Geely Starray EM-i vs BYD Atto 3
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.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Price Breakdown
The Geely Starray EM-i starts from $37,490 before on-road costs, while the BYD Atto 3 opens at $39,990. That makes the Geely Starray EM-i the more affordable entry point by $2,500.
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 $41,239 and $43,989 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 Geely Starray EM-i and BYD Atto 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
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 Geely Starray EM-i.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Geely Starray EM-i and 7 in the BYD Atto 3.
Feature Showdown
The Geely Starray EM-i features a 15.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the BYD Atto 3 gets a 12.8-inch display and 5-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Geely Starray EM-i stands out with heated front seats and V2L that you will not find on the BYD Atto 3. The BYD Atto 3 counters with Dirac audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Geely Starray EM-i uses a Petrol producing 160kW and 262Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The BYD Atto 3 responds with a Electric making 150kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Geely Starray EM-i has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 3 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 18.4kWh (Geely Starray EM-i) vs 49.9kWh (BYD Atto 3), giving WLTP ranges of 83km and 345km. DC fast charging peaks at 30kW (Geely Starray EM-i) vs 80kW (BYD Atto 3).
Space & Comfort
The Geely Starray EM-i measures 4,740mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 285mm longer than the BYD Atto 3 at 4,455mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Geely Starray EM-i generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 428L in the Geely Starray EM-i and 440L in the BYD Atto 3, giving the BYD Atto 3 a 12L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.0m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Geely Starray EM-i) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 3). The Geely Starray EM-i has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Geely Starray EM-i if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Geely's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Atto 3 if: You need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Atto 3 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories. The Geely Starray EM-i adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Geely Starray EM-i and BYD Atto 3?
The Geely Starray EM-i is the cheapest at $37,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Atto 3 by $2,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Geely Starray EM-i uses the least fuel at 2.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Geely Starray EM-i and BYD Atto 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Atto 3 has the largest boot at 440L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Atto 3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Geely Starray EM-i has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Geely Starray EM-i makes the most power at 160kW. The BYD Atto 3 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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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