2026 World Motor Show – BYD Atto 8: a new 7-seater electric SUV that charges in 9 minutes


BYD is using the Auto Show to unveil the Atto 8, a massive 7-seater electric SUV set to arrive in France at the beginning of 2027. With a range of up to 653 km, 775 horsepower, and especially a battery that can go from 10% to 97% in just 9 minutes, the manufacturer is making a strong impact!
BYD continues to expand its European lineup. After the Atto 3 and other Sealion 7 models, the Chinese company is stepping up to a higher tier with the Atto 8. Introduced in Paris, this new model aims to attract families looking for a large electric SUV, thanks to its particularly impressive charging technology.
10% to 97% charge in just 9 minutes
This is obviously the biggest new feature of this Atto 8. The SUV introduces BYD’s second-generation Blade battery in Europe, paired with FLASH Charging technology. According to the manufacturer, it only takes five minutes to charge the battery from 10% to 70%, and nine minutes to reach 97%. BYD also claims excellent performance in extreme cold. Even at -30 °C, charging from 20% to 97% would take just 12 minutes. These figures are likely to appeal to French consumers.
Also read
BYD begins deploying its ultra-fast charging network in Europe
Numbers that obviously need to be verified under real conditions, especially on chargers compatible with this technology. There is an important condition... To take advantage of these performance levels, appropriate infrastructure will be required. BYD plans to deploy 3,000 FLASH Charging stations in Europe by the end of 2027.
Up to 653 km range and 775 horsepower
The Atto 8 will be available with two different electric powertrains. The Design RWD version features a rear motor producing 462 horsepower and a 115 kWh battery. It promises up to 653 km of WLTP range and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in eight seconds. The Excellence AWD version adds a second front motor, bringing the total horsepower to 775 (which is enormous!). The acceleration time drops to 4.6 seconds, while the range decreases to 602 km. It should be noted that both versions use the same battery.
A large seven-seater family SUV
At 5.04 meters long and nearly 2 meters wide, the Atto 8 is certainly not subtle in appearance. It offers seven seats and a trunk volume of 270 liters when all seats are in use. This capacity increases to 1,960 liters once the two rear rows are folded down. A 136-liter front trunk completes the setup. Very practical!
The standard equipment includes a 15.6-inch central screen, a 10.25-inch digital dashboard, and a head-up display. The front seats and the side seats in the second row come with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. There’s also a three-zone climate control system and a small built-in refrigerator.
Also read
2026 World Motor Show – Renault E-Space Concept: The anti-SUV lifestyle car!
The BYD Atto 8 will arrive at French dealerships in the first quarter of 2027. Its price has not yet been announced. It will undoubtedly be a key factor in determining its position compared to other major electric SUVs on the market.