BYD Atto 3 vs Jaecoo J5

What's the difference?

Back in 2022 a friend asked me if they should buy the then-new BYD Atto 3. My advice was to avoid such a new brand, because despite positive first impressions of the electric SUV I couldn’t comment with any certainty on the long-term prospects for BYD.

Well, fast forward to 2026 and things could not be more different. No brand exemplifies the seismic shift in the local car industry more than BYD.

It has emerged not only as the clear leader of the pack from the Chinese car brands, but has done so by taking risks and offering some unusual products. This new Atto 3 Evo is a prime example of that, because while it looks almost-identical to the old model, it has huge changes underneath.

When I say ‘huge’ I mean major upgrades like all-new, 800-volt underpinnings, bigger batteries and even a switch to rear-wheel drive - at least for one model.

BYD is selling one model, with the same name but two very different powertrains and layouts. It highlights the radical changes brought on by the electric revolution in the car industry and demonstrates the flexibility of these platforms compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

And also explains why BYD is no longer just a newcomer with an uncertain future but rather a well-established member of the mainstream market.

But would I recommend buying this new Atto 3 Evo? Read on…

Yet another Chinese-branded EV has arrived on our shores and if the name Jaecoo doesn’t ring a bell, that’s understandable. It’s a relatively new offshoot of Chery, making its presence felt with a growing line-up aimed squarely at everyday buyers. Think mainstream, built around accessible pricing and a decent spread of features.

Offered in a single grade, the Jaecoo J5 EV is a small SUV entering an already crowded segment. It goes up against familiar names like the BYD Atto 2, Chery E5 and MG S5 EV, all offering broadly similar promises on paper. The real question, then, is whether the J5 EV manages to carve out an identity of its own, and whether its appeal stretches beyond the price tag.