2027 BYD Atto 2 DM-i Price and Specs: Australia’s Cheapest PHEV Detailed from $24,990

BYD has expanded its electrified compact footprint in Australia with the release of the 2027 BYD Atto 2 DM-i, resetting the market benchmark as Australia’s most affordable plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV).

The aggressive pricing places the Atto 2 DM-i well below established plug-in options like the larger BYD Sealion 5 ($33,990 plus ORCs), BYD Seal 6 ($34,990 plus ORCs), Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid ($34,990 drive-away), and Forthing Taikon 5 range-extender ($36,990 drive-away). In entry-level form, it even challenges conventional "plug-less" small hybrids such as the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid ($29,990 drive-away).

Powertrain and Real-World Range Logic

Both variants of the Atto 2 DM-i pair a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 72kW (and 122Nm) with a 145kW/300Nm front-mounted electric motor. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels. The system operates across three distinct drive modes: EV Pure Electric; HEV Series, where the petrol engine acts as an onboard generator; and HEV Parallel, where engine and motor combine to drive the wheels directly.

High-intent buyers must note charging limitations: neither grade supports DC fast charging. Charging is strictly AC-only via a modest 3.3kW onboard charger, resulting in a 15 to 100 per cent recharge time of 2.7 hours for the Essential and 6.1 hours for the Premium. While the 39km range of the Essential requires daily overnight plugging-in for metropolitan commuting, the Premium’s 90km EV range offers far greater practical utility on Australian roads.

Despite sharing the engine and electric motor hardware, total combined outputs differ between grades:

• Atto 2 DM-i Essential: Uses a compact 7.85kWh BYD Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery delivering a combined 122kW, achieving 0–100km/h in 9.1 seconds. WLTP electric-only range is rated at 39km, with an official charged fuel consumption figure of 1.8L/100km and a total combined range of 845km.
• Atto 2 DM-i Premium: Upgrades to an 18kWh (18.03kWh) Blade LFP battery with an increased combined system output of 145kW–156kW and 300Nm, lowering the 0–100km/h time to 7.5 seconds. WLTP electric-only range increases to 90km, alongside a 0.7L/100km charged fuel rating and an 895km total range.

Powertrain and Dimension Specifications

Standard Equipment by Trim Level

2027 BYD Atto 2 DM-i Essential (Standard Features):

• 16-inch alloy wheels with tyre repair kit
• LED headlights, daytime running lights, tail-lights, and scrolling rear indicators
• 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Fabric upholstery with manual-adjust front seats (6-way driver, 4-way passenger)
• Polyurethane plastic steering wheel wrap
• Single-zone climate control with rear air vents
• Four-speaker audio system, DAB+ digital radio, voice assistant, and keyless entry/start
• Active safety package: Autonomous emergency braking (front and rear), adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane centring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, 360-degree camera, speed sign recognition, and six airbags

2027 BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium (Adds over Essential):

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• 12.8-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen
• Synthetic leather seat upholstery and synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats
• Panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade and integrated roof rails
• Vehicle-to-load (V2L) external power capability with discharge adapter
• Front parking sensors and power-folding exterior mirrors
• Eight-speaker audio system and 50W wireless smartphone charger
• Single-colour interior ambient lighting and illuminated vanity mirrors
• Exclusive Turquoise Blue hero exterior paint option

2027 BYD Atto 2 Australian Pricing

The introduction of the DM-i lineup expands the Atto 2 range to four variants across plug-in hybrid and fully electric configurations: