New 2026 BYD Atto 3 launched in Malaysia; first in ASEAN, 2 variants, better range of up to 580 km, more power, priced from RM 125k

The upgraded, much-awaited 2026 BYD Atto 3 facelift has just been launched in Malaysia. More than just a simple facelift, this variant introduces a host of mechanical upgrades, including a change of drivetrain.

With 2 variants, prices for the Atto 3 facelift in Malaysia are as follows: RM 125,800 for 2026 Ultra, and RM 138,600 for the 2026 Premium.

It's moved slightly upwards from the RM 123,800 of the 2025 BYD Atto 3 Ultra it replaces. It still remains fully imported (CBU) from China.

Atto 3 Ultra. Note the different wheels and front fender charging port.

However, take note that the 2026 Atto 3 Ultra gains aesthetic and charging improvements, but keeps the older drivetrain. It's the Premium variant that's got the slew of under-the-hood updates; more on that later.

Note that since these launch units have arrived ahead of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry’s upcoming July 1 regulatory changes, this initial batch successfully avoids the new CBU EV policy rules that will enforce a minimum price floor of RM 300,000.

Now RWD, 800V architecture, faster charging

With the 2026 Atto 3 Premium being the headliner, its biggest change is the drivetrain, with the Atto 3 Evo now going rear-wheel drive (RWD). There's loads more power too - 313 PS and 380 Nm - up from the 203 PS and 315 Nm from the Ultra model.

This extra performance slashes the zero-to-100 km/h sprint time by nearly two seconds down to 5.5 seconds. The Atto 3 Premium is also rear-wheel drive, while the Ultra stays front-wheel drive.

Powering the system is a larger 74.8 kWh Blade LFP battery pack that boosts the WLTP-rated driving range to 510 km; a 90 km increase from the 420 km of old.

With said new 800-volt electrical architecture, DC fast charging leaps from 88 kW to 220 kW. This cuts the 10% to 80% charging time nearly in half to just 25 minutes, despite the larger battery capacity.

For the 2026 Atto 3 Ultra, DC fast charging speed has improved from 110 kW to 220 kW.

Under the skin, a more compact five-link rear suspension is present in the Atto 3 Premium. The Ultra keeps the four-link setup that remains in today's Atto 3 Ultra.

Cargo spaces have improved too, with the Atto 3 Premium gaining 1,360 litres of boot space at max (50 litres more than the Ultra), along with a 101 litre frunk.

Visually, the new Atto 3 is distinguished by sportier front and rear bumpers with body-coloured design elements, cascading triangular taillight graphics, sleek black D-pillar trim, and grey turbine-style 18-inch alloy wheels.

The charging port has also been moved to the rear, and the old front fender design accents have been removed.

Updated interior, fixed screen

Inside the cabin, the layout features a smoothed-out dashboard, an Atto 2-style steering wheel, a column-mounted gear selector, and a redesigned centre console equipped with dual smartphone holders.

Both cars' digital interface centers around a fixed, non-rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a larger 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard on both cars too are a 50W wireless phone charger, panoramic roof, and ventilated front seats.

Atto 3 Premium frunk

Key differences between the Premium and Ultra variants are seat adjustments, with the dearer version getting 6-way power adjustment + 4-way lumbar adjustment for the driver. For the passenger, they get a 6-way power adjustment seat.

The infotainment ecosystem now features native integration for built-in Google services, granting users direct access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, YouTube, and the Google Play Store.

Safety systems

For safety, the 2026 Atto 3 carries over the previous model's kit with improvements. One extra airbag for the Premium version (centre airbag), while it also gains enhanced ADAS. The Ultra variant keeps 6 airbags, with standard ADAS.

Aftersales and promotions

BYD Sime Darby's aftersales coverage for the 2026 Atto 3 remains unchanged, with a base 6-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, 8-year/160,000 km drive unit warranty, and 8-year/160,000 km high voltage Blade battery warranty.

Complimentary accessories include a V2L adapter, and type 2 charging cable with 3-pin plug.