MG ZST vs BYD Atto 3
What's the difference?

MG ZST

$14,000 - $24,990

2024 price

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BYD Atto 3

$39,990 - $46,990

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

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Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Summary

2024 MG ZST

2026 BYD Atto 3

By Emily Agar

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.3L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

Electric range

480 km

Energy consumption

14.9 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

60.48 kWh

Seating

Likes

Happy little price tag
Good features list
Nice kerb-side presence

More enjoyable to drive
Well-equipped for the money
Improved cabin layout

Dislikes

Tech needs improving
Upholstery/trims feel plasticky
Rivals have brand new five-star ANCAP ratings

Looks the same despite big update
More expensive than before
Ride is quite firm at times

2024 MG ZST Summary

The ZST is essentially an upgraded version of MG's popular small SUV, the ZS.

The ZST sees some tweaks to the overall design and some added standard safety features. So, if you like the original, there's a good chance you'll like the ZST and I've been driving the top-grade Essence variant with my family of three.

The ZST Essence has some stiff competition from similarly specified rivals like the GWM Haval Jolion Lux and Chery Omoda 5 EX offering affordable packages and similar driving experiences. So, what makes the ZST stand out?

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2026 BYD Atto 3 Summary

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…

@carsguide.com.au Here’s how the 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo differs from the regular Atto 3. This Jaecoo J5 EV rival has flipped from front to rear-wheel drive. #byd #bydatto3 #ev #cartok #electriccar ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

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Deep dive comparison

2024 MG ZST 2026 BYD Atto 3

Verdict

Will the MG ZST Essence fit a small family? Absolutely, and all but the middle seat passenger will be comfortable but there are areas open for improvement. Like it's safety, laggy tech and adding a few extra items in the back seat.

Yet, it still offers a good host of features and an attractive package for a reasonable price tag. Unfortunately, my son missed having the basic amenities but did like the sun roof.

Verdict

So, would I recommend this new Atto 3 Evo to my friend, or indeed anyone in the market for a mid-size electric SUV?

While it may look largely the same as it did back in 2022, the Atto 3 is now a far more compelling proposition than it was then. Certainly BYD has established itself in the market and that means there is more certainty for buyers.

But this new Atto 3 Premium is a big leap forward when it comes to the driving experience. And while that’s not likely to be a huge factor for most mid-size electric SUV buyers, given the price has only crept up marginally (by modern standards) it remains competitively positioned.

For context, the Leapmotor C10 is another mid-size, rear-wheel drive electric SUV from China and it is even more expensive than the Atto 3 and is, to be blunt, nowhere near as good.

If BYD continues to produce cars this good there’s no reason to believe it won’t be a major player for years to come.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer with accommodation and meals provided.

MG ZST vs BYD Atto 3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

MG ZST vs BYD Atto 3
What's the difference?