Fast charger: BYD Atto 8 targets electric SUV luxury class

The new AMG GT may be more powerful, the Porsche Cayenne more dynamic. But when it comes to charging, BYD wants to beat even its noble SUV competitors with the Atto 8. But can the Chinese keep up in terms of performance?

Atto 8 is coming in spring: BYD wants to position the new SUV as the top model in its own range. Photo: Thomas Geiger/dpa-tmn

Paris. BYD is crowning its model range next spring with the Atto 8. The five-meter-long SUV was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show (until October 18th) and is pushing it into the upper class, at least in terms of performance and charging data.

The manufacturer promises so-called flash charging for the no-frills seven-seater and even promises charging powers of up to 1,000 kW. BYD has announced that the 115 kWh battery for a WLTP range of 653 kilometers can be charged from 10 to 97 percent within nine minutes.

The Chinese don't want to skimp on engine power either: In the most powerful version, the manufacturer mounts two electric motors with a total of 570 KW/775 HP, with which the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h can be achieved in less than five seconds.

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