New BYD Atto 8 launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

BYD has pulled the covers off the all-new Atto 8 SUV in South Africa.

The seven-seater, known as the “Tang L” in its local market, or also as the “Sealion 8”, is the latest plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offering from the Chinese automaker.

It arrives in South Africa with two derivatives to choose from: the Atto 8 Premium and the Atto 8 Performance AWD.

Prices start at R1,059,900, making the Atto 8 not only one of the most expensive Chinese SUVs in South Africa, but also one of the most exclusive PHEVs.

Powertrain

Both models feature a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine capable of producing 110kW and 220Nm, which in the Premium is paired with a single electric motor with outputs of 200kW and 315Nm.

Combined, these produce 205kW, thanks to the 19.0 kWh battery pack that powers the electric motor. This battery enables a claimed range of 892km, of which 75km can be done all-electric.

BYD took this recipe and added a second electric motor in the Performance derivative, located on the rear axle, to allow all-wheel drive and boost the SUV’s combined power output to 359kW.

The PHEV also features a bigger 35.6 kWh battery pack, allowing the Performance model to travel 130km on electric power only, and manage a total range of 844km.

This impressive power, coupled with the instant torque offered by electric vehicles, means the Atto 8 Performance can reach 100km/h in only 4.9 seconds from a standing start.

Features

As an upmarket, premium crossover SUV, the Atto 8 rides on 20-inch alloy wheels in the Premium grade, upgraded to 21-inch for the Performance grade, which also gets active dampers

Standard features for the Premium include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, joined by a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a 10-speaker sound system, wireless smartphone charging, 3-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

The Performance receives a heads-up display, a 21-speaker audio system and ambient cabin lighting, an 8-way powered-adjustable driver seat, massage functions in both the first and second row, and heating and ventilation for the second row.

Pricing

South African prices for the recently unveiled BYD Atto 8 PHEV are as follows:

• BYD Atto 8 Premium – R1,059,900
• BYD Atto 8 Performance AWD – R1,259,900

These prices include a 5-year/100,000km vehicle warranty, a 5-year/100,000 km powertrain warranty, an 8-year/200,000km battery warranty and a 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan.

BYD Atto 8