BYD JAMAICA, the arm of ATL Automotive Group responsible for the BYD line of new energy vehicles, rolled out the red carpet for the latest addition to its model line-up, the ATTO 8, with two days of activities this month.

“It’s a dream come true to have the ATTO 8 on Jamaican shores,” Sloane Jackson, head of business, BYD Jamaica, told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine.

The vehicle was launched on Saturday, August 22, at Kingston Polo Club with the opportunity to test-drive it the following day, Sunday, August 23, at Police Officers’ Club, St Andrew.

Jackson explained that the ATTO 8 was not a given, and that it was a process to bring it to market from China, having seen it last April at Auto Shanghai 2025. He and his team were privy to a special and private unveiling of the vehicle.

The interior of the ATTO 8 carries an abundance of technology, luxury features, and premium build quality.

“One of the things they showed us that wasn’t unveiled at the show, but unveiled to us as the BYD team, was the new Tang. What they told us was that it would be called the Sealion 8 in some markets, and the ATTO 8 in our region, available as a full EV and as a hybrid. We were initially told that we might get it,” Jackson said.

After the revelation that it would be available in right-hand drive, as it was going to be sold in the Australian and South African markets, Jackson felt it would be a great fit for the Caribbean region and his Jamaica portfolio.

The ATTO 8 is a mid-sized SUV, using BYD’s hybrid technology. Currently, it is only available in one trim level, DM-p, which makes it an all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid vehicle. The drivetrain is similar to the BYD Shark pickup. Under the bonnet of the ATTO 8 is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The petrol engine is paired with two electric motors — front and rear — for a total power output of 536bhp. The 35.6kWh battery is rated to deliver 152km of pure electric range, with a combined range up to 1,400km. It can be charged externally at 11kWh for AC, and DC fast-charged at 72kWh using the CCS2 port. The ATTO 8 can also do Vehicle-to-Load to run attached electrical devices.

On the performance front, 100kph can be reached in under five seconds, with a top speed of 200kph.

The ATTO 8 uses a hybrid drivetrain pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors — front and rear — for a total power output of 536bhp.

Beyond its speed and range as a seven-seat SUV, the ATTO 8 is packed with the technology expected from BYD. There’s wireless charging and USB ports throughout a spacious cabin that features integrated multi-colour ambient lighting, premium materials, double-layer glass for the front doors, and a 21-speaker sound system.

For family use, there is a maximum 1,960-litres of cargo capacity, powered seating — including the ability to control the front passenger from the second row, and even amenities such as a massage function for the second row. There are driver aids for safety and convenience, while the BYD infotainment offers up its usual wide range of interactivity.

Jackson said that the sales numbers of the ATTO 8, to date, have justified its addition to the showroom floor, as it comes at a time when rising fuel prices are driving the automotive consumer’s buying habits, gaining BYD’s line-up of electric vehicles and hybrids even more attention. This was a sentiment mirrored by Mark Dommisse, managing director, ATL Automotive Group.

“We are exceptionally lucky to host this brand in our portfolio. I would say that BYD is the heavyweight champion of the Chinese brands around the world, and that has definitely shown today. When we took on the brand two years ago, I think there was a lot of curiosity from the general public and a lot of questions. Every time the name BYD was asked, it was always with a question mark; nowadays it’s a mainstay brand that everybody knows. It’s trendy, it’s sexy, and they’re bringing out new products left, right, and centre. We’re certainly very happy with the sales volume. We’re very happy with the return on investment, and we’re honoured to hold the brand,” he said.

With three rows of seating the ATTO 8 has a multitude of cargo configurations to handle luggage.

Beyond the launch, guests were given free rein to examine the ATTO 8’s features to the fullest, while being treated to food, drink, and activities, including creating a signature car fragrance.

The 2027 ATTO 8 DM-p is now available from BYD Jamaica at $15 million, with the EV model expected to arrive next year.

“All that is available to us in right-hand drive is the hybrid. The EV model should be coming in the middle of 2028, which will have the most powerful single electric motor ever built, with the option of 1,000 bhp,” said Jackson.

From left: Mark Dommisse, managing director,ATL Automotive Group; Kellise Wong, group marketing manager, ATL Automotive Group; Stephen Hector, group strategic marketing and digital director; Theresa Higgins-Edwards, senior marketing manager, BYD Jamaica; and Sloane Jackson, head of business, BYD Jamaica, at the August 22 launch of the BYD ATTO 8.

The ATTO 8 launch saw BYD partners in attendance from around the Caribbean.