Chery Omoda E5 better than BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV?

At present if you're in the market for a small electric SUV there are three options in Australia: the Chery Omoda E5, BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV but which is best?

I've driven all three and this is what I think their key strengths and weaknesses are...

Chery Omoda E5

Strengths:
1. Modern design with sleek aesthetics
2. Competitive range (up to 430km WLTP) for both BX and EX specifications
3. Full size Kumho spare tyre included
4. 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty/8-year unlimited km battery warranty
5. Uses BYD Blade battery technology, known for safety and longevity

Weaknesses:
1. New and relatively untested brand in Australia
2. Level 3 High regen is lurchy and non linear at all, needs improvement
3. Mostly Touch screen controls, no Home Button
4. No remote control app, unlike BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV
5. Top EX Model is close to rumoured price of larger Leapmotor C10 EV SUV

▶️MORE: 2025 Chery Omoda E5 Price and Specs

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Image by - Neerav Bhatt

BYD ATTO 3

Strengths:
1. Blade Battery technology known for safety and longevity
2. Improved 2024 version has Continental EcoContact tyres not Atlas Batman
3. Decent range (up to 420km WLTP) for extended range model
4. Very roomy practical boot space for a small EV SUV
5. Large central touchscreen standard inclusion excellent 360 cameras

Weaknesses:
1. Quirky controversial interior may not appeal to all consumers
2. Tiny driver information display
3. Inconsistent customer experience at MyCar/BYD service Centres
4. Uneven warranty coverage eg: AC/DC charging port assembly 3 years/60,000 kilometers
5. Top Extended Range Model is close to rumoured price of larger Leapmotor C10 EV SUV

▶️MORE: 2024 BYD Atto 3 price and specs

Click to expand

Image by - Neerav Bhatt

MG ZS EV

Strengths:
1. Base model by far the cheapest of the three cars
2. Familiar ICE car SUV styling
3. Simple and functional interior
4. 10 years / 250,000km warranty
5. Remote control app

Weaknesses:
1. Interior quality not as premium as competitors
2. No regen energy recovery during braking if cruise control is on
3. Based on older ICE platform so not as spacious as rivals
4. Basic infotainment system
5. Overall design and technology relatively old compared to Omoda E5 and Atto 3

▶️MORE: 2023 MG ZS EV review

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Image by - Neerav Bhatt

Buyers Guide

Most Advanced Technology: Tie between Chery Omoda E5 and BYD Atto 3 - Both use advanced BYD Blade LFP battery technology and have a modern infotainment systems with big screen.

Best Value for Money: MG ZS EV base model if your budget is tight and range needs shorter - though while it offers the lowest price point, its older technology makes the value proposition less clear-cut.

Most Modern Package: Chery Omoda E5 - Combines streamlined uncontroversial internal and external design with advanced technology, including BYD Blade battery.

Best Overall Package: I lean towards the Chery Omoda E5 - It offers a combination of modern design, advanced technology (including the BYD Blade battery), and competitive specs.

However as I noted above, the Leapmotor C10 EV SUV is rumoured to be priced the same as the top specification Chery Omoda E5 and BYD Atto 3, while offering substantially more space in a larger SUV EV.

The Australian EV market is changing rapidly. Watch this space...