VS
At a Glance
Power
145 kW
150 kW
Torque
400 Nm
310 Nm
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
—
Towing
2500 Kg
750 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.7 s
7.3 s
Engine
1995 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the BMW X3 and the BYD Atto 3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW X3 delivers 145 kW while the BYD Atto 3 produces 150 kW. Pricing starts at R1 254 417 for the X3 and R783 900 for the Atto 3. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
145 kW
150 kW
Torque
400 Nm
310 Nm
0-100 kph
7.7 s
7.3 s
Top Speed
215 Km/h
160 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
diesel
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
-
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
60.5kWh l
CO2 Emissions
163 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
4755 mm
4455 mm
Width
1920-2132 mm
1875-2050 mm
Height
1660 mm
1615 mm
Wheelbase
2865 mm
2720 mm
Ground Clearance
—
175 mm
Kerb Weight
1890 DIN / 1965 EU Kg
1750 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
570-1700 l
310-1340 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
750 Kg
Load Capacity
645 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 150000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BYD Atto 3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Atto 3
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Atto 3
Practicality
X3
Pros & Cons
BMW X3
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Less power than rival (145 kW vs 150 kW)
Higher starting price
BYD Atto 3
More powerful engine (150 kW)
Lower starting price (R783 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.3 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the X3 or Atto 3?
The X3 produces 145 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the Atto 3 delivers 150 kW and 310 Nm of torque. The Atto 3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X3 and Atto 3?
The X3 starts from R1 254 417 and the Atto 3 from R783 900. The Atto 3 is cheaper by R470 517 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X3 or Atto 3?
The X3 has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Atto 3 can tow 750 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X3 or the Atto 3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.