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Chery E5 vs BYD Atto 3

Published April 2026
Chery E5 vs BYD Atto 3
Chery E5 vs BYD Atto 3
Chery E5 vs BYD Atto 3 Close

A Comprehensive Cars Comparison by Cars4us

Electric SUVs are becoming increasingly accessible for Australian buyers, and two of the most talked-about options are the Chery E5 and BYD Atto 3. Both offer practical family-friendly packaging, competitive driving range and comprehensive safety technology, but they appeal to different buyers. The Chery focuses on value and simplicity, while the BYD aims to deliver a more mature and polished EV experience. If you're deciding between them, here's how they compare.

Powertrain & Performance

Chery E5

7.5/10

  • The Chery E5 Ultimate focuses on smooth, comfortable EV driving rather than outright performance. Its single front-mounted electric motor produces 155kW and 288Nm, giving it a slight power advantage over the BYD Atto 3 Premium. Around town, the E5 feels effortless and refined, with instant electric torque making traffic and suburban driving easy.

Atto 3

8/10

  • While the E5 delivers slightly more power on paper, the Atto 3's higher torque output helps it accelerate marginally quicker. Most buyers are unlikely to notice the difference in daily driving, but those seeking a more responsive feel may lean towards the BYD.
  • Verdict: Smooth and comfortable, though the Atto 3 feels slightly more eager when accelerating.

Interior Comfort & Features

Chery E5

7.5/10

  • Inside, the E5 Ultimate adopts a clean and modern design centred around dual 12.3-inch displays. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, while the digital dashboard is easy to navigate and feels intuitive for first-time EV buyers.

Atto 3

8.5/10

  • Compared with the BYD Atto 3, the cabin takes a more conservative approach. The Atto 3's rotating touchscreen, panoramic sunroof and additional premium features create a stronger sense of occasion, but some buyers may prefer the Chery's simpler and more traditional layout.
  • Verdict: User-friendly and modern, but not as feature-rich or distinctive as the Atto 3.

Space & Practicality

Chery E5

7.5/10

  • The E5 comfortably accommodates five passengers and provides enough space for everyday duties such as commuting, shopping and school runs. Rear-seat accommodation is competitive, and the cabin feels airy thanks to its SUV proportions.

Atto 3

8.5/10

  • However, practicality is one area where the BYD Atto 3 establishes a clear advantage. Its larger boot and greater cargo capacity make it the more versatile option for families carrying luggage, sporting equipment or bulky items.
  • Verdict: Practical enough for most buyers, but the Atto 3 offers significantly more usable cargo space.

Range & Charge

Chery E5

8/10

  • Range is one of the Chery E5's strongest selling points. With a WLTP range of up to 430km, it edges out the BYD Atto 3 on paper and should comfortably cover the needs of most Australian commuters. Whether you're tackling the daily school run, commuting to work, or heading away for a weekend trip, the E5 offers enough range to minimise charging stops.

Atto 3

8.5/10

  • The trade-off comes when it's time to recharge. While the E5 supports both AC and DC fast charging, its charging speeds are slightly lower than the Atto 3's. For owners who primarily charge at home overnight, this difference is unlikely to matter. However, buyers planning frequent road trips may appreciate the quicker charging capability offered by the BYD.
  • Verdict: Slightly longer range than the Atto 3, but slower charging means it is better suited to drivers who charge mainly at home.

Safety

Chery E5

8.5/10

  • The E5 carries a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies. Autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree camera are all standard.

Atto 3

8.5/10

  • The safety package closely mirrors the Atto 3, making this one of the most evenly matched categories in the comparison.
  • Verdict: Strong safety credentials that match the standards set by the Atto 3.

Ownership & Value

Chery E3

8/10

  • For buyers entering the EV market for the first time, the E5's strongest argument is value. It offers a comprehensive feature list, strong warranty coverage and competitive driving range in an affordable package.

Atto 3

8.5/10

  • While the Atto 3 delivers a more polished overall ownership experience, the E5 makes a compelling case for buyers focused on maximising value without sacrificing core EV functionality.
  • Verdict: Outstanding value and warranty coverage make it a strong first EV.

Our Verdict

Kia EV5 7.8/10
BYD ATTO 3 8.4/10

Choose the Chery E5 if you want a straightforward electric SUV with modern technology, solid range and an easy ownership experience.

Choose the BYD Atto 3 if you want more cargo space, faster charging, a more premium interior and a more refined overall package.

The Chery E5 is the ideal entry point into EV ownership. The BYD Atto 3 feels more mature and better suited to families wanting maximum versatility from their electric SUV.

Explore Electric Vehicles at Cars4Us

Whether you're buying your first EV or upgrading to a larger electric SUV, Cars4Us has a growing range of quality electric vehicles from Australia's leading brands.

Browse our latest EV stock online today and find the right electric vehicle for your lifestyle, driving habits and daily commute.

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