BYD NZ claims price parity with Atto 1 at $29,990

BYD has announced pricing for three new models bound for New Zealand, with the compact Atto 1 Essential achieving price parity with internal combustion engine competitors at $29,990 plus on-road costs.

The Chinese automaker says the Atto 1, Atto 2, and Sealion 5 are now available for pre-order through local distributor Ateco Automotive, with deliveries scheduled to begin in January 2026.

BYD New Zealand general manager Warren Willmot says the Atto 1 represents a breakthrough in EV accessibility. “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.

Atto 1 range starts at $29,990

The Atto 1 Essential is powered by a 30kWh Blade battery delivering 220km driving range. A single front-wheel drive motor generates 65kW of power and 175Nm of torque, providing 0-100km/h acceleration in 11.1 seconds.

A Premium variant is also available for $35,990 plus on-road costs, featuring a larger 43kWh Blade battery with 310km range. The Premium model’s motor produces 115kW of power and 220Nm of torque, reducing 0-100km/h acceleration to 9.1 seconds.

Known internationally as the Seagull, the Atto 1 has achieved global success with over 1 million units produced worldwide, making it BYD’s most popular model. The compact EV has also been recognised as one of Time’s Best Inventions of 2025.

The model features BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 architecture and offers a 308-litre boot. Safety credentials include a recent 5-star Euro NCAP rating.

Atto 2 offers SUV practicality

The Atto 2 compact SUV is available in Dynamic and Premium variants, priced at $39,990 and $45,990 plus on-road costs respectively. Both models feature a 51kWh battery delivering up to 345km range and 290Nm of torque, reaching 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds.

“With the ATTO 2, we’re offering a new level of compact SUV comfort and connectivity for our drivers, ensuring each journey is not only enjoyable, but also efficient,” Willmot says.

The model features vegan leather seats and enhanced connectivity features designed for families.

Sealion 5 plug-in hybrid extends range

The Sealion 5 plug-in hybrid SUV is offered in Essential and Premium variants at $39,990 and $45,990 plus on-road costs respectively. Both models feature a Xiaoyun 1.5-litre high-efficiency plug-in hybrid engine with a single front-wheel-drive motor generating 145kW of power and 300Nm of torque.

The Essential variant includes a 12.9kWh battery delivering up to 71km all-electric range (NEDC), while the Premium features an 18.3kWh battery with up to 100km electric range. Both achieve combined ranges exceeding 1000km with fuel economy of 4.5-4.6L/100km.

“The SEALION 5 SUV is the perfect vehicle for modern families, combining versatility, advanced tech and sustainability, making it the ultimate vehicle for both daily commutes and long weekend adventures,” Willmot says.

The mid-size SUV targets families and adventure users with a minimum 463-litre boot capacity and 52-litre fuel tank.

BYD has confirmed a fourth model, the seven-seat Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid SUV, will join the range as a flagship offering. Full pricing and specifications for the Sealion 8 will be announced next month, with stock arrivals planned for the first quarter of 2026.

Lease dealers offered

The company has partnered with Carbn Group to offer lease options, with the Atto 1 available from $99 per week, the Atto 2 from $114 per week, and the Sealion 5 from $115 per week. Premium model upgrades are available for an additional $15 per week.