The new BYD Atto 2 DM-i has officially arrived in South Africa, launching as the local market’s most affordable PHEV. Here’s what this plug-in Chinese crossover costs…
- New Atto 2 DM-i arrives as SA’s cheapest PHEV
- BYD Auto SA offering 2 derivatives from launch
- PHEV powertrain generates 122 kW and 300 Nm
BYD Auto’s steady expansion in South Africa continues with the arrival of the new BYD Atto 2 DM-i crossover, which launches as the Chinese new-energy brand’s 10th nameplate and the local market’s most affordable plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Known as the “Yuan Up” in its domestic market of China, the Atto 2 is produced in both fully electric and PHEV form, with only the latter configuration available at launch in South Africa (though we believe the fully electric version will follow soon).
At launch, the Chinese automaker’s local division offers the Atto 2 DM-i in 2 flavours: Comfort and Dynamic. The Atto 2 DM-i Comfort is priced from R449 900, while the Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic comes in at R489 900.
That sees the new BYD Atto 2 DM-i grab the title of Mzansi’s most affordable PHEV from its stablemate, the BYD Sealion 5 Comfort DM-i (which launched at R499 900 late in 2025, though has had its price recently adjusted to R509 900).
The SA-spec Atto 2 DM-i employs a PHEV powertrain comprising a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a front-mounted electric motor and a 7.85 kWh battery pack. The resulting peak outputs are 122 kW and 300 Nm. Though BYD Auto SA has yet confirm this model’s all-electric range, overseas specifications suggest a WLTP figure of 40 km, pushing total range to a listed 930 km.
From what we can tell, the Dynamic derivative is set apart from the entry-level Comfort grade by features such as faux-leather upholstery, a powered driver’s seat, a larger touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging and a raft of additional advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) features.
The Atto 2 DM-i measures 4 330 mm from nose to rump, with a wheelbase of 2 620 mm. That makes the newcomer some 40 mm longer than the fully electric Dolphin hatchback but 125 mm shorter than the likewise battery-powered Atto 3.
What does the new BYD Atto 2 DM-i cost in South Africa?
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| BYD Atto 2 DM-i Comfort | R449 900 |
| BYD Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic | R489 900 |
The prices above include 5-year/150 000 km warranty, an 8-year/200 000 km battery warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the pricing for the new BYD Atto 2 DM-i in South Africa, and what title does it hold?
A: The new BYD Atto 2 DM-i launches in South Africa in two variants: the entry-level Comfort priced from R449 900 and the higher-spec Dynamic from R489 900. With this aggressive pricing, the Atto 2 DM-i officially becomes South Africa’s most affordable plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), undercutting its larger stablemate, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i.
Q: What are the powertrain specifications and range capabilities of the SA-spec Atto 2 DM-i?
A: The crossover is equipped with BYD’s DM-i plug-in hybrid system, combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a front-mounted electric motor and a 7.85 kWh battery pack. It delivers a total system output of 122 kW and 300 Nm. The powertrain offers an estimated all-electric range of up to 40 km (WLTP), contributing to a combined total driving range of approximately 930 km.
Q: How do the Comfort and Dynamic trim levels differ, and what are the vehicle’s dimensions?
A: While both models share the same hybrid drivetrain, the premium Dynamic variant upgrades the package with faux-leather upholstery, a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging and an extended suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). In terms of size, the Atto 2 measures 4 330 mm in length with a 2 620 mm wheelbase, positioning it neatly between the smaller electric Dolphin hatchback and the larger Atto 3 SUV.
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