BYD Atto 1 gets LiDAR tech with Chinese-market update

The BYD Atto 1 now offers the brand's latest LiDAR-powered driver-assistance tech in China.

The update comes as the Atto 1, sold as the BYD Seagull in China, battles the Geely EX2 – which overtook the BYD as the best-selling car in China in 2025. The slightly larger electric hatch is due in Australian showrooms in the second half of 2026.

The refreshed Atto 1 was shown at Auto China 2026 in Beijing and has now officially gone on sale in its home market, with four model grades all using the same 55kW motor as before, with two available battery sizes.

Range for the smaller 30kWh battery is a claimed 305km (CLTC), while the larger 38.88kWh pack increases this to 405km (CLTC). These figures are unchanged from last year's model.

The BYD Atto 1 was launched in New Zealand in early 2026 in two model grades. The entry-level Atto 1 Essential was the most affordable new EV at the time, at $29,990 before on-road costs, with a 66kW motor, 30kWh battery and 220km (WLTP) range. The title for most affordable new EV in New Zealand is now jointly held between the Atto 1 Essential and and Dongfeng Box, which is also currently priced at $29,990 with a launch offer.

The higher-spec Atto 1 Premium costs $5000 more with its more powerful 115kW motor and larger 43.2kWh battery, bringing a 310km WLTP range.

The Seagull has gained a roof-mounted LiDAR unit as part of the DiPilot 300 suite of active safety and driver assist tech, which is also powered by ultrasonic sensors and radars. This safety suite is optional on two of the four model grades offered in China.

There are also new exterior colour choices – Mango Orange and Mint Green – and revised 16-inch wheels.

A new Oatmeal interior colour is available for the cabin, where a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen replaces the 10.1-inch screen fitted to Australian models, and a differently shaped row of physical buttons sits below.

Starting prices are up ¥100 ($24.80), with the cheapest model priced from ¥69,900 (NZ$17,333) and the top-spec at ¥85,900 ($21,280), while the Geely EX2 starts at ¥69,800 ($17,309).