BYD Atto 3 vs MG ZS EV
Two Chinese electric SUVs, both under $45k. Which one should you actually buy?
BYD Atto 3 Extended Range
From $44,381
SUV
Single Motor Electric
150kW
15.3 kWh/100km
5★ ANCAP
440L
MG ZS EV Long Range
From $43,990
SUV
Single Motor Electric
130kW
17.1 kWh/100km
5★ ANCAP
359L
Price Breakdown
$391 apart. Practically the same price. The Atto 3 gives you more car for the money on every spec. The real question is long-term cost: both are Chinese brands with uncertain resale, so depreciation is the biggest unknown. MG has been in Australia longer which could help resale slightly, but BYD is the bigger company globally.
Safety Rundown
Both 5-star ANCAP. Both have AEB, lane keep, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise. The Atto 3's Blade Battery (LFP chemistry) is considered one of the safest EV battery designs, with excellent thermal stability. Safety is a tie on paper.
Feature Showdown
The Atto 3 has a more characterful interior with a rotating 12.8-inch screen, colourful trim, and NFC key. The ZS EV is more conventional with a 10.1-inch screen and traditional layout. The BYD feels more modern inside. The MG feels more familiar.
Drivetrain
Same concept (single electric motor, FWD), but the BYD is more powerful and efficient.
| Spec | Atto 3 | ZS EV |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 150kW / 310Nm | 130kW / 280Nm |
| Battery | 60.5 kWh (LFP Blade) | 51 kWh (NMC) |
| Range | 420km | 383km |
| Efficiency | 15.3 kWh/100km | 17.1 kWh/100km |
| DC Charge | 88kW | 76kW |
| 0-100 | 7.3s | 8.6s |
The BYD Blade Battery is LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate). It's safer, handles full 100% charges without degradation, and lasts longer (3,000+ charge cycles vs ~1,500 for NMC). You can charge it to 100% every day without worrying about battery health. The MG's NMC battery ideally shouldn't be charged past 80% regularly.
True Cost to Own
Running costs are very similar since both are electric. The Atto 3 saves a bit on electricity thanks to better efficiency.
| Annual Cost | Atto 3 | ZS EV |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity (15,000km) | $689 | $770 |
| Insurance | $1,500 | $1,450 |
| Servicing | $300 | $300 |
| Tyres | $320 | $300 |
| Total/yr | $2,809 | $2,820 |
Near-identical running costs. The real ownership difference is resale value, and honestly neither brand has a long enough track record in Australia to predict this reliably. Both will likely retain 45-50% at 5 years, but it's anyone's guess.
MG's 7-year unlimited km warranty gives it a slight edge on worry-free ownership. BYD's 6-year/150k cap means high-km drivers could exceed warranty before it expires.
The Warranty Question
This is the MG's strongest argument. 7 years, unlimited km. If you drive 30,000km a year, the MG is covered the whole time. The BYD's 150,000km cap means you'd hit the limit in year 5 at that rate. For low-km suburban drivers, it doesn't matter. For high-km drivers, MG wins.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Atto 3 if: you want more range, more power, faster charging, a bigger boot, and a more interesting interior. The better car by the numbers.
Buy the ZS EV if: you value the 7-year unlimited warranty, prefer MG's more established dealer network in Australia, or like the more conventional interior layout.
The Verdict
The Atto 3 wins in almost every measurable category: more range, more power, more efficient, faster charging, bigger boot, quicker acceleration. For basically the same price. The ZS EV's only advantage is MG's 7-year unlimited km warranty vs BYD's 6-year/150k. If warranty length is your top priority, the MG wins. For everything else, the BYD is the better car.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (3 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. All opinions are editorial and independent. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 3 April 2026
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