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BYD is planning to bring the larger Atto 5 to New Zealand, but it's unsure if or when it will make its journey across the Tasman.
The third-generation BYD Yuan Plus revealed at the 2026 Beijing motor show has been confirmed to go on sale in New Zealand as the Atto 5, but it is not yet known when or if it will come to Australia.
This is according to AutoTrader NZ, who also reports the model will go on sale in 2027.
The Yuan Plus has previously been renamed to the BYD Atto 3, but the new model is stepping up a size and will adopt the Atto 5 name badge in New Zealand to reflect the change, as it is to be 210mm longer, 50mm wider, and have a 50mm longer wheelbase.
BYD Australia meanwhile, has said it has no current plans for the Yuan Plus for the local market.
Headlining the changes to the new Yuan Plus, at least in China, include a second-generation blade battery available in two capacities, either a 57.5kWh with 540km of CLTC range or a 68.5kWh option delivering 630km.
Also confirmed is that it will be fitted with BYD's Flash Charging system, for a claimed 10-to-70 per cent charge time of five minutes, while quoting it will only take nine minutes to charge from 10 to 97 per cent.
Although its unlikely for cars destined for New Zealand, cars delivered in China feature BYD’s LiDAR-based DiPilot 300 driver assistance system, while inside is a floating infotainment touchscreen, head-up display, and a two-spoke steering wheel.
Sound from the infotainment system comes through a 16-speaker sound system, the centre console is heated and cooled, and in front of that is twin wireless phone chargers; it also features a power tailgate.
BYD is yet to confirm pricing and final for the Atto 5, as that is expected closer to its launch, with deliveries scheduled for 2027.
In Australia, the Atto 3 will continue in its current form for the time being, with an updated Atto 3 Evo that introduces a rear-drive electric motor among other changes expected later this year.
This could open the door for the Yuan Plus, or Atto 5, to arrive in local showrooms, slotting in between the Atto 3 and larger Sealion 7, but BYD Australia's plan remain opaque.
