Car Buyer's Guide

BYD Atto 3 vs Proton X50

BYD Atto 3

BYD Atto 3

Proton X50

Proton X50

Verdict

The RM125,800 BYD Atto 3 costs RM36,000 more than the RM89,800 Proton X50, but it is the larger C-segment SUV: 75 mm longer, 80 mm wider and on a 120 mm longer wheelbase. Its 201 hp, 310 Nm motor cuts the 0-100 km/h time to 7.3 seconds and its 60.48 kWh battery claims 420 km of range. The X50 remains the cheaper petrol route, with 178 hp, 290 Nm and a 45-litre tank, but gives up boot space, rear suspension sophistication and driver-assistance hardware.

Atto 3

Pick the BYD Atto 3 if you want a 420 km EV with a 434-litre boot, 110 kW DC charging and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.

X50

Pick the Proton X50 if RM36,000 saved matters more than EV driving, a larger cabin footprint and the Atto 3’s extra safety and comfort equipment.

Key differences

  • Price: BYD Atto 3 RM125,800; Proton X50 RM89,800.
  • Power and torque: Atto 3 electric motor 201 hp and 310 Nm; X50 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine 178 hp and 290 Nm.
  • Claimed range/fuel storage: Atto 3 420 km from a 60.48 kWh battery; X50 45-litre petrol tank.
  • Performance: Atto 3 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds; X50 in 7.6 seconds.
  • Size and boot: Atto 3 is 4,455 mm long with a 2,720 mm wheelbase and 434-litre boot; X50 is 4,380 mm long with a 2,600 mm wheelbase and 330-litre boot.
  • Rear suspension: Atto 3 multi-link; X50 torsion beam.

Atto 3

  • 420 km claimed EV range with 110 kW DC charging and 3.3 kW V2L.
  • 434-litre boot and a 2,720 mm wheelbase.
  • Autonomous braking, lane-keeping steering correction and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.
  • RM36,000 dearer than the X50.
  • Heavier at 1,750 kg versus 1,351 kg.
  • Tyre repair kit instead of the X50’s space-saver spare.

X50

  • RM36,000 lower purchase price.
  • Lighter 1,351 kg kerb weight and a 45-litre petrol tank.
  • Malaysia CKD assembly and six free labour servicing visits.
  • 330-litre boot is 104 litres smaller than the Atto 3’s.
  • No autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist, and only passive cruise control.
  • Torsion-beam rear suspension versus the Atto 3’s multi-link layout.

What the Atto 3 has over the X50

ImmobilizerAirbag Disable FunctionAutonomous Braking SystemLane-keeping AssistCollision WarningSunroofSun Shade

What the X50 has over the Atto 3

AlarmNavigation

Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.

The Atto 3's wheelbase is 120 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. The Atto 3 is 80 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays. Boot space favours the Atto 3: 434 litres against 330.

Atto 3 4,455 × 1,875 × 1,615 mm · wheelbase 2,720 mmX50 4,380 × 1,795 × 1,609 mm · wheelbase 2,600 mm
1,6154,455 mmWheelbase 2,720 mm1,6094,380 mmWheelbase 2,600 mm

Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.

