BYD Atto 3, Han and Tang. A Chinese electric trio at the 2022 World Cup

While more and more European manufacturers are deserting the Paris Motor Show, some Chinese brands see it as an opportunity to make themselves better known. This is the case of BYD, which will be present at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center with three 100% electric models. Does the name of this company, an acronym for “Build your dreams” (“build your dreams” in French), make you smile? Among the myriad of companies that have launched themselves into the automobile in the Middle Kingdom, this one must however be taken particularly seriously. BYD is indeed one of the main manufacturers of batteries in the world, which represents a colossal asset at present.

Two SUVs and a sedan to start

Since last March, the brand has even stopped manufacturing thermal models to keep only plug-in hybrid or 100% electric vehicles. To gain a foothold on the Old Continent, it therefore logically chose the most favorable market for “trendy” cars. It has been marketing the Tang, its large seven-seater SUV, in Norway since 2021. But it is really in the fourth quarter of 2022 that its offensive will begin, with an arrival in new countries such as Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and even Denmark. France will come for its part a little later, the time to find a distributor. But that will not prevent BYD from coming to exhibit at the Paris Motor Show 2022 its Tang and two other models: the Atto 3, another SUV with much more compact dimensions, and the Han, an imposing sedan in a format similar to that of a Tesla Model S. The opportunity to familiarize yourself with these three ambitious productions, which will only be offered in Europe in a 100% electric version, while part of the range is also available as a rechargeable hybrid in China.

BYD Atto 3: the compact SUV

In France, it is certainly the Atto 3 which will have the greatest commercial potential. With its 4.46 m long, 1.88 m wide and 1.62 m high, it displays a size comparable to that of the Peugeot 3008, Renault Austral or Citroën C5 Aircross. Stars of the French market who, unlike him, will never be offered in an electric version on their current generation. We will have to wait for the next version of the Stellantis SUVs to see such a motorization land, while the latest offspring of the Diamond does not plan to go further than the hybrid, rechargeable or not. With its lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, a cheaper technology than conventional lithium-ion and already used on the entry-level Tesla Model 3, the Atto 3 should display competitive prices. This battery will also guarantee the vehicle an interesting autonomy of 420 km on the WLTP cycle thanks to a capacity of 60.48 kWh.

Simple traction, this compact SUV would still be able to go from 0 to 100 km / h in 7.3 s thanks to its 204 hp electric motor. It is also distinguished by a fairly modern and refined dashboard, dominated by a touch screen that can pivot from horizontal to vertical. On the other hand, the recharging power is not communicated, and the exterior style does not really shine by its originality. In particular seen from three quarters back, where we find a headband strongly evoking the Seat Tarraco, while the aluminum-coloured C-pillar is more reminiscent of the Volkswagen ID.4. We are, however, far from copy of Captur which could have been proposed by BYD a few years ago…

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BYD Han: the high-end sedan

With its length of 5 m, its sedan silhouette and its trunk without tailgate, the Han may have more difficulty in attracting French buyers. Especially since its prices, still unknown, look much saltier than those of the Atto 3. Its role is rather to play the standard bearer in order to position BYD a little like the Chinese Tesla. Its two electric motors also provide it with all-wheel drive and a power of 517 hp, which would make it possible to complete a 0 to 100 km / h in just 3.9 s. Even if we stay a good distance from the 1,020 hp of the new Model S Plaid, this is enough to match the acceleration with a Porsche 718 Spyder PDK. A roadster which will however quickly regain the upper hand on the German motorway, because the top speed of the Han is limited to 180 km/h. Thanks to an 85.4 kWh LFP battery, the autonomy is quite comfortable since it reaches 521 km on the WLTP cycle. As for the style, which obviously remains a very suggestive affair, it still appears more dynamic and personal than on the Tang and Atto 3.

BYD Tang: the large 7-seater SUV

In the trio present at the Mondial, the Tang will have less the scent of novelty than its acolytes. Even if you have probably never met him before, this large SUV, 4.87 m long, dates back to 2018 in its native country. This partly explains why its lines may already seem a little dated and out of step with the other BYDs imported into Europe. Here, the huge grille gives no clue to the presence of two electric motors, which allow you to enjoy the same 517 hp as on the Han. The LFP battery is even a little bigger than on this sedan, going from 85.4 to 86.4 kWh.

But with a much less aerodynamic body and huge 22-inch rims, the range is still in free fall to cap at 400 km. The accelerations are also set back, the 0 to 100 km / h being here completed in 4.6 s. Only the top speed remains the same, as it is still limited to 180 km/h. The SUV nevertheless takes its revenge by being able to transport up to seven people and by offering a much larger trunk despite its shorter length. Its loading volume reaches 940 dm³ in the five-seat version, even 1,655 l by folding the rear seats. That of the Han is given for only 410 l.

BYD Atto 3, Tang and Han datasheet

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