2023 Tesla Model Y vs BYD Atto 3
What's the difference?

Tesla Model Y

$32,880 - $62,950

2023 price

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BYD Atto 3

$24,888 - $37,990

2023 price

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Summary

2023 Tesla Model Y

2023 BYD Atto 3

By Tom White

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

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Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Vehicle type

—

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

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Electric range

480 km

Energy consumption

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16.0 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

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60.48 kWh

Seating

Likes

Ludicrous performance
Best software in the biz
Long range, fast charging

Smart looking road presence
360-degree view camera system is great
Straightforward purchasing

Dislikes

Will be too clinical for some enthusiasts
Ride improved but still hard
Touch panel controls for everything

Not an open-roader, despite long driving range
Feels suspiciously power hungry
Not all the interior designs land well

2023 Tesla Model Y Summary

This version of Tesla’s Model Y is the new frontier for enthusiasts. How do you make an electric performance car?

It should be easy, right? Just up the power of the motors - no need to fit a larger, more complex engine, and make sure you’ve got a battery with the appropriate outputs.

There’s far more than meets the eye. The big question is, is it worth the significant additional spend over the base Model Y?

We grabbed one of the earliest examples of the Performance to hit Australian shores to find out.

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2023 BYD Atto 3 Summary

When I first saw a 'Build Your Dreams' car I wasn't sure I was looking at the model name or the car brand. I remember watching it pass me in the city and craning my neck to make sure I did, in fact, read the name correctly.

Having your car brand called 'Build Your Dreams' was always going to be a hard one to live up to, however, BYD has managed to defy a lot of expectations with the Atto 3 Extended Range.

Especially by giving it a longer driving range (hurrah) and competitive price tag. Both of which are important factors, especially given it's well-known rivals, the MG ZS EV Long Range and Nissan Leaf e+.

So what makes it stand out? I've been driving it for the last week with my family of three to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Tesla Model Y 2023 BYD Atto 3

Verdict

One thing is for sure, it’s definitely a performance car, but not as we know it.

This version of the Tesla Model Y is the ultimate tech gadget on four wheels. It’s incredibly fast, has unbelievable, unnerving handling, and importantly what seems to be the best software in the business. Coming in significantly cheaper than its European performance EV rivals, it doesn’t even seem like bad value.

But. Enthusiasts be warned. There is an element of drama missing here, the Model Y is almost too good at attacking the road, there’s no roaring feedback or imperfections for you to correct, and for this reason alone, even if it’s the future, I don’t think it’s going to be for everyone.

Verdict

Like its interior design, you may find the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range to be a divisive experience. On the one hand, I like how well it handles in the city and the playful design.

The car feels roomy and the boot is a good size but this is not an open-roader. If you plan on doing weekend escapes in this, think again. This is a car that likes the city and will complain if you venture outside of its limits.

I do like the affordable price tag, considering it's an EV, and the features you get but that open-road ride needs improvement.

2023 Tesla Model Y vs BYD Atto 3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

2023 Tesla Model Y vs BYD Atto 3
What's the difference?