Top-spec MG ZS EV vs Base-spec BYD Atto 3: Go Small And Top-spec Or Big And Base-spec ?

BYD has reduced the price gap between the MG ZS EV and the Atto 3, by introducing new entry-level variants. The Atto 3’s new base variant misses out on the bigger battery pack and a few features, but still is a rather well-packaged vehicle. 

So if you were planning on buying an electric SUV around the Rs 25 lakh mark, you’ve got a real conundrum on your hands. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you figure out between the 

top-spec the MG ZS EV or the base-spec BYD Atto 3: 

Price

As seen in the table above, the MG ZS EV is Rs 24,000 costlier than the BYD Atto 3. Also, if you opt for the Essence Ivory trim, which gets a special theme for the interior, you will have to pay an additional Rs 21,000. 

Dimensions 

*With roof rails

Clearly, the BYD Atto 3 is the larger SUV here. It is longer, wider , and also comes with a larger wheelbase. However, the ZS EV is the taller SUV on paper, and that is the only parameter where the Atto 3 falls short. 

Their boot space figures are nearly identical.

Cabin And Features 

Both the SUVs come with a modern cabin, which feels like a nice place to be in. However, the Atto 3’s interior’s quirky styling feels more upmarket and appealing. Both the SUVs come packing with plenty of features, and you won't feel the lack of any creature comfort per se. Let’s see what the two SUVs come packing with: 

As mentioned earlier, both the SUVs come packing with all the necessary equipment you could ask for. 

The Atto 3 gets a larger infotainment system, ambient lighting and an extra airbag for added safety, but the MG ZS EV comes with a host of ADAS features. So the base-spec Atto 3 gets a few additional features over the MG ZS EV, which you might appreciate on a daily basis. And while the MG boasts the availability of ADAS features over the Atto 3, it is more of a feel-good feature, and not something you’ll use on a daily basis.

So the BYD Atto 3 takes the edge in the features section.

Powertrain

While both the SUVs have a similar capacity battery pack, it’s the BYD Atto 3’s motor that produces more power and torque, which results in a quicker 0-100 kmph sprint time. Both cars have a similar ARAI-claimed range with the Atto 3 inching just ahead.

Charging Time 

The BYD Atto 3 Dynamic takes 8 hours to charge using an AC charger, and with a 70kW DC fast charger, it takes just 50 minutes to charge it from 0-80%. 

The MG ZS EV takes 8.5-9 hours to charge from 0-100% using a 7.4kW charger, and with a 50kW DC fast charger, it takes 60 minutes to charge from 0-80%. 

So the BYD Atto 3 offers better performance and charging speeds compared to the ZS EV. That being said, it is not like the latter has inadequate performance in any sense and even the disparity in charging speeds is rather insignificant. 

Verdict 

Both the Atto 3 and ZS EV are well-packaged electric SUVs, and you won't go wrong by picking either of them. Out of the two brands, MG is the better established brand in India, and has been in the country for a couple of years now. BYD on the other hand is yet to prove its mantle, but they seem to be going in the right direction. 

After comparing the two SUVs on paper, our pick here would be the BYD Atto 3 in its base-spec variant. It offers a better road presence, has more performance, and packs more features as well, which make it the winner here, even though by a small margin!

Let us know which EV would you pick out of the two in the comments.