LADIES and gentlemen, welcome to the start of a beautiful dream. One where the feel of driving an electric vehicle (EV) isn't too dissimilar from that of a vehicle with an internal combustion engine (ICE).
It may sound like an exaggeration to those unfamiliar but the experience the two different platforms offer have their differences
—
and not just a matter in their energy source.
We'll dissect them in a bit but to drive home the point, what isn't an overstatement is that carmakers better watch out for newcomer BYD (also known as Build Your Dreams) because this Chinese company has got a serious game.
This is evident with its newly launched Atto 3 compact e-sport utility vehicle (e-SUV) that packs a whole lot of shock value.
DREAM MACHINE
Built on BYD's advanced e-platform 3.0, the Atto 3 comes in two variants: the Standard Range (SR) with a 49.92kWh battery and the Extended Range (ER) with a 60.48kWh battery.
The two offer a maximum range of up to 410km (NEDC, or 345km WLTP) and 480km (NEDC, or 420km WLTP) on a single charge, respectively.
Range is the only main distinguishing factor between the two performance-wise, with both housing Blade EV batteries connected to a front-mounted electric motor that delivers 204PS and 310Nm of torque.
Both can go from zero to 100kph in 7.3 seconds.
Their 400V architecture supports AC charging (up to 7kW) and DC fast charging with a max rate of either 70kW (SR) or 80kW (ER) — going from zero to 80 per cent charged in 45 minutes.
It also has a V2L function to power other devices.
The bodykit is the other differentiating factor with the ER having 18-inch wheels, an electronic tailgate, multi-colour gradient rhythmic ambient lighting on the door handles, eight speakers with Dirac HD sound, PM2.5 air filter and a wireless phone charger.
The SR has single colour ambient lighting, six speakers and 17-inch wheels.
Both variants have LED headlamps and rear lights, and adaptive front lights.
The cabin comes equipped with a landscape or portrait rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen that's compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless), built-in dashcam, a 5.0-inch digital instrument panel, panoramic sunroof, heated electric wing mirrors, leather seats, front powered seats (six-way for driver, four-way for passenger), 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitor, and electronic parking brake with auto hold.
There's also an NFC key card that works by waving it at the wing mirrors.
The boot space is at 440 litres while the SR is 70kg lighter than the ER — 1,680kg versus 1,750kg.
As a five-star Euro NCAP-rated EV, both variants come with a complete advanced driving assist system, three Isofix child seat mounts (one for the front passenger seat and two for the outer rear seats), and six airbags plus a centre side shoulder airbag for the driver.
The SR variant is priced from RM149,800 (duty exempted, on-the-road excluding insurance) while the ER starts from RM167,800.
They are available in five colour options of Ski White, Boulder Grey, Forest Green, Parkour Red, and Surf Blue.
The interior comes in an Eclipse Blue-Hazy Grey combination.
The car has a six-year or 150,000km factory warranty, with a separate eight-year or 160,000km warranty for the Blade EV battery.
There's also another separate eight-year or 150,000km warranty for the drive unit that includes the motor, motor controller, DC assembly and electric control assembly.
SWEET DREAMS
Just look at those specs; 410km range for RM149,800 at its base. In the realm of modern day EVs, that is value for money right there.
It's the type of range you would expect from any vehicle for them to be practical. More so if the goal is to make EVs feel like a natural transition from ICE vehicles, so to speak.
Speaking of natural, one of the best traits of the Atto 3 is how it gets pedal pressure right.
You see, there are specific traits when it comes to EVs. They are usually silent and perform smoothly on the road. All things great except that the pedal control needs getting used to.
That's because there's a disconnect, or a noticeable jerk reaction, during acceleration and braking. This speed transition when you accelerate or brake lacks finesse or feels too sudden until you get used to the pressure application.
If it sounds complicated, that's because this is hardly an issue with ICE cars, which are more concerned with torque acceleration, depending on the force you apply to the pedal.
There are also fewer moving parts in an EV compared to an ICE vehicle as it's mostly electronics programming and the battery performance in the former.
So, the only way for EVs to feel different from each other (or given their own characteristics) is to tune them to perform in certain ways, though with limitations.
In that respect, BYD has successfully tuned the Atto 3 to drive and glide as smooth as a normal ICE car. It is one of the few EVs on the road whose drive performance is seamless and doesn't feel alien or unnatural.
This is even before we get into what the Atto 3 offers in its cabin, which is a host of features to rival costlier rivals, while the ambient lighting and a one-of-a-kind rotating centre screen is an added touch.
What I also like is the e-SUV's design. On the outside, it is as modern as it gets and the cabin is just something special that you need to see to believe.
The build quality is also impressive unlike some EVs, and even standard vehicles of said pricing for that matter, which doesn't always deliver a par-premium feel.
Sometimes, it even felt like corners were cut with the others but not here in the Atto 3.
VERDICT
Maybe you're not a fan of its design, name or the company itself. Perhaps you're not even a fan of EVs altogether. Objectively, however, you can't call the Atto 3 bad by any means.
Everything about it is simply practical while its design, size, range and performance are right where the money is.
The Atto 3 is also one of the more effortless EVs to get accustomed to for first-time EV drivers and, thus, making it so easy to recommend to those curious about the EV lifestyle.
It also wouldn't be too farfetched to say it has what it takes to go against more premium models of EVs and SUVs as a total package either.
If it sounds like overselling, it is only because the Atto 3 is that good and a testament to what BYD is capable of.
Its price, delivery and practicality makes good sense. But the Atto 3's greatest strength is how much it feels like an actual non-EV SUV you would normally drive on a day-to-day basis.
There is a transitional gap between EVs and ICE vehicles that the Atto 3 has bridged, where few have succeeded for now.
And to do it at such a competitive price is an icing on the cake. It is currently one of the more affordable EVs and already it delivers so much more than expected.
In all, there is a lot to love about and little you can complain about that isn't just personal preference. For now, it is simply the current EV benchmark to beat.