Price & overview
PriceRM125,800RM89,800✓
Body typeSUVSUV
SegmentC-SegmentB-Segment
AssemblyCBUCKD
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM160RM120✓
Monthly instalment (est.)RM1,285/moRM915/mo✓
Insurance / year (est.)RM3,519RM2,614✓
Fuel or electricity / year (est.)RM1,280—
Energy cost / 100 km (est.)RM6.40—
5-year running costs (est.)RM24,791—
Charging (estimated)
AC charge 0–100% (est.)8.6 hours—
DC charge 10–80% (est.)40 min—
Powertrain
Engine Tech400V architecture12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing
Capacity—1,499 cc
Horsepower—178 hp at 5,500 rpm
Torque—290 Nm at 2,000 rpm
Cylinder Arrangement—Inline 4
FuelElectricPetrol
Number of Motors1—
Motor Horsepower201 hp—
Motor Torque310 Nm—
Battery Capacity60.48 kWh—
EV Range420 km—
Charging Rate (AC)7 kW—
Charging Rate (DC)110 kW—
V2L3.3 kW—
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticDual-clutch Automatic (Wet)
Transmission Name—7DCT
Gears—7
Transmission Manufacturer—Geely
DrivelineFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h7.3 seconds✓7.6 seconds
Dimensions
Length4,455 mm4,380 mm
Width1,875 mm1,795 mm
Height1,615 mm1,609 mm
Wheelbase2,720 mm2,600 mm
Weight1,750 kg1,351 kg
Fuel Tank—45 litres
Doors55
Seats55
Boot Space434 litres✓330 litres
Front Tyre235/50R18215/60R17
Rear Tyre235/50R18215/60R17
Spare TyreN/A, Tyre Repair KitSpace Saver
Factory TyresContinental EcoContact 6 QGitiComfort F50
Wiper Blade (Driver)24 inch24 inch
Wiper Blade (Passenger)17 inch18 inch
Chassis
AssemblyChina (CBU)Malaysia (CKD)
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutsMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkTorsion Beam
Front Wheels18" Alloy17" Alloys
Rear Wheels18" Alloy17" Alloys
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Safety
Airbags6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain)6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain)
ABS/EBD✓✓
Stability Control✓✓
Alarm—✓
Immobilizer✓—
Airbag Disable Function✓—
Child Safety LockManual for Rear DoorsManual for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System✓✓
ISOFIXAvailable for Two Outer Rear Passenger SeatsAvailable on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYes—
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionNo
Collision Warning✓—
Seatbelt ReminderAll SeatsFor All Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsLED Projector with Auto High BeamLED Reflector
TaillampsFull LEDFull LED
LED Daytime Running Lights✓✓
Rear Foglamps✓✓
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators✓✓
Cabin
Front SeatsPower-adjustable Front Seats, VentilatedManual Adjustable
Rear Seats60:40 Split-folding60:40 Split-folding
Front Air-conSingle-zone Automatic Climate ControlSingle-zone Automatic Climate Control System
Rear Air-conRear AC VentsRear Vents
SunroofPanoramic, Tilt and Slide—
Power Sockets1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear
Interior LightingMap Lights & Ambient LightingMap Lights
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front
Sun ShadePanoramic Glass Roof Shade—
Audio15.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto with 6 Speakers14.6" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-PinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Push ButtonKeyless Push Button
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Headlamps✓✓
Auto Wipers✓✓
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control with Stop and GoPassive Cruise Control
Steering Audio Control✓✓
Steering Tilt✓✓
Steering Telescopic✓✓
Boot OperationPowered BootRemote Control Activation
Parking Sensor Front2 Sensors2 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear4 Sensors4 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, with 360-degree CameraYes
Folding Wing Mirrors✓✓
Bluetooth✓✓
Navigation—✓
Hill Start Assist✓✓
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Warranty
Warranty Mileage Manufacturer150,000 kmUnlimited✓
Warranty Manufacturer6 years✓5 years
Warranty Notes8-year/160,000-km Battery Warranty, 8-year/150,000-km Electric Drive Unit Warranty6 Times Free Labour Servicing

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Electricity at RM0.44/kWh (TNB domestic, home charging); public DC charging costs around RM1.30/kWh. Charging times estimated from battery capacity and peak charging rates. Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked October 2026.

Our reviews & guides

Atto 3 vs X50 FAQ

Is the BYD Atto 3 or Proton X50 better?

The Atto 3 is better for an EV buyer wanting 420 km claimed range, a 434-litre boot and more active safety equipment. The X50 is the better choice if you want to spend RM36,000 less and prefer petrol refuelling.

What is the price difference?

The BYD Atto 3 costs RM36,000 more than the Proton X50.

Which is quicker, the BYD Atto 3 or Proton X50?

The BYD Atto 3 is quicker on the 0-100 km/h sprint, taking 7.3 seconds against the Proton X50’s 7.6 seconds. Its single motor produces 201 hp and 310 Nm, versus 178 hp and 290 Nm for the X50.

How long does charging take?

The Atto 3's 60.5 kWh battery takes about 8.6 hours for a full AC charge, and an estimated 40 minutes from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger at its 110 kW peak.

Which one is locally assembled?

The X50 is assembled in Malaysia (CKD), while the Atto 3 is fully imported (CBU) from China. Local assembly generally helps pricing and spare-parts supply, and CKD programmes usually signal a longer-term commitment to the model here.

Which has the better warranty?

The Atto 3 carries a 6-year manufacturer warranty against 5 years for the X50. Atto 3: 8-year/160,000-km Battery Warranty, 8-year/150,000-km Electric Drive Unit Warranty. X50: 6 Times Free Labour Servicing.

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