5-year running cost · 15,000 km/yr · NSW
BYD Atto 3VSBMW X1 sDrive20i
The BYD Atto 3 is cheaper to run — by $26,506 over 5 years (38% lower total cost), driven mostly by depreciation.
- 5-yr cheaper total
- $43,145
- BYD Atto 3
- Saving vs rival
- $26,506
- 38% lower
- Cost per km
- $1
- vs $1
- Saving per year
- $5,301
- on average
Tale of the tape
Headline specs and running costs side by side.
| Metric | ⚡ BYD Atto 3 | ⛽ BMW X1 sDrive20i |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway price | $48,990 | $75,900 |
| Powertrain | Electric (BEV) | Petrol · ULP 95 |
| Efficiency | 17.8 kWh/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Battery / fuel | 60.5 kWh battery | Petrol · ULP 95 |
| Range | ~340 km real-world | — |
| Annual energy / fuel | $590 | $2,531 |
Run the numbers yourself
interactivePre-loaded with the BYD Atto 3 and BMW X1 sDrive20i. 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
- Energy / Fuel
- $2,950
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $9,000
- Servicing
- $1,750
- Depreciation
- $26,945
5-Year Total
$43,145
$1/km · $8,629/yr
Petrol
BMW X1 sDrive20i
- Energy / Fuel
- $11,070
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $7,500
- Servicing
- $2,750
- Depreciation
- $17,096
5-Year Total
$40,916
$1/km · $8,183/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 | BMW X1 sDrive20i | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy / fuel | $2,950 | $12,656 | −$9,706 |
| Registration | $2,500 | $2,500 | — |
| Insurance | $9,000 | $10,000 | −$1,000 |
| Servicing | $1,750 | $2,750 | −$1,000 |
| Depreciation | $26,945 | $41,745 | −$14,800 |
| Total (5 yrs) | $43,145 | $69,651 | $26,506 |
Which is cheaper to run?
Over 5 years of average Australian driving (15,000 km/year in NSW), the BYD Atto 3 costs $43,145 to own and run, against $69,651 for the BMW X1 sDrive20i. That is a $26,506 difference — about $5,301 a year, or $442 a month.
The single biggest swing is depreciation: across 5 years the gap is $14,800. 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 X1 sDrive20i'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 cheaper to run than the BMW X1 sDrive20i?
- Yes. Based on 15,000 km/year over 5 years in NSW, the BYD Atto 3 costs $43,145 to run versus $69,651 for the BMW X1 sDrive20i — a saving of $26,506 (38%). The biggest difference is depreciation.
- How much does it cost to run the BYD Atto 3 per year in Australia?
- Around $8,629 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 X1 sDrive20i to the BYD Atto 3?
- About $26,506 over 5 years — roughly $5,301 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.