BYD Atto 3 vs MG MGS5
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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.
Track the BYD Atto 3 & MG MGS5
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Price Breakdown
The BYD Atto 3 starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the MG MGS5 opens at $40,490. That makes the BYD Atto 3 the more affordable entry point by $500.
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 $43,989 and $44,539 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Atto 3 and MG MGS5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the BYD Atto 3 and 90% for the MG MGS5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Atto 3 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the MG MGS5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
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
58.6kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 70kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 70kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
62kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 120kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 120kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Atto 3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 5-inch digital dash, while the MG MGS5 gets a 12.8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Atto 3 stands out with Dirac audio that you will not find on the MG MGS5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Atto 3 uses a Electric producing 150kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.
The MG MGS5 responds with a Electric Motor making 125kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The BYD Atto 3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 3 is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 49.9kWh (BYD Atto 3) vs 49kWh (MG MGS5), giving WLTP ranges of 345km and 510km. DC fast charging peaks at 70kW (BYD Atto 3) vs 120kW (MG MGS5).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Atto 3 measures 4,455mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 21mm shorter than the MG MGS5 at 4,476mm (2,730mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MGS5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BYD Atto 3 and 453L in the MG MGS5, giving the MG MGS5 a 13L advantage.
For towing, the MG MGS5 leads with a 750kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m 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 9.7 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
1.9 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 3) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG MGS5). The MG MGS5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Atto 3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG MGS5 if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG MGS5 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories. The MG MGS5 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 3 and MG MGS5?
The BYD Atto 3 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG MGS5 by $500.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BYD Atto 3 has the most range at 345km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The MG MGS5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 120kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Atto 3 and MG MGS5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG MGS5 has the largest boot at 453L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MGS5 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Atto 3 makes the most power at 150kW. The BYD Atto 3 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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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