The electric car market in Australia is growing very quickly, and two of the most talked-about small SUVs under $50,000 are the BYD Atto 3 and the MG ZS. Both are built in China, both are cheap ways to get into owning an electric vehicle, yet they give drivers completely different experiences. If you’re thinking about getting your first electric car or even a second family car, it’s important to know how these two compare.
It’s not just about numbers and technical details when you compare the BYD Atto 3 alongside the MG ZS. It’s about how these cars feel every day, how they integrate into suburban life and how they deal with the realities of driving in the city along with going on road trips on the weekends. There are already about eight percent of electric vehicles (EVs) on the Australian market. Buyers have a lot of choices and choosing between these two takes a thorough look at performance, comfort, technology and value for money.
BYD Atto 3 v MG ZS: The Companies Behind the Cars
It’s a good idea to know who makes the BYD Atto 3 and the MG ZS before you choose between them. BYD, which stands for “Build Your Dreams,” is a Shenzhen-based corporation known for being creative. It doesn’t simply create automobiles; it also makes its own batteries and chips. Warren Buffett has even backed it. In Australia, a third-party distributor called EVDirect takes care of BYD’s business. EVDirect works with Eagers Automotive to run showrooms.
In Australia, on the other hand, MG is already a well-known brand. MG is a complete subsidiary of the Chinese company SAIC Motor and is known for making small SUVs and light cars that are cheap. MG has more than 80 dealerships in the US and they are known for being reliable and helpful to customers. BYD is the new kid on the block with cutting-edge technology, but MG offers buyers who want a more traditional approach comfort and familiarity.
BYD Atto 3 v MG ZS: Pricing and Accessibility
The pricing of these vehicles reflects their positioning. The BYD Atto 3 Extended Range starts at forty-seven thousand three hundred and eighty-one dollars before on-road costs and this can vary depending on where you live. For example, in the Australian Capital Territory, the drive-away price is slightly over forty-eight thousand dollars, while in Western Australia it climbs to just above fifty-one thousand dollars, thanks to local taxes. A Standard Range model will soon be available for three thousand dollars less, which makes it a more affordable choice for urban drivers who don’t need the maximum range.
The MG ZS EV takes a simpler approach. The Excite trim starts at forty-four thousand nine hundred and ninety dollars drive-away, while the Essence trim, which adds some luxury features like heated seats and a better sound system, costs forty-eight thousand nine hundred and ninety dollars. Unlike BYD, MG doesn’t offer a lower range model, but the price remains competitive. It’s also worth noting that both cars benefit from Australian state EV incentives, which can include rebates or tax reductions up to three thousand five hundred dollars, making them even more attractive.
BYD Atto 3 v MG ZS: Features and Technology
The BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS comparison demonstrates that the two cars have very different attributes. The BYD Atto 3 is a little more pricey, but it has a lot of technological and convenience features. It has a panoramic glass sunroof that lets in more light, roof rails that make it easier to use and a powered tailgate that makes it easier to load. The inside has heated and power-adjustable seats covered in soft synthetic leather, an eight-speaker Dirac sound system and a big twelve-point-eight-inch touchscreen that is quick and responsive. BYD also adds a built-in dashcam and a voice assistant that can operate a lot of different things.
The MG ZS EV, especially the Excite trim, is more like a regular car. It has cloth seats that can be adjusted by hand, a smaller ten-point-one-inch touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection. The higher Essence trim makes the inside more comfortable with heated front seats and synthetic leather and it also improves the sound system. However, it still doesn’t have as much technology as the BYD Atto 3. BYD obviously has the edge for anyone who want new features and high-end touches.
BYD Atto 3 v MG ZS: Safety Considerations
When comparing the BYD Atto 3 and the MG ZS, safety is quite important. The MG ZS EV’s last version got five stars in ANCAP testing in 2019, however the new model hasn’t been rated yet. MG is working with ANCAP on this right now. The BYD Atto 3, on the other hand, has gotten five-star ratings in tests from Euro NCAP and New Zealand NCAP. However, it is currently waiting for certification from Australia because of little problems with the top tethers for child seats.
Both cars are safe, but the BYD Atto 3 has more modern safety measures as standard. These include a center airbag, rear cross-traffic detection with braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance. Some of these features are only available on the pricier Essence trim from MG. BYD has a better safety package for buyers who want the most protection and peace of mind.
BYD Atto 3 v MG ZS: Interior Comfort and Design
As soon as you get in the BYD Atto 3, you can tell that this automobile was made to impress. The bright blue, cream and red colors on the walls, along with the LED accent lighting and the panoramic sunroof, make the space feel modern and dynamic. The seats are plush and comfy, the steering wheel can be adjusted for both reach and rake and the twelve-point-eight-inch touchscreen responds almost instantly to inputs. The back passengers will also like the flat floor for more legroom, the LED lights and the USB-C and USB-A charging ports. With the seats folded down, the trunk can hold up to 1,340 liters of stuff.
