Affordability and urban use shape the Omoda 5 EV, while the BYD offers more range, space and technology. Both models come from Chinese manufacturers, but their strengths differ sharply. Specifications also depend on version and market, particularly for battery capacity, charging performance and advertised prices.
Design and Dimensions
The Omoda 5 EV, the first electric model from Chery's Omoda brand in Spain, measures 4.42 meters long, 1.83 meters wide and 1.59 meters high, with a 2.63-meter wheelbase. Its coupe-inspired silhouette stands out, but costs rear headroom: adults over 1.85 meters will find their heads brushing the roof. Rear access is comfortable, though the middle seat in the back row is narrow and less usable. The trunk offers 380 liters, modest for a compact SUV.
The BYD Atto 3 EVO is slightly larger, measuring 4.45 meters long, 1.87 meters wide and 1.61 meters high, with a 2.72-meter wheelbase. Its interior is roomier, especially in terms of headroom, and the trunk is significantly bigger at 490 liters, expanding to 1,360 liters with the rear seats folded. There's also a 95-liter front trunk, making the BYD more practical for families or longer trips.
Cabin and Technology
The Omoda 5 EV has a clean dashboard, with two 12.3-inch digital screens, one for instruments and one for infotainment, joined in a single panel. The layout looks modern, but the touchscreen's responsiveness and menu logic can frustrate, with sluggish performance and unintuitive navigation. Materials and build quality are solid for the price point.
The recently updated BYD Atto 3 EVO improves on its predecessor with higher-quality materials in basic areas and a minimalist dashboard. It features an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen for multimedia, along with a new steering wheel and more standard equipment, including a head-up display. The gear selector has moved to the steering column, freeing up space in the center console.
Performance and Range
In Spain, the Omoda 5 EV is listed with a 204 hp electric motor and a 61 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering up to 430 kilometers of WLTP range. Published specifications vary by production version: the earlier 150 kW model is associated with 204 hp and up to 80 kW DC charging, while the newer 155 kW version produces 211 hp and 288 Nm and is rated for up to 130 kW DC charging. Espíritu RACER gives the later version a claimed consumption of 15.9 kWh/100 km and a 0-100 km/h time of 7.2 seconds. Its stated DC charging time is 28 minutes from 30% to 80%; 11 kW AC charging takes about seven hours from 10% to 100%. Cuandocargo.es lists Omoda 5 EV DC charging across an 80-130 kW range, reflecting these version differences.
The BYD Atto 3 EVO comes in two versions: rear-wheel lead with 313 hp and all-wheel lead with 449 hp. Both use BYD's 74.8 kWh Blade Battery, a lithium-iron-phosphate pack, and offer 510 km and 470 km of WLTP range, respectively. The rear-wheel-lead Design is also listed with a 710 km urban-cycle range. Its DC charging capability reaches 220 kW, with a claimed 10-80% charge in about 25 minutes; AC charging is capped at 11 kW. The Excellence AWD adds a second motor and produces 560 Nm, with a stated 0-100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds. These figures give the BYD a clear edge on longer journeys and frequent fast-charging stops, while the Omoda's lower stated consumption and smaller battery suit different priorities.
Equipment and Pricing
The Omoda 5 EV starts at €22,890, including government incentives and promotional discounts, making it one of the most affordable electric SUVs in Spain. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, a heated steering wheel, full LED lighting, keyless entry and start, and a suite of driver assistance systems. Two trim levels, Comfort and Premium, are available. Cuandocargo.es lists a €32,900 Spanish price before incentives, illustrating how advertised figures can vary with discounts, support schemes and the specific offer.
The BYD Atto 3 EVO is priced from €42,990, but current promotions and incentives bring the effective starting price down to €31,987. Standard equipment includes electric, heated and ventilated front seats, four-way lumbar adjustment for the driver, a 360-degree camera, a powered tailgate and a heat pump. Two trims, Design and Excellence, cover the range. AutoScout24 Italia reports prices of €43,800 for the Design and €45,100 for the Excellence in its cited market; local pricing, equipment and incentives can vary.
Which to Choose?
The Omoda 5 EV makes a compelling case for buyers focused on city driving, value and a well-equipped car at a low price. Its limits in space and range are offset by its affordability and modern features. The BYD Atto 3 EVO is the more complete package for buyers who prioritize cabin and cargo space, longer WLTP range and faster DC charging, but it costs more. For those who need a family car or plan to travel longer distances, the BYD is the clear winner; the Omoda remains the more budget-focused choice.
The compact electric SUV market is developing, with models such as the Kia EV2 GT-Line, recently reviewed in detail at RUSSPAIN, adding to the competition. Each brand is targeting a particular balance of price, range and features.
Context and Outlook
Omoda and BYD are part of a new wave of Chinese brands making rapid inroads into the Spanish and European EV markets. Their aggressive pricing and quick product cycles are reshaping consumer expectations. As charging infrastructure improves and battery technology advances, the gap between affordable and premium electric SUVs is likely to narrow further. For now, choosing between the Omoda 5 EV and BYD Atto 3 EVO comes down to budget, daily needs and the value placed on space, range and advanced features. The basic comparison is the Omoda's lower entry-cost positioning against the Atto 3 EVO's larger battery, longer stated range and higher peak DC charging power.
