BYD Atto 1 vs MG 5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The BYD Atto 1 starts from $23,990 before on-road costs, while the MG 5 opens at $30,990. That makes the BYD Atto 1 the more affordable entry point by $7,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $26,389 and $34,089 respectively.
The BYD Atto 1 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The MG 5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The BYD Atto 1 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the MG 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MG 5 packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the BYD Atto 1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BYD Atto 1 and 6 in the MG 5. The MG 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the BYD Atto 1 misses.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
30kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 65kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 65kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Atto 1 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the MG 5 gets a 10-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Atto 1 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the MG 5 offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The BYD Atto 1 uses a Electric producing 65kW and 175Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.1 seconds.
The MG 5 responds with a 1.5L Turbo Petrol making 119kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The MG 5 has the clear power advantage at 119kW vs 65kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Atto 1 measures 3,990mm long on a 2,500mm wheelbase, 685mm shorter than the MG 5 at 4,675mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 308L in the BYD Atto 1 and 401L in the MG 5, giving the MG 5 a 93L advantage. The MG 5 seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m diameter
Good
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator — U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Good
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.3 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m — clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m — 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.7 m wide — fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m — swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m — no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 1) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG 5). The MG 5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Atto 1 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG 5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG 5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the MG 5 has a clear edge. The MG 5 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Atto 1 and MG 5?
The BYD Atto 1 is the cheapest at $23,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG 5 by $7,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG 5 uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The BYD Atto 1 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG 5 has the largest boot at 401L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG 5 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG 5 makes the most power at 119kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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