is much larger: 4.31 m long, 1.83 m wide, 1.675 m high, with a 2.62 m wheelbase—larger than any other crossover in the segment. To distinguish between the electric and plug-in versions (and we’re not counting exhausts behind it), BYD gave the plug-in a slightly different front design, with gray plastic at the bottom mimicking an off-road skid plate—even though there’s no 4x4 or off-road capability. Wheel rims are different, and the test car’s blue color won’t be offered for the electric version. Overall, a textbook crossover—not likely to anger anyone, but also unlikely to elicit wow reactions.
Interior: No changes here. A 12.8-inch central screen comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside a separate 8.8-inch instrument cluster. Google-based voice control is available, allowing, for example, more general directions when using Google Maps instead of searching by address.
The design is clean, with plenty of storage and relatively high-quality materials for the category, including synthetic leather and soft plastics. Interior color options include dark or light shades, greatly enhancing the atmosphere. The extensive leather-like surfaces are easy to clean and resistant to dirt compared to fabric upholstery.
Mirror, turn signal, and wiper controls are still physical buttons. Climate control is managed via the screen, but a shortcut bar at the bottom remains visible even when using Android Auto or CarPlay. Physical buttons control volume, driving modes, defogging, and other functions. Seats are high, comfortable, and electrically adjustable. Headroom is exceptional due to height.
Rear seating benefits from a flat floor. While the seat could be slightly higher, adult passengers are very comfortable. Two adults fit easily; a third may feel cramped. Seat width allows seating three children, even with two in child seats. Rear AC vents—still absent in many competitors in this segment—are included. The trunk offers 425 liters across two levels. No spare wheel is provided.
Features: The Israeli specification is yet to be released but is expected to include a fixed panoramic roof with electric sunshade and roof rails, electrically adjustable driver and passenger seats, wireless phone charging with cooling, rain sensors, and 360-degree cameras.
Engine and Performance: The plug-in comes in two versions, both with a 1.5L engine mainly acting as a generator and optimized for efficiency. The base Activ version delivers 165 hp and 0–100 km/h in 9.1 seconds. The stronger Boost version tested here produces 212 hp and 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. It is indeed very quick for a crossover of this size and notably quiet. Even when the engine starts for charging or acceleration above 100 km/h, it is less intrusive than other plug-ins. Driving modes include Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow, with good performance across all, especially Sport.
Fuel Consumption: BYD promises an electric range of 40 km with the small battery and 90 km with the large one. At launch, this could not be verified, but driving in city, suburban, highway, and hilly areas around Barcelona achieved 40 km/l—short of the manufacturer’s 65 km/l but still excellent. With an empty battery, the official fuel consumption is 19.8 km/l, comparable to regular hybrids. The smaller battery (110 kg lighter, less powerful engine) may yield even lower fuel consumption.
Charging: The large battery version supports 6.6 kW AC charging; the small one supports 3.3 kW. Both can charge from 15% to 100% in about 3 hours. No DC fast charging.
Comfort and Handling: The plug-in does not feature the advanced multi-link rear suspension of the electric version, instead using a torsion beam. It is slightly less comfortable than the electric Atto 2 but still surprisingly good compared to larger Chinese plug-ins—reasonable comfort in the city, good outside, quiet suspension, minimal body roll, precise steering. Not sporty, but not embarrassing either.
Bottom Line: The Atto 2 is a crossover that surprises with quality and comfort, offers genuine family space, and does all this at a competitive price—with tax benefits for company-provided vehicles. Drawbacks? Ergonomics still need work.
Fuel consumption is excellent—typical for a plug-in—if regularly charged. On the other hand, as many owners don’t bother to charge, the base version with the smaller battery may turn out to be the smarter purchase when launched next year. In Europe, it is 13% cheaper than the fully equipped version, potentially translating to an Israeli price of NIS 140,000–145,000—a larger family hybrid crossover than the Chery Tiggo 4, which costs NIS 136,000–138,000.
Either way, it is hard to see European, Japanese, or Korean manufacturers launching a plug-in crossover of this size and price. The Chinese continue to produce increasingly competitive cars, leaving Western manufacturers without a clear response.
Author was a guest of BYD in Spain.
Technical Specifications: BYD Atto 2 Plug-In Boost
- Engine: 1.5L petrol + electric motor, 212 hp
- Transmission: Automatic, direct drive, front-wheel drive
Dimensions:
- Length: 4.31 m
- Width: 1.83 m
- Height: 1.675 m
- Wheelbase: 2.62 m
- Trunk: 425 liters
- Weight: 1,610 kg
Electric:
- Battery capacity: 18.3 kWh
- Slow charging: 6.6 kW
- Fast charging: None
Performance:
- 0–100 km/h: 7.5 s
- Top speed: 180 km/h
- Electric range (manufacturer): 90 km
- Fuel consumption with charged battery (manufacturer): 65 km/l
- Fuel consumption with charged battery (test): 40 km/l
Safety:
- Euro NCAP crash test: Not yet tested
- Active safety systems: Front/rear emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping/correction, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beam
Warranty:
- 6 years/150,000 km for the vehicle, 8 years/250,000 km for the battery, 8 years/150,000 km for the electric motor and controller