Confused between the BYD Atto 3 & XUV 700: Which one to pick?

I was thinking of 7 seater keeping in mind with size of family when traveling. Although daily a drive alone and on weekends only with kids and spouse.

BHPian utkarshgoel recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Its interesting how quickly market dynamics change. Few days back BYD was nowhere in my budget and consideration. and I was confused between Hector CVT and XUV. After the reduction of XUV 700 prices, I was almost sold towards XUV 700 AXL D. But again with introduction of Dynamic model of BYD Atto 3 along with 0% road tax in U.P. I am getting confused about the car I should buy.

BYD will cost around 26.5 on road and XUV 700 around 28. I have an Exter which my wife uses for office and a Jazz which parents use for kids and chores. My driving has 10k annual run with may be 1 to 2 long drives a year with max 300 km one side. Only in these trips the entire family of 2 kids (aged 3 and 9) and 4 adults go. Rest normally we don’t get to travel too many times together.

I was thinking of 7 seater keeping in mind with size of family when traveling. Although daily a drive alone and on weekends only with kids and spouse. Electric will save money as my daily running to office is around 30km (to and fro). I have heard and seen great reviews about the Atto 3 but switching to EV is not which is easy.

I am from a small city Prayagraj and Atto showroom is in Lucknow which is 200km from here. So there is hassle of going for servicing. Although BYD is offering 200 km free road side assistance and 6 year warranty on car. So I might only have to travel for annual servicing.

BHPians please suggest what might be best option with all your experiences and expertise.

Here's what BHPian bijims had to say on the matter:

The Atto 3 is an international model from the best manufacturers of EV batteries out there, It is built on a dedicated EV platform and is a well-rounded vehicle however it is a brand with a limited sales and service network, Moreover the Dynamic variant isn't as feature-loaded as the higher trims or even the XUV700 AX7L, Whereas the XUV700 gets you a well-rounded car which has been consistent in sales, a better sales and service network and the flexibility of 7 seats should you need it.

So all things considered, the XUV700 would be my choice among the two.

Here's what BHPian SakJel had to say on the matter:

If it's your primary vehicle I wouldn't recommend ev, if it's your 2nd or 3rd then maybe yes, as even the service center is 200km away.

Secondly why don't you consider hycross hybrid, I believe even that has a road tax waiver in UP. It's a solid and dependable car with good FE, if you intend to keep the car for a long time and want a dependable car, definitely Hycross Hybrid. You never know when the state may revoke their road tax waiver decision, so don't go for gimmicky cars and opt for a solid built vehicle.

Here's what BHPian vijaysrk had to say on the matter:

Going by everything you said about your requirement for a vehicle, the XUV700 seems to fit the bill perfectly.

The Atto seems to be in contention because of it's novelty and the lower running costs, and you're trying to make your peace with its downsides like the lower seating capacity, possible range anxiety, unavailability of local ASS, etc.

Please also consider the lifecycle costs of each of these cars.

Considering the fast pace of evolution of EVs, it's very likely that a contemporary EV in 2024 would be quite outdated in five years, while a decent ICE vehicle would still be quite relevant in five years, and this will reflect in the residual value you can get for it when you decide to sell it one day.

Question is, whether your running is high enough to offset the steep depreciation you're almost guaranteed to encounter with the BYD?

Here's what BHPian sjain2054 had to say on the matter:

Heyy! Car buying journeys are so much fun with all the test driving etc. I do not know if I can help you much because I have not test driven any of the mentioned cars. But, I urge you to give us more information so that the other experts on the forum can help you with more pinpointed advice. Example of info that can help is -

1. You have mentioned a 5 seater and a 7 seater car and you have mentioned you will travel with entire family. So which is it? Which car are you actually looking to buy - 7 seater or 5 seater?

2. Have you test driven any other 7 seater or sat in any 7 seater that you have liked in the past? Any other such anecdotes that help people know you and your requirements better.

3. Have you test driven the Atto 3 and, if you have visited the BYD showroom, what did you think of the E6 (bigger car)?

4. Are you brand conscious? The most practical 7 seater is the XL6 but people want more than "just a Maruti". So do you have any such preferences? Another example, many people stay away from Tatas. Are you also one of them. Such info will help.

5. Budget - should we assume ~30 lacs as you budget or would you be ok with a 16 lac car too? (status symbol and all). Or would you be ok with a 35 lac rupee recommendation from someone.

I am not saying that you answer these exact questions but if you elaborate more on your requirements then the experts will advise better.

From my side, all I will say is that with the Hybrid RTO cost cuts, the Innova hybrid will make for a great 7 seater. It will probably get delivered in 2026 - haha. On the other hand, Tata Safari is a complete car with all creature comforts. Additionally, if you can wait, the new Kia Carnival is a beautiful family car. If you are looking to save money and still get a great family car - XL6.

These are cars I have direct experience with/have sat in and hence I can recommend.

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