5-year running cost · 15,000 km/yr · NSW
MG ZS EVVSBMW X3 xDrive20i
The MG ZS EV is cheaper to run — by $38,295 over 5 years (48% lower total cost), driven mostly by depreciation.
- 5-yr cheaper total
- $40,744
- MG ZS EV
- Saving vs rival
- $38,295
- 48% lower
- Cost per km
- $1
- vs $1
- Saving per year
- $7,659
- on average
Tale of the tape
Headline specs and running costs side by side.
| Metric | ⚡ MG ZS EV | ⛽ BMW X3 xDrive20i |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway price | $46,990 | $89,900 |
| Powertrain | Electric (BEV) | Petrol · ULP 95 |
| Efficiency | 19.0 kWh/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Battery / fuel | 50.3 kWh battery | Petrol · ULP 95 |
| Range | ~260 km real-world | — |
| Annual energy / fuel | $630 | $2,869 |
Run the numbers yourself
interactivePre-loaded with the MG ZS EV 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.
Ownership period
Electric
MG ZS EV
- Energy / Fuel
- $3,149
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $7,500
- Servicing
- $1,750
- Depreciation
- $25,845
5-Year Total
$40,744
$1/km · $8,149/yr
Petrol
BMW X3 xDrive20i
- 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 | MG ZS EV | BMW X3 xDrive20i | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy / fuel | $3,149 | $14,344 | −$11,195 |
| Registration | $2,500 | $2,500 | — |
| Insurance | $7,500 | $10,000 | −$2,500 |
| Servicing | $1,750 | $2,750 | −$1,000 |
| Depreciation | $25,845 | $49,445 | −$23,600 |
| Total (5 yrs) | $40,744 | $79,039 | $38,295 |
Which is cheaper to run?
Over 5 years of average Australian driving (15,000 km/year in NSW), the MG ZS EV costs $40,744 to own and run, against $79,039 for the BMW X3 xDrive20i. That is a $38,295 difference — about $7,659 a year, or $638 a month.
The single biggest swing is depreciation: across 5 years the gap is $23,600. 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 MG ZS EV cheaper to run than the BMW X3 xDrive20i?
- Yes. Based on 15,000 km/year over 5 years in NSW, the MG ZS EV costs $40,744 to run versus $79,039 for the BMW X3 xDrive20i — a saving of $38,295 (48%). The biggest difference is depreciation.
- How much does it cost to run the MG ZS EV per year in Australia?
- Around $8,149 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 MG ZS EV?
- About $38,295 over 5 years — roughly $7,659 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.