BYD has launched theAtto 3 Evo, a comprehensive update to the model that first introduced the brand to many European customers.

The all-electric family SUV now has more power, a bigger battery, longer range and faster charging, along with a simpler range structure and boosted specification lists that lift it above its rivals.

Since it arrived on the Continent in 2023, the Atto 3 has been a popular choice with customers seeking a comfortable, high-quality, technology-led SUV with the practicality to cope with everyday life.

Now the new Atto 3 Evo builds on that foundation by improving that flexibility and adding yet more useful technologies and features, as well as extra range and best-in-class performance.

Executive vice president of BYD Stella Li said: "The Atto 3 Evo proves how big a step e can make as a brand in less than three years. We've distilled our EV innovations and our latest technologies into a package that has already proven popular with buyers across Europe. And the result is another standout offering in the class - powerful, efficient and packed with useful features. It's not a car, it's a BYD!"

The model switches from a solely front-wheel-drive configuration to a choice of either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the rear suspension moves from a four-link layout to an even more sophisticated five-link system for improved dynamics.

There are two versions of the Atto 3 Evo in a simpler, easy-to-understand range structure that features a single, larger battery capacity of 74.8kWh and rapid DC charging of 220kW, facilitated by a cutting-edge 800V electrical architecture, that's enough to take either of the new models from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 25 minutes.

The rear-wheel-drive Design features a single rear motor producing 313ps and 380Nm of torque, enough for a 0-62mph time of just 5.5 seconds that outclasses all its main rivals, while offering a combined range of 317 miles.

The all-wheel-drive Excellence adds a front motor for a combined output of 449ps and 560Nm of torque, slashing its 0-100km/h time to 3.9 seconds - a unique proposition in the all-electric family-SUV class - while still delivering range of 292 miles.

Both versions of the Atto 3 Evo also outperform rivals with a higher rated towing capacity (1,500kg braked) and BYD's Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, which can power external devices at up to 3kW.

The e-Platform 3.0 makes use of BYD's proprietary Blade Battery, which uses lithium iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry that brings higher levels of durability and safety.

In the Atto 3 Evo, as in the Sealion 7 and Seal, the Blade Battery is installed using Cell-to-Body technology, whereby the cells are integrated directly into the chassis. This brings benefits in strength and torsional rigidity, as well as packaging, since the floor of the passenger compartment is the top of the battery.

The BYD Atto 3 Evo has the same external dimensions as the outgoing Atto 3 at 4,455mm long, 1,875mm wide and 1,615 tall, but even more efficient packaging through the e-Platform 3.0 architecture improves the car's flexibility in everyday use. Subtle changes to the proven SUV design include revised front and rear bumpers, new 18-inch alloy wheels, a cleaner side profile with slimmer side skirts and a sportier spoiler at the trailing edge of the roof.

The wheelbase is retained, at 2,720mm, but the new platform's packaging gains have been maximised to offer a boot which is 50 litres larger than before, at 490 litres, expanding to 1,360 litres when the split rear seat is folded down.

The Atto 3 Evo also features a new 'frunk' beneath the bonnet with 101 litres of extra space - which can be used for shopping trips or charging-cable storage.

Inside, the front cabin now features an airier feel, thanks to the relocation of the gear selector from a central position to a steering column-mounted shifter.

There's also a fresh design of 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, high-quality materials feature throughout, and the feature list has been extended to include technologies more commonly seen in the class above, such as a head-up display and even heated rear seats.

Since its introduction, the Atto 3 has become known for its advanced technologies - and now the Evo builds on that reputation.

In particular, the car features the latest BYD infotainment, based in a 15.6-inch central touchscreen that is the largest in the segment.

The system includes integrated Google functions such as Google Maps, Google Play Store for a range of car-optimised applications, and Google Assistant.

BYD's customer-focused technologies are present on every journey, such as NFC access via a phone or wearable, powerful wireless smartphone charging, subtle ambient cabin lighting and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) which allows a range of external devices - everything from fairy lights or a coffee machine to an air compressor or a portable grill - to be powered or charged on the move.

The Atto 3 Evo features a full line-up of safety and driver-assistance systems. These include seven airbags (driver's and front passenger's, front centre, front side and side curtain), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Assist, Front and Rear Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Limit Control.