After a series of teaser images, BYD Sime Motors, the official distributor of BYD cars in Malaysia, has unveiled the 2026 updated version of its best-selling EV SUV, the BYD Atto 3.
Unveiled at the Sime Motors MotorExpo 2026 last week, the updated 2026 model is essentially based on the Atto 3 Evo version seen in other overseas markets, featuring a new rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Premium variant alongside the existing Ultra, plus other key improvements inside and outside.
The recommended retail price (RPP) for the 2026 BYD Atto 3 is listed below:
- 2026 BYD Atto 3 Ultra (FWD) – RM125,800
- 2026 BYD Atto 3 Premium (RWD) – RM138,800
As standard, said prices are inclusive of a 6-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year or 160,000 km high-voltage Blade battery warranty, and a separate 8-year or 160,000 km warranty for the drive unit.
There’s also the special launch package worth up to RM14,000, which includes RM10,000 in overtrade support, and the option of either six years of free service or an AC wallbox charger with free installation.
New Premium Variant with 600 km NEDC Range
The big news for the updated Atto 3 is, of course, the new Premium variant, which sees this EV SUV getting a new, rear-mounted electric motor unit that delivers a peppier power output of 313 PS and 380 Nm to enable a quick 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.5 seconds.
For reference, the entry-level Atto 3 Ultra features the same single FWD motor setup as the previous version with a more modest power output of 204 PS and 310 Nm for a slower century sprint time of 7.3 seconds.
The new Premium RWD variant also benefits from a larger 74.88-kWh BYD ‘Blade’ LFP battery pack that promises up to 600 km of NEDC range, or 510 km on the more realistic WLTP standards. Its DC charging rate has also been increased to 220 kW, while the AC figure is now capped higher at 11 kW.
As for the Ultra, it continues to be juiced by the smaller 60.48-kWh battery as before, which supplies up to 480 km of NEDC range. Fortunately, the updated Atto 3 Ultra does get an upgraded DC charging capability at up to 110 kW, although its AC figure is still capped at 7 kW.
Minor Exterior Changes, Revamped Interior
And just like its Evo twin, the updated 2026 Atto 3 in Malaysia also features some minor design and visual changes on the exterior.
Some key highlights include a redesigned front bumper with more prominent side vents, a more aggressive rear bumper design with a diffuser-like garnish, a new rear spoiler with dual central brake lights, a new 18-inch alloy wheel design for the Premium variant, and four exterior colourway options—Ski White, Atlanta Grey, Harbour Grey, and Cosmos Black.
The design changes are more apparent inside the car, where the updated Atto 3 gets a revamped interior featuring a more minimalist and subdued cabin design laced with new comfort and tech amenities. Gone is the bright two-tone dashboard from the previous model, where it has been replaced by a more simplistic one finished in grey.
Also new here are the larger 8.8-inch digital metre cluster, a 15.6-inch central screen that no longer rotates and supports both wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, a new 50-watt wireless charger with a cooling vent, a three-spoke steering wheel borrowed from the Atto 2 with a column-mounted gear selector, and a new front seat design wrapped in vegan leather upholstery with powered and ventilated functions.
The updated Atto 3 also gains some practicality edge, particularly the Premium variant, which gets a larger 490-litre boot space compared to the Ultra’s 434-litre space. And now that the Premium rocks a RWD motor setup, this leaves enough space for BYD to put a 101-litre frunk on this EV SUV.
Improved Safety Features
BYD has also improved the overall safety features for the updated Atto 3, although the entry-level Ultra expectedly misses some of the added functions.
For starters, the Ultra gets seven airbags as standard, while the Ultra only comes with six, as it didn’t get the front far-side centre airbag.
As for the ADAS functions, both models get standard functions such as Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), but the Premium ups the ante with additional ADAS bits like Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA) and Brake (FCTB), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Intelligent Speed Limit Control (ISLC).
