BYD Atto 2 vs GWM Ora 5 vs MG4 Urban 2026 Bench Test

There are cheaper electric cars available in Australia like the BYD Atto 1, GAC Aion UT and Geely EX2, but their size makes them more of a niche offering – we'll cover those off another time.

The three cars we have here, the BYD Atto 2, GWM Ora 5 and MG4 EV Urban, are of sufficient size, range and power to realistically function as family vehicles and all line up neatly with our imaginary budget of $35,000 (give or take).

But it’s not quite that simple, so there are some factors to keep in mind as you read this.

The MG4 is offered in just one fully loaded Essence spec, starting at $31,990 drive-away, but a bigger battery is available for another $3000.

The BYD Atto 2 Dynamic also starts at $31,990 but that’s sans on-road costs, which when added, bring the price to $35,500 drive-away (based on a Victorian postcode), so that’s the variant we’ll be using, as switching to the $35,990 (+ORCs) Premium opens up a whole host of other possible rivals.

Finally, the GWM Ora 5 starts at $33,990 drive-away for the Lux, but we’ll assume people might be able to stretch their budget to $36,990 drive-away for the Ultra.

Paint is really the only possible option on each, with BYD offering a fairly tame selection, GWM some properly pastel choices and MG the biggest range. 

Each manufacturer’s warranty and servicing provisions are laid out below, but it’s worth noting that MG will extend the warranty up to 10 years/250,000km if you service with an authorised dealer. 

Rather than write out chapter and verse, the table below illustrates how the BYD Atto 2, GWM Ora 5 and MG4 Urban stack up in terms of equipment levels.

As you’d perhaps hope given it’s the most expensive, the GWM has the most features, though it’s worth noting if you can stretch to the BYD Atto 2 Premium it matches the GWM, albeit at a higher price.

It also increases the wheel size from 16 to 17 inches and replaces the Westlake tyres with Hankooks.

Happily, there’s no need to go through the minutiae of the safety offerings in the BYD Atto 2, GWM Ora 5 and MG4 Urban as all have heaps of airbags and every active safety assist under the sun.

Only the MG has an ANCAP rating (at the time of writing); awarded five stars thanks to scores of 87 per cent for adult occupant protection, 86 per cent for child occupant protection, 85 per cent for vulnerable road users and 82 per cent for safety assists.

GWM expects the Ora 5 to score five stars when it completes testing, though BYD has no current plans current to submit the Atto 2 due to “prioritising other models”, but it is worth noting every BYD that has been tested has been awarded five stars.

All three cars drive the front wheels and while power outputs vary, all have sufficient reserves for zippy acceleration, partly because there’s not much in it when you take their respective weight figures into account.

If range is a consideration, the GWM Ora 5 is the pick as it offers the biggest number with the fastest charging, though the bigger battery MG4 Urban isn’t far behind. Choose the cheaper Essence 43, however, and range and maximum charging speed drop to 316km and 82kW respectively.

All three use their EV layouts to good effect, being able to accommodate adults in the rear and a reasonable amount of luggage within fairly small frames. The BYD is well packaged, offering competitive interior space in the smallest body, especially with the rear seats folded.

The good news is there is no bad choice here and your $35,000-odd will buy you a lot of car. Even the BYD, which is the first to fall, has plenty of space, all the kit you need and enough range for most suburban driving.

However, for similar money to the others it also has fewer features, less range, the slowest charging, shortest warranty and most expensive servicing – even if we’re talking relatively small margins.

Next up is the MG4 Urban, which is possibly the Goldilocks offering in having plenty of equipment, lots of range, enough space and ANCAP-approved safety for the lowest price. Some may discount it for being a hatch rather than an SUV; others may prefer it for the same reason.

However, on paper the GWM Ora 5 is the winner. In top-spec it does cost a little more than the others, but you get some of that back with the cheapest servicing and cheaper optional paint, as well luxuries the others lack, the longest range and the fastest charging.

For those who want to stand out, the fact it looks like a baby Porsche Macan and can be had in lurid pink, green or blue will only add to the appeal.

BYD Atto 2 at a glance:
Price: $31,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 130kW/290Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 51kWh LFP
Range: 345km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 14.8kWh/100km (as tested)
Safety rating: Not tested

2026 GWM Ora 5 at a glance:
Price: $36,990 (drive-away)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 150kW/260Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 58.3kWh lithium-iron
Range: 435km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 15.5kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested

2026 MG4 EV Urban at a glance:
Price: $34,990 drive-away
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 54kWh lithium-ion
Range: 405km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 16.1kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: 5-star (ANCAP 2025)

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