MG MGS5 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.
Track the MG MGS5 & BYD Atto 3
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Price Breakdown
The MG MGS5 starts from $40,490 before on-road costs, while the BYD Atto 3 opens at $39,990. 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 $44,539 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 MG MGS5 and BYD Atto 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the MG MGS5 and 91% for the BYD Atto 3.
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
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.
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.
Feature Showdown
The MG MGS5 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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 BYD Atto 3 counters with Dirac audio that the MG MGS5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MG MGS5 uses a Electric Motor producing 125kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD 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 7.9 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: 49kWh (MG MGS5) vs 49.9kWh (BYD Atto 3), giving WLTP ranges of 510km and 345km. DC fast charging peaks at 120kW (MG MGS5) vs 70kW (BYD Atto 3).
Space & Comfort
The MG MGS5 measures 4,476mm long on a 2,730mm wheelbase, 21mm longer than the BYD Atto 3 at 4,455mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MGS5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 453L in the MG MGS5 and 440L in the BYD Atto 3, giving the MG MGS5 a 13L advantage.
For towing, the BYD Atto 3 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: 10 years / 250,000km (MG MGS5) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 3). The MG MGS5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MGS5 if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Atto 3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer BYD'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, MG MGS5 and BYD Atto 3?
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 — MG MGS5 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 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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