Aston Martin DBX vs BYD Atto 3
What's the difference?

Aston Martin DBX

—

2022 price

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BYD Atto 3

$39,990 - $46,990

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz Eqe53

Mercedes-Benz Eqs450

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G580

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE400

Mercedes-Benz GLE450

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz Gls450

Mercedes-Benz Gls600

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2022 Aston Martin DBX

2026 BYD Atto 3

By Laura Berry

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

12.4L/100km (combined)

Electric range

480 km

Energy consumption

14.9 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

60.48 kWh

Seating

Likes

Stunning exterior syling
V8 engine is magnificent
Practical and spacious

More enjoyable to drive
Well-equipped for the money
Improved cabin layout

Dislikes

Busy, cluttered interior
Not as good to drive as the Lambo Urus
Shifting buttons almost out of reach

Looks the same despite big update
More expensive than before
Ride is quite firm at times

2022 Aston Martin DBX Summary

The world was ready for an Aston Martin SUV. Yes, by the time the Aston Martin DBX debuted Bentley had given birth to the Bentayga, Lamborghini had sired the Urus and even Rolls Royce had realised its Cullinan.

Still, the arrival of another ‘super SUV’ is always a bit exciting. Would it be a true Aston Martin, how would it compare to its rivals and is it even a good SUV?

Well, that's what I wanted to know about Aston Martin's DBX anyway, and I found out, along with everything else you should know: from its performance to practicality in this review.

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2026 BYD Atto 3 Summary

Back in 2022 a friend asked me if they should buy the then-new BYD Atto 3. My advice was to avoid such a new brand, because despite positive first impressions of the electric SUV I couldn’t comment with any certainty on the long-term prospects for BYD.

Well, fast forward to 2026 and things could not be more different. No brand exemplifies the seismic shift in the local car industry more than BYD.

It has emerged not only as the clear leader of the pack from the Chinese car brands, but has done so by taking risks and offering some unusual products. This new Atto 3 Evo is a prime example of that, because while it looks almost-identical to the old model, it has huge changes underneath.

When I say ‘huge’ I mean major upgrades like all-new, 800-volt underpinnings, bigger batteries and even a switch to rear-wheel drive - at least for one model.

BYD is selling one model, with the same name but two very different powertrains and layouts. It highlights the radical changes brought on by the electric revolution in the car industry and demonstrates the flexibility of these platforms compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

And also explains why BYD is no longer just a newcomer with an uncertain future but rather a well-established member of the mainstream market.

But would I recommend buying this new Atto 3 Evo? Read on…

@carsguide.com.au Here’s how the 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo differs from the regular Atto 3. This Jaecoo J5 EV rival has flipped from front to rear-wheel drive. #byd #bydatto3 #ev #cartok #electriccar ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

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Deep dive comparison

2022 Aston Martin DBX 2026 BYD Atto 3

Verdict

As with all Aston Martins the DBX is a seriously beautiful car with that high-end exotic but restrained exterior styling for which the brand is known. As with all Astons, too, the busy interior design may put some minimalism fans off and those high-placed shifting buttons pose a functionality problem.

As an SUV the DBX is spacious and practical. You could use this daily as a family car. I did and found it easy to adapt to.

The driving experience left me disappointed. I didn’t feel the same close connection with the DBX while driving that I have had with other super SUVs, such as the Lamborghini Urus and more affordable models offered by Porsche and Mercedes-AMG.

But then, you see those other cars everywhere, unlike the DBX which is a rare and beautiful creature, despite the flaws.

Verdict

So, would I recommend this new Atto 3 Evo to my friend, or indeed anyone in the market for a mid-size electric SUV?

While it may look largely the same as it did back in 2022, the Atto 3 is now a far more compelling proposition than it was then. Certainly BYD has established itself in the market and that means there is more certainty for buyers.

But this new Atto 3 Premium is a big leap forward when it comes to the driving experience. And while that’s not likely to be a huge factor for most mid-size electric SUV buyers, given the price has only crept up marginally (by modern standards) it remains competitively positioned.

For context, the Leapmotor C10 is another mid-size, rear-wheel drive electric SUV from China and it is even more expensive than the Atto 3 and is, to be blunt, nowhere near as good.

If BYD continues to produce cars this good there’s no reason to believe it won’t be a major player for years to come.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer with accommodation and meals provided.

Aston Martin DBX vs BYD Atto 3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Aston Martin DBX vs BYD Atto 3
What's the difference?