Omoda 5 EV vs BYD Atto 3 EVO: which compact Chinese electric SUV offers more for less in Spain

The Chinese avalanche in the electric C-segment is no longer a promise: it is a reality that takes up floor space in Spanish dealerships. And within this wave, two names attract almost all the attention of the rational buyer looking for a compact Chinese electric SUV backed by serious industrial credentials. The Omoda 5 EV vs BYD Atto 3 EVO has become the reference showdown for those who value every euro spent without giving up current technology.

Two different approaches for the same customer

Omoda and BYD share the same goal —the European buyer of a family electric SUV— but arrive with opposing philosophies. Chery has dressed the Omoda 5 EV as an urban crossover with sharp lines, a contained battery and an aggressive price. The BYD, by contrast, bets on muscle: more kilowatts, more battery and an interior that sparks conversation. The question is not which one is better in the abstract, but which one fits better in your garage.

Omoda 5 EV: the rational choice with an entry price (from ≈€37,900)

The Omoda 5 EV is the Trojan horse with which Chery wants to win volume in Spain. Its 200 hp is more than enough for an SUV of this size, with a contained weight that translates into agile behaviour in town and on secondary roads. The 61 kWh battery offers an homologated range of around 430 km, an honest figure for real mixed use close to 340–360 km.

The interior plays its cards well: dual screen, materials that are correct for the segment and an equipment level that, in the Comfort version, covers what the average buyer expects. It does not dazzle, but it does not disappoint.

BYD Atto 3 EVO: the high-end technological bet (from ≈€43,000)

The updated BYD Atto 3 EVO raises the bar. Its 310 hp make it one of the most powerful compact Chinese electric SUVs on sale in Spain, with an immediate response that has little to envy from European premium proposals. The 74.8 kWh Blade battery, with LFP chemistry, is one of its great arguments: thermal safety, durability and a comfortable real range for intercity trips.

The cabin is where the BYD shows its design muscle: a dumbbell-shaped door handle, guitar-string vents, a rotating screen and a finish level that surprises for the price. It is, without doubt, the car with more personality of the two.

Power and performance: 200 hp is enough, 310 hp is more than enough

In real use, the Omoda’s 200 hp already provide a more than sufficient experience for a family car. The BYD’s 310 hp are a more emotional than practical argument: they make motorway merging effortless and deliver the thrust that wins over in dynamic tests, but they slightly penalise consumption when fully used.

Battery, range and charging: BYD’s play

This is where the premium of the Atto 3 EVO is justified. The 74.8 kWh versus the Omoda’s 61 kWh represent a tangible difference on the motorway, where the BYD SUV offers an extra margin of peace of mind. The LFP chemistry of the battery also behaves particularly well in long-term degradation, a factor increasingly valued in the used-car market.

Price and value for money: the Omoda comes out ahead

We are talking about manufacturer’s recommended RRP prices, without taking into account current offers, dealer discounts or grants. With that caveat, the difference between the two is around €5,000, which places the Omoda 5 EV as the most affordable compact Chinese electric SUV with solid industrial backing in Spain.

Comparative summary table with scoring

Verdict: which one to buy?

If you prioritise a low entry price, contained maintenance and urban/peri-urban use, the Omoda 5 EV is the smartest purchase: it offers 90% of the car for 88% of the money. If you value real range on long trips, performance, a more durable battery and an interior with personality, the BYD Atto 3 EVO justifies the premium with technical arguments. The first wins on pure rationality; the second, on overall proposition.

Frequently asked questions

Which Chinese electric SUV has better range, the Omoda 5 EV or the BYD Atto 3 EVO?
The BYD Atto 3 EVO, thanks to its 74.8 kWh Blade battery, offers a greater homologated range (≈450 km) compared with the ≈430 km of the Omoda 5 EV with its 61 kWh battery.

Which is cheaper, the Omoda 5 EV or the BYD Atto 3 EVO?
The Omoda 5 EV starts from approximately €37,900, while the BYD Atto 3 EVO starts at around €43,000, a difference of close to €5,000 in favour of the Omoda.

Is the BYD Atto 3 EVO faster than the Omoda 5 EV?
Yes. The Atto 3 EVO delivers 310 hp compared with the Omoda 5 EV’s 200 hp, with better acceleration and a slightly higher top speed (180 km/h versus 170 km/h).

What is the best compact Chinese electric SUV to buy in Spain in 2024?
It depends on the profile: for urban use and maximum value for money, the Omoda 5 EV; for long journeys, performance and latest-generation battery technology, the BYD Atto 3 EVO is the most complete option.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverOmoda 56 versions · from 27,900 €