BYD is still the leader in the quickly changing world of electric vehicles (EVs). They make new, affordable models that make green driving possible for everyone. The BYD Yuan Up is a small crossover SUV that is winning over hearts and roads all over the world. This small but powerful car, which will be available in China in March 2024, has a sleek design, a long range, and the latest technology—all at a price that beats many competitors. As of September 2025, it’s not just doing well in its home market; it’s also doing well around the world. It’s one of the best-selling EVs in Colombia and is moving up the sales charts in China. The Yuan Up should be on your short list if you’re looking for an entry-level EV for city commutes or family errands.
A New Look at BYD’s Famous Design
The Yuan Up has BYD’s “Dragon Face” look, which is a big change from older models like the Song L EV. The front of the car has a closed grille with the unique “Yuan” logo. This gives it a modern, aerodynamic look without the clutter of traditional grilles. With a wheelbase of 2,620 mm, a length of 4,310 mm, a width of 1,830 mm, and a height of 1,675 mm, it’s the perfect size for city driving while still looking like an SUV. The floating roofline, door handles that are only partially hidden, and full-width rear taillight bar all remind me of the stylish Dolphin hatchback, which is both sporty and useful.
The Yuan Up’s outside is full of life, with bright colors like fresh greens and whites. When you open the panoramic sunroof (which comes standard on higher trims), it feels even more open and welcoming. People have praised this design for bringing “life and vigor” to the small EV market.
Powertrain and Performance: Strong and Efficient
The Yuan Up is built on BYD’s well-known e-Platform 3.0 with Cell-to-Body (CTB) integration. It puts safety, rigidity, and efficiency first. The legendary Blade Battery, a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack known for its long life and thermal stability, is at the heart of it. You can choose between two battery sizes: a 32 kWh battery that can go up to 301 km (CLTC) or a bigger 45.1 kWh battery that can go up to 401 km. The bigger battery is great for daily drives without worrying about running out of power.
A front-wheel-drive permanent magnet synchronous motor provides power. The base model has 70 kW (94 hp), while the upgraded models have 130 kW (174 hp) and can go from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds. The top speed is 150 km/h, which is more than enough for city streets and highways. The system’s regenerative braking keeps things running smoothly, and fast charging goes from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes. Owners say that in real-life tests, the rides are smooth and quiet, making fossil-fuel cars feel old.
It’s been given new names around the world to make it more appealing: the Atto 2 in Europe (with a 51.1 kWh battery for a 344 km WLTP range), the Yuan Pro in Brazil and Mexico, and the S1 Pro in Costa Rica. No matter what you call it, it’s a quick car made for families and young drivers.
Comfortable inside and smart technology
When you step inside, the Yuan Up surprises you with how big it is, which is much bigger than what its subcompact badge says. The “black + beige” two-tone cabin gives the car a high-end feel with soft-touch materials and seats that support five people. There is plenty of legroom for backseat passengers, three headrests, and a 4/6 split-folding bench that can hold up to 1,000 liters of cargo. Electric seat adjustments and a wireless charging pad are included in the higher-end trims.
People who love technology will go crazy over the 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen that runs BYD’s DiLink system for easy Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. An 8.8-inch digital driver’s display keeps important information in view, and physical buttons make it easy to use. Voice commands make it easy to control navigation, climate, and entertainment. There are six airbags, electronic stability control, and the option for “God’s Eye” advanced driver assistance (but not on the budget Pilot edition).
The Yuan Up isn’t just a high-tech flash; it’s also very useful in everyday life. For example, it has a quiet cabin and an optional 360-degree camera for tight parking.
Pricing and Options: Great Value That Packs a Punch
The Yuan Up is a great deal because BYD is so aggressive with its prices. The entry-level Pilot edition with the 32 kWh battery starts at just 74,800 yuan (about $10,500) in China. Mid-trims cost 99,800 to 119,800 yuan ($14,000 to $16,700), which gives you the bigger battery and other features like the panoramic roof. Prices for exports vary. In Brazil, the Yuan Pro costs around $20,000, but in Colombia, incentives make it even cheaper.
Three main types are available to fit different budgets:
- 301 Leader: 70 kW motor and 301 km range—great for people on a budget.
- 401 Leader/Superior: 130 kW, 401 km range, and extra features like adaptive cruise control.
The Yuan Up has about the same space and range as competitors like the MG ZS EV or Jeep Avenger, but it costs a lot less, so it’s a no-brainer for people who want to save money.
Buzz in the market and sales success
The Yuan Up has been a huge hit since it came out. It sold 19,647 units in China in August 2025 alone, putting it in fourth place among electric SUVs, behind only Tesla’s Model Y and BYD’s own heavy-hitters. With over 10,000 registrations so far this year, it’s the most popular EV in Colombia. Its 380 km NEDC range and local appeal make it a great choice. Exports began in July 2024, and by late 2025, the Atto 2 will be available in Europe, where it will face tough competition from the Kia EV3 and Volvo EX30.
People love how reliable it is and how cheap it is to run. LFP batteries mean no worries about cobalt and up to 3,000 charging cycles. Recent talk about the X shows that it has more space than the smaller Seagull. One user said that a friend’s Yuan Up feels “wider and better” for city runs. There are even wheel spacer upgrades available, which shows that fans are already making changes.
What Makes the BYD Yuan Up Unique
The Yuan Up stands out in a crowded EV market because it is simple, affordable, efficient, and fun without being too much. BYD’s vertical integration, which includes everything from batteries to assembly, keeps prices low and quality high. This shows that electric mobility isn’t just for the rich. This crossover gives you zero-emission fun with no drama, whether you’re avoiding traffic in Bogotá or driving through the suburbs of Shanghai.