BYD Atto 2 plug-in hybrid confirmed for Australia, could become cheapest PHEV here

The BYD Atto 2 DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has been confirmed for Australia and is set to join the electric version of the small SUV later this year.

BYD Australia has opened an Expressions of Interest page on its website for the Atto 2 DM-i (for 'dual-mode intelligent' plug-in hybrid powertrain) ahead of its expected arrival before the end of September.

Pricing and local specifications have yet to be announced, but with the Atto 2 EV starting from $31,990 before on-road costs, the new DM-i version could become Australia's cheapest PHEV.

That title is currently held by another BYD, the Sealion 5, which starts from $33,990 before on-road costs.

"The addition of the Atto 2 DM-i resonates really well with Australians looking for an affordable, practical and stylish SUV," a BYD Australia spokesperson told CarExpert.

"We see tremendous upside with this vehicle. The Atto 2 hits the sweet spot for so many, and the introduction of a Super Hybrid will further increase its appeal and offer customers more choice."

The electric Atto 2 has recorded 6615 sales year-to-date, including 1214 deliveries in July 2026, making it BYD Australia's third best-selling model behind the Sealion 7 electric SUV and Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute.

The Atto 2 DM-i was revealed in October 2025 and is already on sale in right-hand drive in the United Kingdom, where it starts from £26,995 ($51,531) drive-away – around £3000 ($5727) less than the Sealion 5.

The UK range comprises Active and Boost variants, priced from £26,995 ($51,531) and £29,990 ($57,258) drive-away respectively.

Both use a front-wheel drive plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 72kW/122Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with a 145kW/300Nm electric motor, but feature different battery capacities.

The entry-level Active produces combined outputs of 122kW and 300Nm and uses a 7.8kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering a claimed electric driving range of 39km (WLTP) and a combined driving range of 928km.

The Boost increases system output to 156kW while maintaining 300Nm of torque. It adds an 18kWh Blade LFP battery with faster charging, increasing electric-only range to 89km (WLTP) and total driving range to 999km.

BYD claims the Boost can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds, 1.6 seconds quicker than the Active and 0.4 seconds faster than the Atto 2 EV sold in Australia.

The UK-spec Atto 2 DM-i has an official kerb weight of 1510kg in Active guise and 1620kg in Boost trim, compared with the Australian-market Atto 2 EV's claimed 1555kg kerb weight. Both UK variants feature a 45-litre fuel tank.

The Active comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, cloth upholstery, a reversing camera, and a 12.8-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Boost upgrades to 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails, privacy glass, vegan leather upholstery, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with a choice of black or beige interior finishes.

It also adds a panoramic fixed glass roof, wireless phone charging and a 360-degree camera as standard, as well as vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability.

The expanded Atto 2 range could further boost BYD Australia's momentum after the brand finished second overall, the highest position ever achieved by a Chinese marque, for the third consecutive month in July 2026.

The recent surge has seen BYD overtake Kia in the year-to-date sales race, sitting second behind Toyota, with Ford in third and Kia fourth.

MORE: Explore the BYD Atto 2 showroom