Sime Motors will be launching a new BYD model very soon, according to a recent teaser on BYD Cars Malaysia’s social media pages. This is despite the recent changes made by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) on the policies for the fully imported (CBU) and locally assembled (CKD) electric vehicles.
The rumour mill so far has strongly pointed to one particular model: the BYD Atto 3 Facelift (FL). Originally launched in China in early 2025, the right-hand drive version of Atto 3 FL is already available in Hong Kong, but according to new info within the BYD Atto 3 Malaysia Owners Group, Malaysia might be getting more goodies than Hong Kong.
BYD Atto 3 FL: the exterior and interior changes
Before we go into those “extra goodies”, let’s start with the exterior design of Atto 3 FL. The general outline of the facelifted version is still the same as per the original Atto 3.
In fact, it still has the same dimensions too – around 4.5m long, 1.8m wide, and 1.6m tall with a wheelbase of 2.7m.
However, the Atto 3 FL features a new front and rear bumper design as well as redesigned taillights with a new knotted pattern. The SUV also comes with a new spoiler with integrated split brake lights, and BYD has also removed the scale pattern covers on the car’s C-pillar.
Just like its exterior, the Atto 3 FL’s interior is also a combination of old and new design elements. Specifically, BYD has retained the model’s infamous “guitar strings” deco on the door as well as grip-style door handles and air conditioning vents.
That being said, the dashboard’s general design has been changed, while there is also a new steering design, which is similar to the one that was fitted to Atto 2 and Seal 6 EV. The Atto 3 FL also comes with a new, more minimalist centre console, while the drive selector form factor has been switched from a gear stick to a column shifter.
Furthermore, the Atto 3 FL has also been fitted with a much larger 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. It still comes with a 15.6-inch infotainment display, but the screen is no longer rotatable.
BYD Atto 3 FL Premium: RWD setup with a more powerful motor and a longer range
According to a screenshot published by group member 4rreewww, the Atto 3 FL will be offered in Malaysia with a rear-wheel drive (RWD) option. The post claimed that this variant will be called the Atto 3 Premium.
The RWD variant is said to be more powerful with 230kW (308hp) output with 380Nm torque as opposed to the existing Atto 3, which has 150kW (201hp), 310Nm front-mounted motor. The powertrain also allows the SUV to accelerate from 0-100km/h much quicker at 5.5 seconds.
In addition to that, the Atto 3 Premium will come with a 74.88kWh battery. The larger capacity battery allows the Atto 3 Premium to deliver an NEDC-rated range of 600km or an estimated WLTP range of 510km.
The charging capability of the Atto 3 Premium has been improved as well. The electric SUV is said to be able to support a DC charging speed of up to 205kW, together with 11kW AC charging.
If our interpretation of the screenshot is accurate, it appears that the Atto 3 Premium will also come with a 101L frunk, dual-zone climate control, and additional controls for the front passenger seat. There are also additional ADAS features, including Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Front Cross Traffic Brake (FCTB), and Intelligent Speed Limit Control (ISLC)
All in all, the Atto 3 Premium specs are similar to those of the Atto 3 Evo RWD, which is meant for the European market. More importantly, all these traits are in line with the “Faster Further Smarter” teaser that Sime Motors has published on BYD Cars Malaysia’s social media pages.
BYD Atto 3 FL Ultra: Facelift model to feature slightly faster DC charging speed?
Meanwhile, the screenshot also claimed that there is another variant of Atto 3 FL called the Atto 3 Ultra, which is similar to the one currently on sale in Hong Kong. In terms of battery, charging, and performance, this variant is no different from the existing Atto 3 Ultra that was made available in Malaysia since March last year.
Powered by a 60.48kWh BYD Blade LFP battery, the facelifted Atto 3 Ultra still carries a 150kW (201hp) front-mounted motor that produces 310Nm of torque and is capable of hitting 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds. Charging-wise, this variant still comes with 7kW AC charging, but the DC charging speed has been improved from 88kW to 110kW.
