BYD claims price parity with $29,990 Atto 1
BYD has announced pricing for three new models bound for New Zealand, with the compact Atto 1 Essential achieving what the brand says is ‘true price parity’ with internal-combustion rivals at $29,990 plus on-road costs.
And you can lease one for just $99 a week.
The Atto 1 joins the new Atto 2 compact SUV and the Sealion 5 plug-in hybrid SUV in a three-model expansion of BYD’s local line-up, all now open for pre-order through distributor Ateco Automotive ahead of January 2026 deliveries.
Making EVs mainstream
BYD New Zealand general manager Warren Willmot says the Atto 1 marks a turning point for EV affordability.
“The Atto 1 redefines urban mobility by uniting state-of-the-art technology, uncompromised practicality, and exceptional value, achieving true price parity with its ICE competitors,” he says.
Known internationally as the Seagull, the model has become BYD’s global bestseller, passing one million units and recently earning a place on Time’s Best Inventions of 2025 list.
The Atto 1 Essential uses a 30 kWh Blade battery for 220 km range and a 65 kW / 175 Nm motor, good for 0–100 km/h in 11.1 seconds.
A Premium version at $35,990 + ORC upgrades to a 43 kWh battery (310 km range) and a 115 kW / 220 Nm motor, trimming the sprint to 9.1 seconds. Both ride on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 architecture, offer a 308-litre boot, and carry a recent five-star Euro NCAP rating.
Atto 2 adds compact-SUV versatility
The Atto 2, priced from $39,990 + ORC in Dynamic trim or $45,990 + ORC for Premium, brings SUV practicality to BYD’s small-EV range.
Both use a 51 kWh battery with up to 345 km range, producing 290 Nm of torque and a 7.9-second 0–100 km/h time. Inside are vegan-leather seats, upgraded connectivity, and family-friendly cabin space.
“With the Atto 2 we’re offering a new level of compact-SUV comfort and connectivity for our drivers,” Willmot says.
Sealion 5 extends range with plug-in hybrid tech
For buyers seeking longer touring ability, the Sealion 5 PHEV combines BYD’s Xiaoyun 1.5-litre high-efficiency engine with an electric motor producing 145 kW and 300 Nm.
Two variants are offered — Essential ($39,990 + ORC) with a 12.9 kWh battery (71 km EV range) and Premium ($45,990 + ORC) with an 18.3 kWh battery (100 km EV range).
Both exceed 1000 km combined range and return 4.5–4.6 L/100 km on NEDC testing.
Boot capacity is 463 litres, complemented by a 52-litre fuel tank.
“The Sealion 5 is the perfect vehicle for modern families, combining versatility, advanced tech and sustainability,” Willmot says.
BYD has also confirmed a forthcoming Sealion 8 seven-seat PHEV SUV flagship, with full specifications and pricing due next month ahead of Q1 2026 arrivals.
Lease options from $99 a week
In partnership with Carbn Group, BYD will offer lease packages starting at $99 per week for the Atto 1, $114 for the Atto 2, and $115 for the Sealion 5, with Premium upgrades from an extra $15 per week (see carbn.nz for details).
