BYD ATTO 8 brings nine-minute charging to seven-seat electric SUV

BYD has unveiled a seven-seat electric SUV that it says can charge from 10% to 97% in just nine minutes, with European sales due to begin in the first quarter of 2027.

Revealed at the Paris Motor Show, the ATTO 8 combines a 115kWh battery with up to 405 miles of WLTP range. It will become the first BYD model in Europe to use the company’s second-generation Blade Battery and FLASH Charging technology.

The flagship arrives alongside plans for 3,000 FLASH Charging stations across Europe by the end of 2027. BYD has not announced prices, a specific UK launch date or the geographical breakdown of that charging network.

For buyers considering a large electric family car, the charging claims are the headline attraction. BYD says the ATTO 8 can replenish its battery from 10% to 70% in five minutes, potentially shortening stops considerably on longer journeys.

The nine-minute figure covers a much wider charging window than the 10–80% measure commonly quoted for electric cars. However, these are manufacturer claims for FLASH Charging, and the release does not specify charging times on other public rapid chargers.

Cold-weather performance is another focus. BYD says a 20–97% charge takes 12 minutes at temperatures as low as minus 30°C. That uses a different starting percentage from the warmer-weather figures, an important distinction when comparing the results.

The availability of suitable infrastructure will determine how often owners can exploit those capabilities. The planned European network will continue expanding after the ATTO 8 reaches showrooms, with its end-of-2027 target falling several months after the car’s scheduled introduction.

BYD executive vice president Stella Li described the technology as “recharging as fast as refuelling, removing range anxiety”.

“With this model, we're really demonstrating how our investment in R&D isn't just focused on coming up with fresh ideas; we're putting these improvements into the hands of customers around the world, to improve their lives,” she said.

Two versions of the ATTO 8 will be offered. The Design RWD has a single rear motor producing 340kW, equivalent to 462PS, and 365Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0–62mph in eight seconds and delivers the maximum quoted 405-mile WLTP combined range.

The Excellence AWD adds a front motor, raising total output to 570kW, or 775PS, and torque to 775Nm. Its 0–62mph time falls to 4.6 seconds, while the official combined range drops to 374 miles. Both versions use the same battery capacity.

At 5,040mm long, 1,996mm wide and 1,760mm tall, the ATTO 8 is a substantial addition to BYD’s European line-up. Its dimensions place it firmly among full-sized SUVs, with parking space likely to be a consideration for prospective UK owners.

Exterior details include slim daytime-running lights, matrix LED headlights and an illuminated rear BYD badge. A roof spoiler and shaped rear quarter panels also help manage overall airflow, although the announcement does not provide a drag coefficient.

Luggage capacity is 270 litres with all seven seats occupied, rising to 1,960 litres with the second and third rows folded. A separate 136-litre front storage compartment provides additional room for bags without taking space away from passengers.

BYD has concentrated much of the equipment on passenger comfort. Both versions have genuine leather upholstery, with heating, ventilation and massage functions for the front seats and the outer seats in the second row.

The third row gets adjustable headrests, while the rear cabin has an air-conditioning control panel and cupholders. Tri-zone climate control is standard, and a 2.39-square-metre panoramic glass roof extends over the interior.

Up front, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display is joined by a 26-inch head-up display and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen. Google Built-in provides navigation, Google Assistant and access to applications through the Google Play Store.

Other features include a refrigerator capable of cooling to minus 6°C or warming to 50°C, two 50W wireless smartphone charging pads and USB-C connections for front and rear passengers. The Design has a 10-speaker audio system, while the Excellence upgrades to 21-speaker DiSound equipment.

The ATTO 8 was not BYD’s only significant Paris announcement. The company also presented the Shark DMO plug-in hybrid pickup ahead of sales in selected markets within three months, followed by a wider European rollout in the first half of 2027.

The five-seat double-cab model combines two electric motors with a longitudinally mounted 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. BYD says the engine spends most of its time generating electricity, either supplying the motors or replenishing the battery.

Combined system output is 436PS and 650Nm, giving a claimed 0–62mph time of 5.7 seconds. A 32.2kWh Blade Battery provides a quoted electric-only range of 56 miles, while the total range with a full battery and fuel tank is 419 miles.

BYD quotes WLTP weighted fuel consumption of 80.7mpg, but also provides a more revealing figure for drivers covering long distances without charging: 29.4mpg with the battery at its lowest state of charge. The distinction matters when assessing likely running costs.

Charging at 11kW AC takes just over three hours from 15% to full, while 55kW DC charging replenishes the battery from 30% to 80% in 21 minutes.

The Shark also offers vehicle-to-load capability rated at up to 6kW, accessible through its AC charging port or a socket in the load bed. This allows it to power external equipment, including tools, without a separate electricity supply.

Its ladder-frame chassis incorporates the battery using cell-to-chassis construction. Standard equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, a 15.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera. The announcement does not provide towing capacity, payload or UK pricing.

At the smaller end of the range, BYD has introduced a five-seat Dolphin Surf, adding a third rear headrest and revising equipment across the compact electric hatchback’s trim levels.

The Comfort version gains a 12.8-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in and a larger 8.8-inch instrument display. Across the range, the gear selector moves to the steering column, and a redesigned steering wheel changes the cabin layout.

Boost and Comfort versions gain a heated steering wheel, while Boost also receives heated seats. Climate control and a boot cover are standard throughout, and Active models switch from 15-inch steel wheels to 16-inch alloys.

Active and Boost versions now use fabric upholstery, with Comfort retaining vegan leather. Other changes include two front USB-C ports, a new Skiing White paint option and an additional blue interior finish.

Boot capacity remains a quoted 308 litres. BYD says four-seat and five-seat Dolphin Surf versions will be sold alongside each other for the foreseeable future, depending on individual market requirements and sales patterns. The release does not specify which updated versions will reach UK showrooms or when.