- BYD has announced that the Atto 1 small city hatch will start at just $29,990 when it launches here early next year.
- The larger Atto 2 and Sealion 5 PHEV will start at $39,990, with the PHEV having a claimed range of over 1000km.
- The large BYD Sealion 8 seven-seater is also set to land here in 2026, with pricing for the large PHEV yet to be revealed.
BYD Auto NZ has announced the pricing and specification details for three new models set to join the New Zealand market: the all-electric Atto 1, the all-electric Atto 2, and the plug-in hybrid Sealion 5.
The new offerings expand BYD's local range, with the Atto 1 starting at a seriously competitive $29,990. The much anticipated Atto 1, known as the Seagull or Dolphin Surf in other markets, is designed for urban use, offering a 220km WLTP range and utilising BYD's Blade battery and e-Platform 3.0 technology.
The Atto 1 offers a 308-litre boot space and has received a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It was also named one of Time’s Best Inventions of 2025.
"The Atto 1 redefines urban mobility by uniting state-of-the-art technology, uncompromised practicality, and exceptional value, achieving true price parity with its ICE competitors," said Warren Willmot, BYD NZ’s General Manager.
"This commitment to accessibility extends to safety, as its 5-star rating confirms that peace of mind is now
within reach for all."
While the Atto1 hatch opens the BYD range, the Atto 2 compact SUV bolsters the Chinese carmakers mid-ranks, while the larger Seagull 5 opens the Seagull range, with both landing here at $39,990.
The Atto 2 is, like the Atto 1 (and Atto 3) a full EV, with an estimated WLTP driving range of 345kms. It includes vegan leather seats and technology options designed to connect drivers to digital services.
The Sealion 5 is a plug-in hybrid (like the Sealion 6, but not the Sealion 7, which is an EV) that BYD says offers a minimum 463-litre boot space and features plug-in hybrid technology capable of an "achievable combined range" exceeding 1000kms (albeit measured under the outdated NEDC protocols).
"With the Atto 2, we’re offering a new level of compact SUV comfort and connectivity for our drivers,
ensuring each journey is not only enjoyable, but also efficient," said Willmot, adding that the Sealion 5 SUV is "The perfect vehicle for modern families, combining versatility, advanced tech and sustainability, making it the ultimate vehicle for both daily commutes and long weekend adventures."
Willmot also confirmed that the BYD Sealion 8 full-size seven-seat PHEV SUV, is also heading here, with full pricing and specifications expected next month, with stock arrivals planned for the first quarter of 2026.
