Leaked: 2026 BYD Atto 3 becomes RWD, bigger, gets more ADAS

The BYD Atto 3, also known as the BYD Yuan Plus in China, appears to have an update coming soon based on a filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), according to Car News China. The update includes a new rear-wheel-drive layout that offers two power output versions, a larger body, and revised styling.

Following the BYD Atto 3 Evo for the European market, the updated BYD Atto 3 will switch to a rear-wheel-drive powertrain layout with two output levels: 200 kW (272 PS) and 240 kW (326 PS). No further technical updates have been disclosed, though one can assume the updated BYD Atto 3 will also receive a new multi-link rear suspension layout (replacing the previous four-link layout), aligning it with the European-market BYD Atto 3 Evo.

The updated BYD Atto 3 could also be equipped with the second-generation BYD Blade battery, which was announced by BYD earlier this month. It is claimed to offer greater energy density and be capable of charging from 10% to 70% in five minutes.

Documentation from the MIIT filing also reveals that the updated BYD Atto 3 measures 200 mm longer than the current version, with dimensions of 4,665 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height. There are also additional sensors for ADAS, including a roof-mounted lidar unit, a front-mounted radar, as well as cameras on its fenders, according to the MIIT filing.

Exterior styling changes include a restyled front fascia with a revised silver centre panel, redesigned vertical air intakes, and slimmer headlights. At the sides, the model switches to semi-flush door handles. At the rear, the updated model receives a uniformly thick full-width tail lamp, a restyled tailgate spoiler, and a rear window wiper. Wheels are offered in 18-inch and 19-inch sizes.

Bookings for the updated BYD Atto 3 could open around the middle of this year in China, according to Car News China. No official launch schedule has yet been stated by BYD.