The dream of mass EV adoption in Australia rests on one single factor: affordability. For years, the entry point into electric mobility sat frustratingly close to the $45,000 mark. But as 2025 draws to a close, a new cohort of contenders has completely reshaped the landscape.

The headline news has been the arrival of the BYD Atto 2. With the base Dynamic model officially priced at $31,990 (plus on-road costs), it has plunged the starting price for an electric SUV to an unprecedented low, effectively resetting the entire entry-level market. This compact crossover is positioned to steal sales not just from rival EVs, but from petrol-powered staples like the Mitsubishi ASX and Subaru Crosstrek.

This aggressive move by BYD forces a direct confrontation with the established budget champions: the MG S5 EV (the successor to the popular ZS EV) and the quirky GWM Ora.

At EV Evolution, Australia’s premier digital platform for EV enthusiasts, we break down this three-way budget brawl to determine which model offers the best blend of price, range, and practicality for the Australian commuter.

💰 The Price Point: Dollar-for-Dollar Value

The key to this segment is the final figure. While the BYD Atto 2 has the lowest Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), drive-away costs and specifications tell the real story.

Note: The MG S5 EV often runs drive-away promotions, making its higher MSRP misleading.

The EV Evolution Take: BYD wins on the lowest absolute purchase price, putting it squarely within reach of first-time EV owners and small fleets. However, GWM and MG offer greater value-per-kilometre at their base pricing, with superior claimed range right out of the box.

🔋 Range and Charging: The Practicality Test

For the average Australian commuter, 300km is more than enough. But faster charging and a little extra range offer crucial peace of mind.

BYD Atto 2: Safety in the Blade

The Atto 2 utilises BYD’s advanced Blade Battery, known for its safety and robust LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry.

• Range: The 345km WLTP range from the 51.3kWh battery is respectable, but it falls short of its rivals.
• Charging: Its maximum DC charging speed of 82kW is the slowest of the trio. Expect a 10-80% charge to take around 38-40 minutes. This is the Atto 2’s major compromise for its price.
• Unique Feature: It includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) as standard, allowing it to power camping gear or small appliances—a massive practical win for budget buyers.

MG S5 EV (New Gen): The Efficiency King

The MG S5 EV (which replaces the ZS EV) moves to the same platform as the popular MG4. The base Excite model offers a smaller 49kWh LFP battery.

• Range: The MG S5 is expected to achieve a WLTP range over 400km (using the MG4’s efficiencies as a guide), offering excellent efficiency from a relatively small pack.
• Charging: Charging speeds are a solid step up, with DC charging topping out at 120kW for the base 49kWh model, making roadside stops significantly quicker than the BYD.
• Unique Feature: MG continues to offer an industry-leading 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty on the vehicle and battery, providing exceptional long-term security.

GWM Ora: The Unexpected Long-Hauler

The GWM Ora (often called the Funky Cat) is technically a hatchback, but its high-riding stance makes it a natural competitor.

• Range: With a starting 57.7kWh battery, the Ora boasts the best range among the entry models, hitting 400km WLTP.
• Charging: The maximum DC charge rate of 80kW is on par with the Atto 2, meaning you gain range advantage but lose time at the charging station compared to the MG.
• Unique Feature: The Ora is the style statement of the group, with its distinctive retro-futuristic looks that polarise, but certainly stand out in the crowded SUV segment.

🛋️ Cabin Comfort and Tech: Trading Space for Style

The three vehicles offer fundamentally different cabin experiences:

The BYD Atto 2 offers the most practical interior, inheriting the spaciousness of the larger Atto 3 but in a more conventional, less “gimmicky” style than its sibling. The standard V2L is a feature few ICE cars offer at this price.

The MG S5 EV has greatly improved its perceived quality over the old ZS EV, feeling more solid and featuring less hard plastic. It’s the most normal SUV of the group, providing a seamless transition for buyers moving from a petrol car.

The GWM Ora is the most fashion-forward but sacrifices practicality. Its 228-litre boot is tiny—a key factor to consider for families or big shoppers. However, its interior feels premium for the price, boasting dual screens and, on higher trims, even ventilated and massaging seats.

🇦🇺 The EV Evolution Verdict: What Matters Most to You?

The arrival of the Atto 2 is a watershed moment, proving that manufacturers are willing to compete aggressively to capture the price-sensitive Australian buyer. There is no single “winner,” but there is a winner for your specific needs:

• Choose the BYD Atto 2 if: You want the absolute lowest purchase price and value the unique flexibility of V2L (Vehicle-to-Load). It is the perfect suburban runabout that provides SUV height without the price pain.
• Choose the MG S5 EV if: You want the fastest charging, best long-term warranty, and a more conventional, proven SUV experience that doesn’t compromise on range.
• Choose the GWM Ora if: Style is paramount, and you can sacrifice boot space for a premium, design-led cabin and the longest official range of the entry-level models.

The budget battle is intense, and the choice is deliciously difficult.

🤖 EV Evolution: Your Guide to Smarter EV Shopping

Deciding between these fierce competitors requires more than just reading the spec sheet. You need to know the drive-away price in your state, the real-world charging curve differences, and the latest local incentives that can make one option significantly cheaper than the others.

Don’t get bogged down in data sheets and changing prices.

At EV Evolution, we encourage you to explore the EV Evolution AI-powered chatbot today. Our AI is continually updated with:

• Real-time, state-specific drive-away pricing for the Atto 2, S5 EV, and Ora.
• Direct comparisons of boot space and cabin dimensions.
• The latest EV news and deals in Australia.

About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.