5-year running cost · 15,000 km/yr · NSW
BYD Atto 3 Extended RangeVSBMW 320i
The BYD Atto 3 Extended Range is cheaper to run — by $24,325 over 5 years (34% lower total cost), driven mostly by depreciation.
- 5-yr cheaper total
- $46,470
- BYD Atto 3 Extended Range
- Saving vs rival
- $24,325
- 34% lower
- Cost per km
- $1
- vs $1
- Saving per year
- $4,865
- on average
Tale of the tape
Headline specs and running costs side by side.
| Metric | ⚡ BYD Atto 3 Extended Range | ⛽ BMW 320i |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway price | $54,990 | $78,900 |
| Powertrain | Electric (BEV) | Petrol · ULP 95 |
| Efficiency | 17.9 kWh/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Battery / fuel | 71.8 kWh battery | Petrol · ULP 95 |
| Range | ~400 km real-world | — |
| Annual energy / fuel | $595 | $2,430 |
Run the numbers yourself
interactivePre-loaded with the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range and BMW 320i. Adjust the state, annual distance, ownership period and charging mix to match your situation.
EV Running Cost Calculator
Compare the true 5-year ownership cost of an electric car vs its petrol equivalent in Australia.
Ownership period
Electric
BYD Atto 3 Extended Range
- Energy / Fuel
- $2,975
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $9,000
- Servicing
- $1,750
- Depreciation
- $30,245
5-Year Total
$46,470
$1/km · $9,294/yr
Petrol
BMW 320i
- Energy / Fuel
- $11,993
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $7,500
- Servicing
- $2,750
- Depreciation
- $20,696
5-Year Total
$45,439
$1/km · $9,088/yr
5-Year Cost Breakdown
Energy / Fuel
Registration
Insurance
Servicing
Depreciation
5-year cost breakdown
Every category, both vehicles, and the difference.
| Category | BYD Atto 3 Extended Range | BMW 320i | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy / fuel | $2,975 | $12,150 | −$9,175 |
| Registration | $2,500 | $2,500 | — |
| Insurance | $9,000 | $10,000 | −$1,000 |
| Servicing | $1,750 | $2,750 | −$1,000 |
| Depreciation | $30,245 | $43,395 | −$13,150 |
| Total (5 yrs) | $46,470 | $70,795 | $24,325 |
Which is cheaper to run?
Over 5 years of average Australian driving (15,000 km/year in NSW), the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range costs $46,470 to own and run, against $70,795 for the BMW 320i. That is a $24,325 difference — about $4,865 a year, or $405 a month.
The single biggest swing is depreciation: across 5 years the gap is $13,150. Energy is where electric cars usually win — charging at home (especially on solar or off-peak rates) costs a fraction of petrol per kilometre — while the BMW 320i's higher purchase price can narrow the gap through depreciation.
Estimates use average NSW electricity and fuel prices, typical insurance and servicing for this segment, and a 5-year depreciation model. Your numbers will vary with tariffs, driving style and resale values — use the calculator above for a tailored figure.
FAQ
- Is the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range cheaper to run than the BMW 320i?
- Yes. Based on 15,000 km/year over 5 years in NSW, the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range costs $46,470 to run versus $70,795 for the BMW 320i — a saving of $24,325 (34%). The biggest difference is depreciation.
- How much does it cost to run the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range per year in Australia?
- Around $9,294 per year ($1/km), covering energy, registration, insurance, servicing and depreciation at 15,000 km/year in NSW.
- How much can I save switching from the BMW 320i to the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range?
- About $24,325 over 5 years — roughly $4,865 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.