BYD Atto 3 vs Geely E5
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 48% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Atto 3 | E5 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 699 900 | R 699 999 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 233/m | R 12 235/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 69% | 69% |
| Retained after 3 years | 48% | 48% |
| Value after 3 years | R 335 508 | R 335 555 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 364 392 | R 364 444 |
| Value after 5 years | R 229 383 | R 229 416 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (new entrant) |
BYD Atto 3 →
The Atto 3 was BYD's first model in South Africa, arriving in 2023 at R768,000 before prices were trimmed to under R700,000. It is a compact electric crossover built around BYD's Blade LFP battery, sold in Standard and Extended Range forms. Like most EVs in SA it sheds value quickly on the used market.
Known for: launching byd in south africa
Geely E5 →
This electric family SUV, known globally as the EX5, led Geely's November 2025 relaunch at R699,999. Range and cabin space are competitive with the BYD Atto 3. Like most Chinese EVs here, resale is the big unanswered question.
Known for: well-priced family electric suv
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BYD Atto 3 or the Geely E5?
They are close to inseparable: 48% vs 48% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BYD Atto 3 loses about R 364 392 over three years and the Geely E5 loses about R 364 444. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the BYD Atto 3 runs about R 12 233 per month and the Geely E5 about R 12 235, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.