Malaysia gets the updated BYD Atto 3, could we be next?

The BYD Atto 3 was once one of the top-selling models of BYD Cars Philippines, but after a few years on the market, it has become overshadowed by newer competition, and other new offerings from BYD themselves.

This isn’t surprising as the fully electric crossover has not received any big updates ever since it first came into the Philippine market in 2023, and only receiving a small update in 2025 with minor exterior trim changes and a larger infotainment screen. In fellow ASEAN market Malaysia though, a much more substantial update has been released, based on the Atto 3 Evo which was revealed for Europe earlier this year.

On the outside, the new Atto 3 gets new and sleeker bumpers with a more aggressive design, front and rear, and rides on a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels. Its C-pillar loses its fish scale-like design in favor of a cleaner and flat black plastic panel, along with a larger rear quarter window and sportier tailgate spoiler.

The interior is largely the same as before, but has been updated with a new steering wheel, and the electronic gear selector is now mounted on the steering column, freeing up center console space. There’s also a new 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, while the 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system is retained but no longer rotates.

Unlike the European version which is exclusively available in rear- and all-wheel drive, the Malaysian new Atto 3 is still available with a front-wheel drive option. Dubbed as the Ultra, it retains its single front-mounted electric motor producing 204 horsepower and 310Nm of torque, and 60.48kWh LFP battery that delivers 420km of range.

A rear-wheel drive variant, called the Premium, has also been added, getting the same rear-mounted electric motor as the Atto 3 Evo, producing 313 horsepower and 380Nm of torque. A 74.8kWh LFP battery allows for a range of up to 510km.

With BYD already offering the refreshed Atto 3 in Malaysia, we won’t be surprised to see it arrive on our shores in the coming months. And if you’re wondering about the all-new second generation which was revealed at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show a few months ago, this will most likely be a China-exclusive model first, as with other BYD products.

_{Photos from BYD (showing UK-market version).}