The ATTO 2 DM-i brings BYD’s ground-breaking Super Hybrid with DM (Dual Mode) technology to the compact-SUV segment, mixing the EV driving experience, response and refinement with huge real-world range in a manner that no rival can match.
Already a successful powertrain in the SEAL U DM-i and SEAL 6 DM-i, Super Hybrid with DM technology is based on several BYD-exclusive innovations, including dual high-speed electric motors with an integrated controller, a Blade Battery and a specifically developed Xiaoyun 1.5-litre petrol engine with a ground-breaking thermal efficiency of 43.04%.
As its name suggests, Super Hybrid with DM technology can operate in two distinct ways – EV, where the wheels are driven solely by the electric motor, and HEV, where the same principle applies most of the time; in these cases the petrol engine is supplying charge to the battery and electric motor via an inverter, and the car has the driving response of a pure EV. In moments when additional power is required, HEV mode can switch from Series to Parallel, combining the potential of the petrol engine and the electric motor.
The result is a powertrain that spends most of its time operating like an EV, with up to 90km of pure-electric range from the larger of the ATTO 2 DM-i’s two Blade Batteries, and the refinement and instant response of an electric car even in HEV mode. And the intelligent control of the systems (the ‘i’ in DM-i) lifts the efficiency beyond any of the car’s rivals, with weighted combined fuel consumption of as little as 156 mpg and a combined range, on a full charge and a full tank of petrol, of as much as 620 miles.
This makes the ATTO 2 DM-i an excellent real-world alternative to not only mild hybrids but also traditional pure-combustion models, thanks to its mix of outstanding cruising range and the ability to complete many journeys without using any petrol at all. The BYD ATTO 2 DM-i is due on sale in European countries in early 2026.
Tosan Aduayi is a motoring enthusiast and writes from Mansfield, Texas – [email protected]
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