The long-held stereotype of Chinese cars as poorly designed and shoddily built vehicles might have had some basis in the past. However, how many people in the West have actually experienced modern Chinese vehicles firsthand? At the 2022 Paris Auto Show, I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with Chinese cars, specifically from BYD, a leading Chinese automaker, and my experience was eye-opening. I wanted to see if the reality matched the outdated perceptions, and what I discovered is that Western automakers should be seriously concerned about BYD’s capabilities in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
BYD, which stands for “Build Your Dreams,” began its journey in the early 1990s as a rechargeable battery manufacturer for cell phones and electronics. In 2003, the company transitioned to car production, initially focusing on models that were inspired by Toyota designs and powered by older Mitsubishi engines. Despite this humble beginning, BYD rapidly ascended from the 13th largest automaker in China to a top-three position within a single year, attracting significant investment from figures like Warren Buffet.
In the past, alongside other Chinese brands such as Geely and Chery, BYD’s early appearances at Western auto shows around the time of the 2008 recession showcased products that were, frankly, underwhelming. BYD even resorted to publicity stunts, like its chairman’s drive in a prototype BYD F3 DM at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Yet, these efforts couldn’t mask the obvious – they were essentially producing less refined clones of vehicles like the Toyota Corolla.
However, the narrative has dramatically shifted. BYD’s current offerings are far from being subpar. At the recent Paris Auto Show, their ambitions for the Western market were unmistakable. BYD presented a range of production and near-production vehicles, sharing the stage with other emerging Chinese EV brands like Wey, Ora, Leapmotor, and Seres. Among them, BYD’s vehicles stood out with their appealing designs and high-quality finishes.
The Dynasty Series: BYD Han – A Flagship Statement
Leading the charge was the BYD Han, the flagship model from BYD’s “Dynasty” series. Available in both EV and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) versions, the Han is named after the Han Dynasty, a golden age in Chinese history from 206 BCE to 220 CE. The Han exudes luxury and commands attention.
Often, cars that photograph well can be disappointing in person. The BYD Han defies this expectation. Its interior quality is not just superficial; it’s genuinely well-crafted and aesthetically pleasing. The materials used appear to rival those found in vehicles from luxury brands like Genesis or BMW. The doors close with a reassuringly solid sound, and the door handles operate with a weighted and damped feel that would impress even established luxury automakers. The headliner is finished in a plush material resembling Alcantara or velvet, and all plastic surfaces are soft-touch. The BYD Han’s interior is a testament to BYD’s commitment to quality and refinement, signaling a significant leap forward for Chinese automotive manufacturing.
The Ocean Series: BYD Seal – Tesla Model 3 Challenger?
Another notable model on display was the BYD Seal. Part of BYD’s “Ocean” series, a mid-range full EV lineup that also includes the affordable BYD Dolphin, the Seal enters a competitive segment. While some might draw comparisons to the Tesla Model 3 due to its sedan form factor, the BYD Seal distinguishes itself with impressive panel gap consistency and an overall sense of build quality and solidity. Regardless of one’s styling preferences, the Seal’s execution is undeniable.
The Main Attraction: BYD Atto 3 – A Fun and Engaging EV SUV
Perhaps the most compelling model for broader market appeal is the BYD Atto 3, known as “Yuan Plus” in China. In terms of size and form, the Atto 3 closely mirrors the Chevrolet Bolt EUV. This compact SUV design is likely to resonate strongly with North American buyers, potentially even more so than the sedan-shaped Han and Seal.
While the Bolt EUV is a capable EV, it, like many EVs currently available, tends to lack excitement. Many EVs in the market lean towards being serious and somewhat bland. The BYD Atto 3, however, injects fun and visual appeal into the EV segment, both inside and out.
The exterior of the BYD Atto 3 is well-proportioned and handsome, a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Yuan/Yuan Plus, which was styled similarly to the Ford EcoSport. The Atto 3 is rich in interesting design elements, from the unique double-helix taillights to the textured silver trim on the D-pillar.
Inside, the unconventional design and attention to detail continue to impress. The dashboard design is said to be inspired by muscle fibers, featuring flowing lines and organic patterns behind the instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The door pockets are designed to resemble guitars, complete with functional bungee cords in contrasting colors. This novel approach gives the car a personality and charm that is often missing in other EVs. Crucially, the interior quality is remarkably high, suggesting BYD is aiming to exceed expectations in this critical aspect.
After exploring the BYD Atto 3 and Han on display, I was offered a test drive of the Atto 3 around Paris. Despite being impressed by the styling and perceived quality, I approached the driving experience with a degree of skepticism. However, the Atto 3’s driving dynamics maintained the positive impression created by its design and build quality.
The BYD Atto 3 is powered by a single electric motor producing 204 horsepower, driving the front wheels, and a 63.8-kWh battery offering a range of approximately 200 to 260 miles (WLTP or NEDC estimates). The driving experience was surprisingly smooth and enjoyable, even on the busy streets of Paris. The Atto 3 felt adequately quick, and the steering was well-weighted and provided good feedback. While the ride was a bit firmer than ideal for its class, it was still well-controlled and better resolved than many other vehicles with similar or different suspension setups.
Addressing the common criticism that EV driving can be uninspiring, BYD has added playful and engaging elements to the Atto 3. The low-speed pedestrian warning sound is musical, reminiscent of the PlayStation 4 startup music. The turn signals have distinct sounds – a melodic chime that varies slightly for left and right turns. The rotatable infotainment screen, switching between landscape and portrait modes, and the responsive apps further enhance the user experience. The BYD Atto 3 is a thoughtfully designed vehicle that is both user-friendly and engaging. BYD’s attention to detail creates a charismatic and interesting vehicle that stands out in the mainstream market. Even basic functions become enjoyable and slightly whimsical.
While a brief test drive at the Paris Auto Show couldn’t evaluate range and charging capabilities, the initial impression was overwhelmingly positive. If BYD could successfully bring the Atto 3/Yuan Plus to North America, it would likely become a highly competitive and attractive small EV option.
Current geopolitical factors, including Chinese tariffs and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, present significant hurdles for EVs not manufactured in North America to be competitively priced in the US market. This situation may offer a temporary advantage to domestic EV development. While established automakers like Toyota, Honda, and to some extent GM and Ford are working to develop compelling EVs, the BYD Atto 3 is already a market-ready, stylish, and competitive product. If global trade conditions were different, BYD could potentially disrupt the EV strategies of many established Western brands. BYD’s presence at the Paris Motor Show clearly resonated with audiences and reportedly caused concern among European automakers like Renault and Stellantis, who recognized the public’s positive reception of BYD’s vehicles.
Regardless of opinions on China, Chinese cars, or BYD, it is undeniable that BYD and other Chinese automakers are now capable of producing impressive, world-class vehicles. Western automakers should indeed be taking notice and preparing for serious competition in the evolving global automotive landscape.
