Is the BYD Atto 3 cheaper to run than the BMW X3 xDrive20i?

Yes. Based on 15,000 km/year over 5 years in NSW, the BYD Atto 3 costs $43,145 to run versus $79,039 for the BMW X3 xDrive20i — a saving of $35,894 (45%). 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 X3 xDrive20i to the BYD Atto 3?

About $35,894 over 5 years — roughly $7,179 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.

5-year running cost · 15,000 km/yr · NSW

BYD Atto 3VSBMW X3 xDrive20i

The BYD Atto 3 is cheaper to run — by $35,894 over 5 years (45% lower total cost), driven mostly by depreciation.

5-yr cheaper total: $43,145; BYD Atto 3
Saving vs rival: $35,894; 45% lower
Cost per km: $1; vs $1
Saving per year: $7,179; on average

Tale of the tape

Headline specs and running costs side by side.

Metric	⚡ BYD Atto 3	⛽ BMW X3 xDrive20i
Driveaway price	$48,990	$89,900
Powertrain	Electric (BEV)	Petrol · ULP 95
Efficiency	17.8 kWh/100km	8.5 L/100km
Battery / fuel	60.5 kWh battery	Petrol · ULP 95
Range	~340 km real-world	—
Annual energy / fuel	$590	$2,869

Run the numbers yourself

interactive

Pre-loaded with the BYD Atto 3 and BMW X3 xDrive20i. 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.

⚡ Electric vehicle

⛽ Petrol equivalent

Annual distance15,000 km

Ownership period

State / Territory

EV charging mix

Home (grid)70%

Public charger20%

Home solar10%

Total: 100%

Over 5 years, the BYD Atto 3 costs $2,229 more than the BMW X3 xDrive20i — but fuel savings grow every year.

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 X3 xDrive20i

CHEAPER

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

💰 YOU SAVE $2,229

5-Year Cost Breakdown

Energy / Fuel

$2,950

PET

$11,070

Registration

$2,500

PET

$2,500

Insurance

$9,000

PET

$7,500

Servicing

$1,750

PET

$2,750

Depreciation

$26,945

PET

$17,096

Compare BYD Atto 3 vs BMW X3 xDrive20i in detail See all BYD running costs

5-year cost breakdown

Every category, both vehicles, and the difference.

Category	BYD Atto 3	BMW X3 xDrive20i	Difference
Energy / fuel	$2,950	$14,344	−$11,394
Registration	$2,500	$2,500	—
Insurance	$9,000	$10,000	−$1,000
Servicing	$1,750	$2,750	−$1,000
Depreciation	$26,945	$49,445	−$22,500
Total (5 yrs)	$43,145	$79,039	$35,894

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 $79,039 for the BMW X3 xDrive20i. That is a $35,894 difference — about $7,179 a year, or $598 a month.

The single biggest swing is depreciation: across 5 years the gap is $22,500. 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 X3 xDrive20i'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 X3 xDrive20i?: Yes. Based on 15,000 km/year over 5 years in NSW, the BYD Atto 3 costs $43,145 to run versus $79,039 for the BMW X3 xDrive20i — a saving of $35,894 (45%). 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 X3 xDrive20i to the BYD Atto 3?: About $35,894 over 5 years — roughly $7,179 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.