- The latest entrant, the BYD Atto 3 pitched against the upcoming MG 4 EV.
- The MG 4 EV will be showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo and its India launch is under consideration.
- Priced in a similar ballpark, here's how these EVs fare against each other on paper.
The latest entrant in the EV market space from the house of the world's largest EV manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams, the Atto 3. Launched at a price tag of Rs. 33.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the electric SUV made its first appearance in October 2022. Now as we are approaching the 2023 Auto Expo, MG is ready to unveil a brand new EV for the Indian market. Goes by the name MG 4 EV, the all-electric four-wheeler was unveiled globally in June this year followed by its European market launch in September 2022. The EV's India launch is under consideration and before it is unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo, we have compiled an exclusive comparison with its direct rival, the BYD Atto 3.
BYD Atto 3 VS MG 4 EV: Exterior Design and Interiors
The BYD Atto 3 speaks of its EV-specific styling with a blanked-off front grille, flanked by a sleek pair of headlamps housing the DRLs. When looked upon from the sides, the Atto 3's distinctive crossover-like styling is accentuated by a slightly sloping roofline, blacked-out wheel arch cladding and the C-pillar finished in silver. The rear of the electric SUV looks quite simple with a subtle roof spoiler and LED tail lamps running across the boot.
On the other hand, the MG 4 Electric's styling is quite futuristic and full of sharp elements. The creased bonnet fully assimilates into the front bumper with a set of LED headlamps sitting on both sides. Coming down, the functional air vents and front splitter are finished in black colour. ORVMs mounted on the front doors, styling side body cladding, aero-optimised front wheels and a slightly sloping roofline completes the side profile of the electric hatch. As we move towards the rear, the overall design looks quite smashing with a dual-tone bumper, integrated roof spoiler and a set of protruding tail lamps.
As we move inside the cabin, the Atto 3 is quite unique and stylish with a host of special elements. The door-mounted speakers, rotating infotainment system, distinctive air vents and gear level feels way ahead of its time. Quite opposite, to say the least, the interiors of the MG 4 EV are quite simple and sorted. Two displays, a flat bottom steering wheel, horizontally stacked AV vents and a protruding centre console are some of the notable elements which will make you feel at home.
BYD Atto 3 VS MG 4 EV: Dimensions
| Specifications | BYD Atto 3 | MG 4 EV |
| Length | 4,455 mm | 4,287 mm |
| Width | 1,875 mm | 1,836 mm |
| Height | 1,615 mm | 1,506 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,720 mm | 2,705 mm |
The BYD Atto 3 clearly outruns the MG 4 EV in terms of dimensions. The difference is quite huge in terms of length, however, the Atto 3 is wide by just 39 mm. Having said that, the wheelbase of MG 4 EV is less by just 15 mm as compared to Atto 3, which is quite less taking into account the difference in length.
BYD Atto 3 VS MG 4 EV: Powertrain
| Specifications | BYD Atto 3 | MG 4 EV |
| Battery Pack | 60.48 kWh | 51 kWh/ 64 kWh |
| Power | 201 bhp | 170 bhp/ 203 bhp |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Claimed Range | 521 kilometres | 350/ 452 kilometres |
The BYD Atto 3 comes with only a single 60.48 kWh battery pack while the MG 4 EV gets two options, a 51 kWh and a 64 kWh battery pack. The power output from the latter is slightly higher than the BYD Atto 3, however, the peak torque of Atto 3 is 60 Nm more than the MG's EV. The claimed electric driving range of BYD Atto 3 is 521 kilometres which is on the higher side as compared to the MG 4 EV's maximum of 452 kilometres. Another major difference between the two is that the Atto 3 is a front-wheel drive vehicle while the electric motor is mounted on the rear axle in the MG 4.
Also Read: BYD Atto 3 Electric SUV Test Drive Review
Verdict: The BYD Atto 3 and MG 4 EV are quite well equipped in terms of features as well as powertrain. The Atto 3 is obviously the bigger vehicle with a marginally higher electric driving range. MG 4 EV on the other hand gets a more compact body stance with a very long wheelbase (taking its length into consideration). If MG decides to bring the crossover EV to India, the pricing will play a major role in determining its success. Very much like the Atto 3, we expect MG 4 to be sold in India via the CKD route and that will help the cause in the pricing department.
