The Seagull is BYD's cheapest electric vehicle, with a starting price of around $10,000 in China, and is sold overseas under the name of Dolphin Surf. BYD is preparing to launch a new version, which is expected to become an even more popular model.
BYD has opened reservations for the new Seagull EV.
BYD is best known for its ultra-low-cost models, but the Seagull is much cheaper than any model sold in the US market.
In China, the starting price of BYD's electric hatchback is 69,900 yuan, which is approximately 10,000 US dollars. In contrast, the lowest-priced model in the United States is the 2026 Hyundai Venue, with a price slightly over 20,000 US dollars.
Even in markets outside of China, such as Europe, the starting price of Dolphin Surf is only 22,900 euros (25,000 US dollars). In countries like Brazil and Mexico, this electric hatchback is sold under the name Dolphin Mini.
As one of the most affordable electric vehicles in many markets, Seagull ( Dolphin Surf / Mini ) has always been one of the best-selling electric vehicles globally.
According to the latest data from CleanTechnica, BYD's entry-level electric vehicle ranked sixth in global sales as of August, with over 212,000 units sold. Ahead of it are only BYD's own Yuan UP ( Atto2 ), Tesla Model 3, Geely Xingyuan ( EX2 ), BYD Song ( Seal U ), and Tesla Model Y.
On the second-generation models, BYD is upgrading the Seagull to compete with the wave of entry-level electric vehicles that are about to enter the market.
The new Seagull model is larger and more intelligent, with some luxurious features added on top of the previous generation. Last month, when Zhang Zhuo, the general manager of BYD's Ocean series, released the first official images, we got a glimpse of the preliminary appearance of the second-generation Seagull.
BYD subsequently stated that "growing" also means meeting expectations. Therefore, the new Seagull model comes with high-end features such as ambient lighting and massage seats for the front row passengers.
It will also provide more ample legroom for passengers in the back row and feature a more refined and immersive cabin design. The layout includes a larger infotainment display, a new two-spoke steering wheel, and a redesigned center console to offer more storage space.
From the disclosed information, it appears that the new Seagull model will not feature a traditional dashboard behind the steering wheel.
In its place, vehicle information will be displayed on the central control infotainment screen. Physical buttons have also been added below the infotainment screen as well as on the steering wheel.
Zhang Zhuo announced on Weibo that the pre-order for the second generation of Seagull has officially started on Friday, with six different exterior color options available.
However, he did not announce the price, which is quite common when new cars in China start their blind reservation period.
BYD has not yet confirmed the battery specifications or any other details. During the Chengdu Auto Show in August, Zhang Zhuo stated that the second-generation Seagull will be launched under the name "Seagull Large Version," and it was confirmed that it will be officially sold by the end of 2026.
After this model appeared in the filing documents of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in August, we learned some key details.
Firstly, the new Seagull model measures 4,205 millimeters in length, 1,810 millimeters in width, and 1,570 millimeters in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650 millimeters. Compared to the current Seagull model which has a length of 3,780 millimeters, the new car is 425 millimeters longer, and its wheelbase has also increased by 150 millimeters.
The declaration also shows that the new car will be equipped with a more powerful 95-kilowatt (127 horsepower) motor, which is higher than the current Seagull's 55-kilowatt (75 horsepower) motor.
Different from the front-mounted motor of the current Seagull model, the new model will feature a rear-mounted motor.
Like many new vehicles from BYD, the second-generation Seagull is now equipped with a rooftop lidar. Therefore, it is expected to come equipped with an upgraded version of the ADAS system and will adopt BYD's "Eye of Heaven B" intelligent driving system.
After its launch in China, BYD is expected to introduce a larger version overseas, which may serve as a derivative model of Dolphin Surf and Dolphin Mini.
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