Verdict
The RM36,000 gap is substantial: the BYD Atto 3 costs RM125,800 against the Proton X50’s RM89,800. For that, the BYD brings a 60.48-kWh battery, 420-km EV range, 201 hp and 310 Nm, plus a 2,720-mm wheelbase and 434-litre boot. It is also slightly quicker to 100 km/h at 7.3 seconds. The X50 counters with a 178-hp, 290-Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, 45-litre tank and lower RM120 annual road tax. For buyers able to charge, the Atto 3 is the more spacious, better-equipped SUV; the X50 is the far cheaper petrol route.
Pick the BYD Atto 3 if you can charge at home or work and want 420 km of EV range, a 434-litre boot, 360-degree camera and active safety assistance.
Pick the Proton X50 if RM89,800 fits the budget better and you prefer a 1.5-litre turbo petrol SUV with a 45-litre tank, navigation and a space-saver spare tyre.
Key differences
- Price: BYD Atto 3 RM125,800; Proton X50 RM89,800.
- Power and torque: Atto 3 motor makes 201 hp and 310 Nm; X50’s 1.5-litre turbo makes 178 hp and 290 Nm.
- Range or fuel storage: Atto 3 has a 60.48-kWh battery and 420-km EV range; X50 has a 45-litre petrol tank.
- 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.
- Performance: Atto 3 reaches 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds; X50 does it in 7.6 seconds.
- Rear suspension: Atto 3 uses multi-link; X50 uses a torsion beam.
Atto 3
- 420-km EV range from a 60.48-kWh battery
- 434-litre boot and 2,720-mm wheelbase
- Autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and 360-degree camera
- RM36,000 more expensive
- RM160 annual road tax versus RM120
- No spare tyre; it uses a tyre repair kit
X50
- RM89,800 purchase price
- 45-litre petrol tank and space-saver spare tyre
- Built in Malaysia and includes six free-labour services
- 330-litre boot is 104 litres smaller
- No autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist
- Manual front seats and no sunroof
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM125,800 | RM89,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM160 | RM120✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 12-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 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 201 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 310 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 60.48 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 420 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 110 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | — | 7DCT |
| Gears | — | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Geely |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.3 seconds✓ | 7.6 seconds |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,455 mm | 4,380 mm |
| Width | 1,875 mm | 1,795 mm |
| Height | 1,615 mm | 1,609 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,720 mm | 2,600 mm |
| Weight | 1,750 kg | 1,351 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 45 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 434 litres✓ | 330 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R18 | 215/60R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R18 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | GitiComfort F50 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 17" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (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 Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector with Auto High Beam | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power-adjustable Front Seats, Ventilated | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic, Tilt and Slide | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade | — |
| Audio | 15.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto with 6 Speakers | 14.6" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 6 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000-km Battery Warranty, 8-year/150,000-km Electric Drive Unit Warranty | 6 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.
Used Atto 3 & X50 for sale
Atto 3 vs X50 FAQ
Is the BYD Atto 3 or Proton X50 better?
The Atto 3 is better for buyers who can use EV charging, as it has 420 km of range, more power, a larger boot and more driver-assistance equipment. The X50 is better if the RM36,000 lower purchase price and petrol refuelling suit your usage.
What is the price difference?
The BYD Atto 3 is RM36,000 more expensive than the Proton X50: RM125,800 versus RM89,800.
Which has more luggage space, the BYD Atto 3 or Proton X50?
The BYD Atto 3 has the larger boot at 434 litres, compared with 330 litres in the Proton X50. That is a 104-litre advantage for the BYD.
