MG ZS EV 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.
Price Breakdown
The MG ZS EV starts from $43,990 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 $4,000.
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 $48,389 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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Atto 3 counters with Dirac audio that the MG ZS EV does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MG ZS EV uses a Electric Motor producing 115kW and 280Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 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 BYD Atto 3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 3 is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 72.6kWh (MG ZS EV) vs 49.9kWh (BYD Atto 3), giving WLTP ranges of 440km and 345km. DC fast charging peaks at 92kW (MG ZS EV) vs 80kW (BYD Atto 3).
Space & Comfort
The MG ZS EV measures 4,323mm long on a 2,585mm wheelbase, 132mm shorter than the BYD Atto 3 at 4,455mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Atto 3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 359L in the MG ZS EV and 440L in the BYD Atto 3, giving the BYD Atto 3 a 81L advantage.
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
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 10 years / 999,999km (MG ZS EV) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 3). The MG ZS EV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG ZS EV if: You 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, need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG ZS EV takes 5 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BYD Atto 3 has a clear edge. The MG ZS EV 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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