BYD strengthened its presence in the European automotive market with a major product launch held in Barcelona on November 19. At the event, the company introduced the Atto 2 DM-i, its first plug-in hybrid model under the Atto 2 series, alongside the long-range battery-electric Atto 2 Comfort. This launch marks an important milestone for BYD as it continues to expand its range of compact vehicles in Europe, offering buyers more choices between hybrid and fully electric powertrains.
The highlight of the event was the Atto 2 DM-i, which features BYD’s latest DM-i hybrid technology. According to the company, this system provides a WLTP-certified pure electric driving capability of up to 90 kilometers, making it suitable for daily city travel without using fuel. When both the petrol engine and the battery are used together, the vehicle’s total driving range reaches around 1,020 kilometers. This positions the Atto 2 DM-i as a very efficient option for drivers who want electric commuting with long-distance flexibility.
Exterior Updates and Design Identity
While it shares its basic structure with the all-electric Atto 2, the DM-i version has several important design differences. One of the most noticeable changes is the front end, which features a much larger grille. This redesign is not merely cosmetic—the enlarged grille enhances cooling for the hybrid system’s engine and improves overall efficiency. The vehicle also sports a revised front badge that differentiates it from the purely electric variant.
BYD has also introduced an exclusive “Midnight Blue” exterior color for the hybrid model, giving it a distinct visual identity. The Atto 2 DM-i is about 4.3 meters long, placing it in the compact crossover segment, and it comes equipped with stylish 17-inch alloy wheels. LED headlights, a full-width rear light bar, and aerodynamic body shaping give the car a modern and premium appearance, while also enhancing efficiency.
Overall, the design combines practicality with style, making the Atto 2 DM-i appealing to European buyers looking for a compact yet upscale hybrid crossover.
Interior Features and Practicality
Inside the cabin, BYD focuses on comfort, functionality, and technology. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 12.8-inch rotatable touchscreen, which supports navigation, multimedia, and vehicle settings. The infotainment system is paired with a clean, minimalistic interior layout that includes vegan leather seats, customizable ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof that adds spaciousness to the interior.
Practicality is another area where the Atto 2 DM-i stands out. The car provides multiple storage compartments, including a dedicated spot for glasses and a conveniently located wireless charging pad for smartphones. The boot space offers 425 liters of storage capacity, which expands to a generous 1,335 liters when the rear seats are folded—useful for carrying luggage, outdoor gear, or bulky items.
One standout feature is the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability. With this function, the Atto 2 DM-i can supply up to 3.3 kW of electrical power to external devices. This makes it ideal for outdoor trips, camping, or emergency power needs, allowing users to run appliances or charge devices directly from the vehicle’s battery.
Hybrid System Configurations
BYD is offering the Atto 2 DM-i in two different performance configurations: Active and Boost. Both versions use BYD’s DM-i system, which prioritizes electric driving as much as possible while using the petrol engine for extended range or power when needed.
Active Version
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Power output: 122 kW (166 PS)
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Battery capacity: 7.8 kWh
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Pure electric range: approx. 40 km
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Combined range: around 930 km
This version is suitable for drivers who want a more affordable option with enough electric range for short commutes while still offering strong fuel efficiency.
Boost Version
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Power output: 156 kW (212 PS)
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Battery capacity: 18 kWh
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Pure electric range: up to 90 km
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Combined range: roughly 1,020 km
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Top speed: 180 km/h
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0–100 km/h acceleration: 7.5 seconds
The Boost configuration is oriented toward drivers seeking higher performance and extended electric driving capabilities. It also offers excellent efficiency, with reported WLTP fuel consumption as low as 1.8 liters per 100 kilometers.
These two hybrid configurations allow BYD to target a wide range of customer needs—from budget-friendly, efficient commuting to more dynamic and performance-oriented driving.
A Growing European Lineup
Media outlets in both China and Europe have highlighted the significance of BYD’s expansion strategy. The company already offers several models in the European market, such as:
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BYD Seal (sedan)
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BYD Han (premium sedan)
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BYD Tang (SUV)
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BYD Atto 3 (compact hatchback/SUV)
With the addition of the Atto 2 DM-i plug-in hybrid and the Atto 2 Comfort electric variant, BYD is strengthening its portfolio in the compact crossover category—a segment that continues to grow in popularity across Europe.
These new models give customers more freedom to choose between fully electric mobility and hybrid solutions, depending on their driving habits, charging access, and budget.
BYD’s Ambitious European Expansion Plans
BYD reported that its passenger vehicle business now operates in 33 European countries, and the company plans to open up to 1,000 retail locations across the continent by the end of 2025. This rapid expansion aligns with BYD’s global strategy to become a leading player in both electric and hybrid vehicles.
By increasing its dealership presence and introducing more models tailored to European driving conditions and preferences, BYD aims to build brand awareness and compete with established automakers in a highly competitive market.
Conclusion
The launch of the BYD Atto 2 DM-i marks a significant advancement for BYD’s presence in the European automotive market. This model boasts an impressive electric-only range and efficient hybrid performance, complemented by a modern design and a feature-rich interior. These attributes position the Atto 2 DM-i as an appealing option for drivers seeking a versatile compact crossover. As BYD ramps up its retail network and expands its model offerings, the company clearly aims to establish itself as a major player in the transition towards electrified mobility in Europe.
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