Head-to-head
MG ZS EV vs BYD Atto 3
The MG ZS EV starts $6,000 (15%) below the BYD Atto 3. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · SUV
MG ZS EV
Once the cheapest EV in Australia, the ZS EV remains a competitive small SUV option with the same 10-year warranty backing as the MG4 hatch.
- From
- $33,990
- Range
- 320 km
- Battery
- 51 kWh
Option B · SUV
BYD Atto 3
BYD's small electric SUV undercuts almost every European rival on price while offering a 5-star ANCAP rating, a roomy interior, and a Blade LFP battery that's regarded as one of the safest chemistries on the market.
- From
- $39,990
- Range
- 420 km
- Battery
- 60.5 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the MG ZS EV and BYD Atto 3, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage BYD Atto 3
The BYD Atto 3 goes 100 km further on a charge (420 vs 320 km WLTP).
- 2
Warranty · advantage MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV covers the vehicle for 4 more years (10 vs 6 yrs).
- 3
Battery · advantage BYD Atto 3
The BYD Atto 3 carries a 9.5 kWh larger battery (60.5 vs 51 kWh).
- 4
Price · advantage MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV undercuts the BYD Atto 3 by $6,000 (15%) on starting price.
- 5
Boot · advantage BYD Atto 3
The BYD Atto 3 swallows 81 L more cargo with the rear seats up (440 vs 359 L).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the MG ZS EV wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $6,000
- ▸ Longer warranty (10 years)
Where the BYD Atto 3 wins
- ▸ 100 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (7.3s vs 8.2s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (88 kW vs 76 kW)
MG ZS EV
What we like
- ✓ Affordable SUV form factor
- ✓ Long 10-year warranty
- ✓ Spacious for its class
What we don't
- ✕ Slower DC charging than newer rivals
- ✕ Older-feeling cabin design
- ✕ Real-world range often under 250 km
BYD Atto 3
What we like
- ✓ Aggressive pricing for a five-seat electric SUV
- ✓ Long battery warranty (8 years / 160,000 km)
- ✓ Spacious cabin and large boot for the segment
What we don't
- ✕ Quirky interior design polarises buyers
- ✕ DC fast-charging peak (88 kW) trails Korean rivals
- ✕ Ride can feel firm over rough surfaces
Frequently asked: MG ZS EV vs BYD Atto 3
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the MG ZS EV or the BYD Atto 3?
- The MG ZS EV is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $33,990 versus $39,990 for the BYD Atto 3, a $6,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The BYD Atto 3 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 420 km, 100 km further than the MG ZS EV's 320 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 BYD Atto 3 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 88 kW versus 76 kW for the MG ZS EV. 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 BYD Atto 3 does 0–100 km/h in 7.3 seconds — 0.9 s quicker than the MG ZS EV's 8.2 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the MG ZS EV better value than the BYD Atto 3?
- On paper the MG ZS EV is $6,000 cheaper, but trails the BYD Atto 3 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 BYD Atto 3 is the spec-sheet winner.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
MG ZS EV
if…
- ✓ you want to save $6,000 on the sticker
- ✓ peace-of-mind warranty matters (4 more years of cover)
- ✓ you match the profile: suburban families
Choose the
BYD Atto 3
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (100 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly load it up (81 L more boot)
- ✓ you match the profile: first-time ev buyers
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.