2025 BYD ATTO 3 Ultra Review

In Malaysia's C-Segment EV market, the selection of vehicles under RM200,000 is gradually expanding, but options that balance space, features, and range are still limited. The 2025 BYD ATTO 3 Ultra, as a popular model in this segment, has seen targeted optimizations in detailed features and user experience despite not undergoing major design changes in this facelift. Its core selling points are focused on "high configuration cost-effectiveness" and "well-balanced family attributes." The primary purpose of this test drive is to verify whether its static performance meets the needs of family users and whether its dynamic driving can balance daily commuting and occasional outing scenarios.

In terms of exterior design, the 2025 ATTO 3 Ultra continues the family-style "Ocean Aesthetics" design language, with an overall style that is youthful yet restrained. The front features a closed grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides. The headlight clusters integrate daytime running lights, providing high recognizability when lit. The side profile has smooth lines, with 18-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with 235/50 R18 tires, ensuring both visual appeal and grip. At the rear, the through-type LED taillights are a design highlight, echoing the front light clusters, while the diffuser-like design at the lower part of the rear bumper adds a touch of sportiness. Notably, the vehicle dimensions of 4455×1875×1615mm and a wheelbase of 2720mm place it slightly above average among models in the same class, laying a good foundation for its interior space.

Stepping inside, the interior design is minimalist with a distinctive tech feel. The most eye-catching feature on the dashboard is the 15.6-inch rotatable touchscreen, which supports horizontal and vertical orientation switching and offers smooth system performance with easy access to commonly used functions like navigation and music. In terms of materials, the seats and door panels are covered with soft materials, complemented by silver accents, providing a texture that meets expectations for its price range. For features, the front seats support 6-way power adjustment (driver's seat) and 4-way power adjustment (passenger's seat), while the rear is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB ports, demonstrating thoughtful attention to detail. Storage space is decent, with a moderately sized front central armrest box and door storage bins that can hold two bottles of mineral water. The trunk has a standard capacity of 440L, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, meeting the luggage needs of family travel.

Space utilization is one of the advantages of the ATTO 3 Ultra. The 2720mm wheelbase translates into practical seating space: a passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the front row would have about a fist and two fingers of headroom; keeping the front seat in the same position, the rear legroom can reach two fists, with headroom also about one fist, making it spacious enough for five passengers without feeling cramped. The nearly flat rear floor ensures comfort for the middle passenger. Additionally, the standard fixed panoramic sunroof adds to the sense of openness inside the cabin. Although it cannot be opened, the sunshade can be manually adjusted, offering some practicality.

In the dynamic driving segment, the ATTO 3 Ultra is equipped with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, providing a maximum power output of 150kW (204PS) and a maximum torque of 310N·m, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.3 seconds. In actual driving, the power responds quickly at startup; a light press on the accelerator pedal delivers a noticeable push-back feeling, with particularly agile performance in the low to mid-speed range (0-60km/h), making it suitable for urban commuting. When switched to Sport mode, the power output becomes more direct, although acceleration at high speeds (above 100km/h) becomes slightly weaker. However, it still meets the demand for everyday overtaking with no difficulties.

In terms of handling and chassis, the combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension is considered standard among vehicles in the same class. During daily driving, the chassis is quite effective at filtering out small road bumps. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension rebounds cleanly and without unnecessary wobbling. The steering feels light with moderate slack, making it easy for female drivers to handle. However, during high-speed cornering, the body lean is somewhat noticeable, making the car more suitable for stable driving rather than aggressive handling.

Range and charging performance are core concerns for EV users. The official pure electric range is 420km (NEDC standard). In actual tests under urban driving conditions (a mix of traffic congestion and smooth roads), the range achievement rate is about 85%. On highways (100-120km/h), the achievement rate is approximately 75%, resulting in a total combined range of around 320-350km, which is sufficient for a week of commuting (about 200km). In terms of charging speed, fast charging mode can charge from 30% to 80% in about 40 minutes (0.66 hours), while slow charging takes 9.7 hours, making it suitable for overnight home charging.

Regarding driving and riding comfort details, the noise control performance of the ATTO 3 Ultra is commendable. At speeds below 60km/h, wind and tire noise are almost inaudible. At higher speeds, wind noise increases slightly but remains within acceptable limits. The energy recovery system offers three levels of adjustment. On the lowest level, the coasting experience is similar to that of a fuel vehicle, with no obvious drag sensation, resulting in a low adaptation cost. The seating provides moderate wrapping and support, ensuring that even after long drives (around 2 hours), passengers do not feel fatigued.

One of the highlights of the ATTO 3 Ultra is its safety configuration. The entire lineup comes standard with 7 airbags, ABS anti-lock braking, vehicle stability control, lane change assist, lane departure warning, active braking, and other features. The ACC adaptive cruise control system reduces the burden of driving on highways, while the 360-degree panoramic imaging enhances convenience during parking. These features are quite comprehensive compared to vehicles in the same price range, providing users with ample safety assurance.

In summary, the 2025 BYD ATTO 3 Ultra’s core advantage lies in its balance: the space meets family needs, configurations are rich and practical, the power is sufficient for everyday use, and the range performance is consistent. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric, the ATTO 3 Ultra stands out in terms of wheelbase, seat adjustment functions, and safety features, while maintaining a consumer-friendly price at RM123,800, making its value for money exceptional.

The target audience for this car is clear: families prioritizing space and configurations, as well as young professionals needing a reliable commuting tool. It doesn't strive for extreme acceleration performance or flashy designs, but it achieves a balance in the three key aspects of "practicality, adequacy, and safety." If you need an EV that can handle daily commuting, weekend family outings, and doesn’t require frequent charging, the ATTO 3 Ultra is a worthy option to consider.