Geely EX5 vs BYD Atto 3: Which Electric SUV Wins in the UAE?

Abu Dhabi: Two of the most talked-about electric SUVs under AED 120,000 in the UAE right now are the BYD Atto 3 and the Geely EX5. Both promise real range, a loaded cabin and a price tag that does not require a luxury-car budget. But they are not the same car wearing a different badge. 

One leans on a proven platform that has already sold well across the region; the other is Geely's newest electric architecture built specifically to compete on space and tech. 

So which one actually deserves your driveway? Let's find out.

Engine and Performance: Numbers That Actually Matter

These two are closer on paper than you'd expect. The Atto 3 runs BYD's e-Platform 3.0 with an 8-in-1 powertrain, while the EX5 uses Geely's newer GEA architecture with an 11-in-1 drive unit. Both are FWD, and both use LFP battery chemistry, which matters in UAE summer heat.

Spec	BYD Atto 3 (Premium)	Geely EX5 (Max+)
Power	150kW / 201 hp	160kW / 218 hp
Torque	310 Nm	320 Nm
0-100 km/h	7.3 sec	7.4 sec
Battery	60.48 kWh LFP	60.22 kWh Short-Blade LFP
Range (WLTP)	420km	Up to 430 km
DC Fast Charging	80kW	Fast charging supported

The EX5 edges ahead on horsepower and range, but the Atto 3 is no slouch either, and both post similar 0-100 times. For daily UAE driving between home, work and the mall, either battery comfortably covers a week's commute on a single charge.

Exterior Style: Which One Turns Heads

Design is where these two split personalities the most. The Atto 3 wears BYD's Dragon Face styling with a closed grille, sculpted wheel arches and a rear spoiler for a sportier stance. The EX5 goes calmer and more premium, with flowing lines and hidden door handles that Geely claims improve aerodynamics.

Feature	BYD Atto 3	Geely EX5
Length x Width x Height	4455 x 1875 x 1615mm	4615 x 1901 x 1670mm
Wheelbase	2720mm	2750mm
Wheels	17" (Comfort) / 18" (Premium)	18" (Pro) / 19" (Max+)
Ground Clearance	150mm	Higher stance, SUV proportions
Sunroof	Panoramic, one-button, jam-protected	Panoramic (Max+ only)
Colours	4 options, incl. Surf Blue	5 options, incl. Turquoise Green

The EX5 is physically the bigger SUV in every dimension, which matters if you regularly carry more than four people or want extra shoulder room in the back.

Interior and Comfort: Where You'll Spend Your Time

Step inside and the Atto 3 shows its personality-first approach, with guitar-string door trims and mood lighting that reacts to music. The EX5 takes a more grown-up route, focusing on space efficiency and cushioning instead of gimmicks.

Comfort Feature	BYD Atto 3 (Premium)	Geely EX5 (Max+)
Seat Material	PU leatherette	PVC leather
Driver Seat	6-way electric, ventilated	6-way electric power seat
Front Passenger Seat	4-way electric, ventilated	4-way electric power seat
Wireless Charger	Standard	Standard
Interior Colours	Blue & Grey, or Black	Standard black
Boot Space	310 litres	Optimised, 67.2% space use
Ambient Lighting	Multi-colour, music-reactive	Multi-colour (Max+ only)

Atto 3's rear cabin famously benefits from a completely flat floor thanks to e-Platform 3.0, so if rear passenger legroom is a priority, it holds its own even against the physically larger EX5.

Smart Features and Safety Tech

Both SUVs load their top trims with driver-assist tech, but the difference shows up between their base and flagship variants. If you're buying the entry trim of either car, know that a lot of the clever safety kit only arrives once you step up.

Tech & Safety	BYD Atto 3 (Premium)	Geely EX5 (Max+)
Touchscreen	12.8" rotating display	15.4" HD touchscreen
Voice Assistant	Dual-zone voice control	"Hi, Geely" AI, 200+ commands
Head-Up Display	Not available	10.2" HUD, 12,000 nits
ADAS Suite	TSR, ACC, AEB, LDW, LCC, BSD	LKA, RCTA, AEB, TJA, LCA, BSD
Airbags	Up to 8	6 across all variants
360° Camera	Reverse image only	Full 360° top-view
OTA Updates	Yes (Premium)	Yes

The EX5's Max+ trim genuinely feels like it's aiming at a segment above its price, with a bigger screen and a proper head-up display that the Atto 3 simply doesn't offer.

Pricing and Value: The Real Deciding Factor

This is usually where UAE buyers make up their minds, and pricing between these two is close enough that it comes down to what you value more.

Variant	Est. Price (AED)
BYD Atto 3 Comfort	AED 94,900
BYD Atto 3 Premium	AED 110,000
Geely EX5 Pro	AED 99,900
Geely EX5 Max+	AED 120,000

If you're shopping strictly on entry price, the Atto 3 Comfort is the more affordable way into an electric SUV. For buyers comparing this segment more broadly, this breakdown of budget EVs under AED 150K is worth a look before you commit either way. 

And if you want a wider set of alternatives beyond just these two, Geely's own list of EX5 competitors covers a few more names worth cross-shopping.

Which Should You Actually Buy

If your budget realistically stops around AED 100,000 and you want the more established badge with strong resale awareness in the UAE, the BYD Atto 3 Comfort or Premium makes complete sense. It's proven, the cabin design is genuinely fun to live with, and the flat rear floor is a real practical win for families. But if you can stretch to the Max+ trim, the Geely EX5 pulls ahead on almost every measurable spec: more power, more range, a bigger touchscreen, a head-up display and full 360-degree parking vision, all for AED 10,000 more than the Atto 3 Premium. 

For buyers who read spec sheets closely and want the newer platform, that's a fairly easy case to make. Curious how the EX5's drivetrain actually achieves those numbers? This breakdown of the EX5's powertrain explains it in more depth, and Geely's safety and ADAS rundown is worth reading if that's your priority. Either way, both cars prove the UAE's electric SUV segment under AED 120,000 no longer feels like a compromise.

Also Read: Nissan Tekton Engine Explained: Which Powertrain Is Best for UAE Buyers?