In comparison, the MG ZS EV offers a more utilitarian and modest cabin. The seats are made of fabric or synthetic leather, depending on the trim level and they are comfortable enough. The dashboard has a ten-point-one-inch touchscreen that works with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is a lot of room in the back seat and the trunk holds 359 liters. The inside is pleasant and useful, but it doesn’t have the high-end feel or trendy accents of the BYD Atto 3.
BYD Atto 3 v MG ZS: Battery, Range, and Driving Performance
When it comes to driving range and performance, the BYD Atto 3 v MG ZS shows clear differences. The BYD Atto 3 Extended Range uses a sixty-point-five-kilowatt-hour Blade battery that offers a WLTP-rated range of four hundred and twenty kilometers, paired with a 150-kilowatt motor producing 310 newton-meters of torque. This allows the Atto 3 to accelerate from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour in 7.3 seconds. In comparison, the MG ZS EV uses a fifty-point-three-kilowatt-hour battery, offering 320 kilometers of WLTP range, and a 130-kilowatt motor producing 280 newton-meters of torque, achieving zero to one hundred kilometers per hour in 8.2 seconds.
In real-world conditions, the BYD proves more energy-efficient despite being heavier and more powerful. On urban drives, it consumes around fourteen-point-three kilowatt-hours per one hundred kilometers, whereas the MG uses about seventeen-point-two kilowatt-hours. Highway drives reduce both ranges, but the Atto 3 still offers a substantial advantage.
BYD Atto 3 v MG ZS: Driving Experience and Handling
The BYD Atto 3 is easy to drive and doesn’t make much noise. The suspension, which has MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link independent rear arrangement, makes bumps feel like nothing and gives you a smooth ride. There is a little body roll in corners, but overall, it’s comfortable for driving in the city and on long trips. Regenerative braking works well, but you can’t drive with only one pedal.
The rear suspension on the MG ZS EV is a simple torsion beam that feels a little stiffer over bumps. The Michelin Primacy tires help keep the car stable, but the e-motor and road noise are louder. The steering doesn’t have the BYD’s reach adjustment, but in general, it makes driving safe and predictable. Both cars are great for getting around the city and running errands in the suburbs, but the BYD Atto 3 is a more smooth and pleasurable car altogether.
BYD Atto 3 v MG ZS: Cost of Ownership and Warranty
Long-term happiness with the BYD Atto 3 v MG ZS depends on how much it costs to own. The battery and drive unit on the BYD Atto 3 are covered by an eight-year warranty. Most other parts are covered by a six-year warranty. Over the course of eight years, servicing costs about $299 every visit. There are however choices for cheaper servicing if the car doesn’t drive a lot each year. You can get service through BYD’s network or mycar locations, which are in most Australian states.
The MG ZS EV has a seven-year warranty and extended service intervals, which saves money. MG has more than 80 trained dealerships that can service EVs, and they also offer home charging options like wallboxes that cost $1990 for single-phase and $2090 for three-phase, which makes it easy for new EV customers. MG wins by a small amount in terms of convenience and dealer coverage, but BYD makes up for it with better technology, range, and driving performance.
BYD Atto 3 v MG ZS: Final Verdict
The comparison of the BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS shows that both cars are great budget EVs that do better than many well-known Japanese, German and Korean models in this price bracket. The MG ZS EV is a great choice for anyone who want to save money or are new to electric vehicles because it has a normal cabin, reasonable running costs and great dealer assistance.
The BYD Atto 3, on the other hand, has a bigger battery, a longer range, better technology, smoother driving along with a bolder interior design, making it a more premium choice. The BYD Atto 3 is the best choice for people who want to be happy with their EV for a long time and want to make sure it will last. The Standard Range BYD Atto 3 would probably still win against the MG ZS EV Essence, but the difference would be less.
Frequently Asked Questions about BYD Atto 3 v MG ZS
Which has better range between the BYD Atto 3 v MG ZS? The BYD Atto 3 Extended Range offers 420 kilometers per charge, while the MG ZS EV delivers 320 kilometers.
Is the BYD Atto 3 more expensive than the MG ZS? Yes, the BYD Atto 3 costs slightly more, but the higher price reflects its advanced technology, better range, and premium features.
Are both cars safe for families? Both vehicles are safe, but BYD Atto 3 includes more standard safety features such as a front-center airbag and blind-spot monitoring.
Which vehicle has more dealers in Australia? MG ZS EV has over eighty dealerships, while BYD is still expanding its network.
Which is the better overall choice, BYD Atto 3 v MG ZS? The BYD Atto 3 is superior in range, technology, and overall driving experience, while the MG ZS EV excels in affordability, simplicity, and dealer accessibility.
