MG S5:
Launched about 6 months ago, the MG S5 is a modern electric SUV built on a dedicated EV platform. It replaces the older MG ZS EV, and is available in three different variants. The starting price is NPR 43,99,000, but thanks to festive discounts from the official dealer, Paramount Motors, you can save up to NPR 3.5 lakhs.
The MG S5 is still considered one of the more affordable compact electric SUVs in the Nepali market.
Dimensions:
- Length: 4476 mm
- Width: 1849 mm
- Height: 1621 mm
- Wheelbase: 2730 mm
- Ground Clearance: 180 mm
- Suspension: Independent rear suspension (5-link)
- Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Interior Features:
- 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 10.25-inch information display
- Rearview camera
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- 50W wireless charger
- 4 premium speakers
- PU leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Passive entry system
- Fabric seat covers
- Automatic AC
- Heated front seats
- Sunroof
- Auto Tailgate
- Mobile app
Motor and Battery:
- Motor: 99 kW Rear-Wheel Drive motor
- Torque: 250 Nm
- Top Speed: 175 km/h
- Battery: 49 kWh LFP battery by CATL
- Range: 340 km (WLTP certified)
Safety Features:
- 7 airbags
- Auto hold
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Traffic jam assist
- Front and rear collision warning
- Intelligent headlamp control
BYD Atto 2:
Launched at the NADA Auto Show 2025, the BYD Atto 2 has generated a lot of attention for its attractive design and compact size. This electric SUV targets buyers who want a smaller, more agile EV, and it’s priced similarly to the MG S5 at NPR 43,99,000. Note: If you go to the showroom now, you will be told that this will not be available before Dashain.
Dimensions:
- Length: 4310 mm
- Width: 1830 mm
- Height: 1675 mm
- Wheelbase: 2620 mm
- Ground Clearance: 200 mm
- Suspension: Independent suspension (not detailed)
- Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Interior Features:
- 12.8-inch rotary touchscreen
- 8.8-inch digital instrument panel
- 360-degree camera
- Synthetic seats
- 50W wireless charger
- Portable card key
- Automatic AC
- PM 2.5 filter
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 8 speakers
- Powered and ventilated front seats
- Rain sensing wipers
- Mobile App
Motor and Battery:
- Motor: 100 kW Front-Wheel Drive motor
- Torque: 290 Nm
- Top Speed: Not specified
- Battery: 51.13 kWh LFP battery
- Range: 345 km (WLTP certified)
Safety Features:
- 6 airbags
- ABS
- Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
- Traction control
- Hill assist
- 360-degree camera
- Front and rear radar
- Intelligent cruise control
- Front collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic emergency braking
Comparison Table:
| Feature | MG S5 | BYD Atto 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4476 mm | 4310 mm |
| Width | 1849 mm | 1830 mm |
| Height | 1621 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm | 200 mm |
| Motor Power | 99 kW (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 100 kW (Front-Wheel Drive) |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 49 kWh | 51.13 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 340 km | 345 km |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | Not specified |
| Airbags | 7 | 6 |
| Infotainment System | 12.8-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch display | 12.8-inch rotary touchscreen, 8.8-inch panel |
| Charging Speed | 7 kW AC Fast Charger | 7 kW AC Fast Charger |
| Safety Features | Auto hold, lane assist, emergency braking | Front & rear radar, collision warning |
| Price | NPR 43.99 lakh (Comfort) / 49.99 lakh (Delux) | NPR 43.99 lakh |
Personal Experience with Showroom Visit:
Initially, I had a strong preference for BYD, with a 70/30 split in favor of BYD Atto 2. However, my experience at the showrooms drastically changed this perspective.
When I visited the MG showroom, the sales team was very responsive and helpful, providing all the information I needed with great professionalism. It was clear that they valued customer engagement, which gave me a sense of confidence in both the product and after-sales service.
However, when I went to the BYD showroom, the experience was completely different. The salesperson was utterly indifferent, failing to even acknowledge me properly. I left the showroom feeling completely disregarded. If the attitude of the staff before the sale is this poor, I couldn’t help but wonder what their after-sales service would be like. Not once did they even ask for my phone number or try to keep the conversation going.
This made me reconsider my decision entirely. Before my visits, I was leaning 70% toward BYD, but now it has completely reversed I’m 90% in favor of the MG S5, with just 10% for the BYD Atto 2.
Moreover, my friend and I are planning to buy the same vehicle, and because of their attitude, BYD might have just lost out on two potential customers. BYD needs to seriously rethink their customer service approach, especially when the competition is treating customers so well.
In conclusion, the customer service experience played a significant role in my final decision. It’s not just about the vehicle, but also the experience you get when interacting with the brand. Let’s hope BYD can improve on this front, because they might lose more than just two customers in the long run.
