2026 BYD Atto 3 revealed in China – update brings RWD layout, 272 PS and 326 PS versions, new styling

The BYD Atto 3 has received another update, as revealed by a filing with the Chinese government’s ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT), according to Car News China.

Documentation for the MIIT filing reveals that the updated Atto 3 measures 4,665 mm long, 1,895 mm wide and 1,675 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,770 mm, making more than 200 mm longer than the current version. Kerb weight for the 2026 Atto 3 in China is a claimed 1,690 kg.

Powertrain for the updated Atto 3 takes after the Atto 3 Evo for Europe in that the updated model switches to a rear-wheel-drive powertrain layout, and MIIT documents reportedly list two output levels, 200 kW (272 PS) and 240 kW (326 PS).

Other mechanical updates have yet to be disclosed, though for reference, the European-market Atto 3 Evo was updated with a new multi-link rear suspension layout (five-link succeeding the previous four-link layout), while that version’s luggage capacity has grown 50 litres to 490 litres, or up to 1,360 litres with the seats folded, and the frunk holds 101 litres.

According to IT Home, the updated Atto 3 for China could adopt the second-generation BYD Blade battery which the manufacturer announced earlier this month, which has been said to pack greater energy density and be capable of 10-70% charge in five minutes.

For ADAS, the MIIT filing shows the updated Atto 3 will pack additional sensors, and these have been shown to be located on its roof (for lidar), along with front-mounted radar as well as cameras on its fenders.

Visual changes on the latest Atto 3 include a restyled front bumper with a revised centre panel and redesigned, vertically-oriented air intakes, slimmer headlamps, while its door handles are now semi-flush units. Wheel offered include 18- and 19-inch units.

At the rear, the tail lamp assembly now appears uniform in thickness across its full width, while the restyled tailgate spoiler houses a slimmer high-mount brake light.

For market introduction, Car News China cited other Chinese media outlets as having reported that the order books for the updated Atto 3 in China could open around the middle of this year.

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