Which is cheaper, the MG 4 or the BYD Atto 1?

The BYD Atto 1 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $23,990 versus $30,990 for the MG 4, a $7,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.

Which has the longer driving range?

The MG 4 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 350 km, 130 km further than the BYD Atto 1's 220 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.

Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?

The MG 4 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 117 kW versus 65 kW for the BYD Atto 1. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.

Which is quicker off the line?

The MG 4 does 0–100 km/h in 7.7 seconds — 1.4 s quicker than the BYD Atto 1's 9.1 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.

Is the BYD Atto 1 better value than the MG 4?

On paper the BYD Atto 1 is $7,000 cheaper, but trails the MG 4 on the core measurable specs. The saving might still be worth it if you don't need the extra range, power or charging speed — but the MG 4 is the spec-sheet winner.

Head-to-head

MG 4 vs BYD Atto 1

At $23,990 the BYD Atto 1 undercuts the MG 4 by $7,000 (23%) — but does the premium deliver enough of an edge to justify itself? Here's how the two compare on price, range, charging, safety and warranty.

Option A · Hatch

MG 4

Rear-wheel-drive small hatch from China's SAIC that consistently undercuts every European rival. The 10-year/250,000 km warranty is unmatched in the segment.

From: $30,990
Range: 350 km
Battery: 51 kWh

Option B · Hatch

BYD Atto 1

BYD's smallest electric — a city hatch that takes Australia's EV from-price down to $23,990. The Premium variant lifts range to 310 km from a 43.2 kWh battery.

From: $23,990
Range: 220 km
Battery: 30 kWh

Key differences at a glance

The biggest material gaps between the MG 4 and BYD Atto 1, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.

1

Range · advantage MG 4

The MG 4 goes 130 km further on a charge (350 vs 220 km WLTP).
2

Battery · advantage MG 4

The MG 4 carries a 21.0 kWh larger battery (51 vs 30 kWh).
3

Warranty · advantage MG 4

The MG 4 covers the vehicle for 4 more years (10 vs 6 yrs).
4

DC charging · advantage MG 4

The MG 4 accepts 52 kW more DC peak charging (117 vs 65 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
5

Price · advantage BYD Atto 1

The BYD Atto 1 undercuts the MG 4 by $7,000 (23%) on starting price.

Spec for spec

Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.

Spec

MG 4

BYD Atto 1

Price from

$30,990

$23,990

Range (WLTP)

350 km

220 km

Battery capacity

51 kWh

30 kWh

Motor power

125 kW

65 kW

Torque

250 Nm

175 Nm

0–100 km/h

7.7 s

9.1 s

Efficiency

16.0 kWh/100 km

—

DC fast charging

117 kW

65 kW

Boot

363 L

308 L

ANCAP

5★

—

Vehicle warranty

10 yrs

6 yrs

Where the MG 4 wins

▸ 130 km longer WLTP range
▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (7.7s vs 9.1s)
▸ Faster DC charging peak (117 kW vs 65 kW)
▸ Longer warranty (10 years)

Where the BYD Atto 1 wins

▸ Cheaper by $7,000

MG 4

What we like

✓ 10-year vehicle warranty is class-leading
✓ Rear-wheel drive gives it real chassis balance
✓ Excellent value at sub-$31,000

What we don't

✕ Base 51 kWh battery range trails Dolphin
✕ Cabin materials are clearly cost-engineered
✕ Software lags behind competitors

BYD Atto 1

What we like

✓ Australia's cheapest new EV
✓ BYD Blade LFP battery chemistry
✓ 8-year battery warranty

What we don't

✕ 220 km WLTP range in Essential trim limits longer drives
✕ Modest 65 kW power
✕ Not yet ANCAP tested

Frequently asked: MG 4 vs BYD Atto 1

Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.

Which is cheaper, the MG 4 or the BYD Atto 1?: The BYD Atto 1 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $23,990 versus $30,990 for the MG 4, a $7,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
Which has the longer driving range?: The MG 4 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 350 km, 130 km further than the BYD Atto 1's 220 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?: The MG 4 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 117 kW versus 65 kW for the BYD Atto 1. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
Which is quicker off the line?: The MG 4 does 0–100 km/h in 7.7 seconds — 1.4 s quicker than the BYD Atto 1's 9.1 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
Is the BYD Atto 1 better value than the MG 4?: On paper the BYD Atto 1 is $7,000 cheaper, but trails the MG 4 on the core measurable specs. The saving might still be worth it if you don't need the extra range, power or charging speed — but the MG 4 is the spec-sheet winner.

Which one should you buy?

The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.

Choose the

MG 4

if…

✓ maximum range matters (130 km further per charge)
✓ you regularly do long road trips (faster DC peak)
✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
✓ peace-of-mind warranty matters (4 more years of cover)

See the MG 4 →

Choose the

BYD Atto 1

if…

✓ you want to save $7,000 on the sticker
✓ you match the profile: first-car buyers

See the BYD Atto 1 →

Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.