BYD Announces Updated Seagull EV Set to Debut Next Week

BYD is gearing up to roll out the second‑generation Seagull next week, a move that will see the company’s smallest, most affordable electric hatch grow in size, tech and perceived premium feel. The current Seagull, sold in China for 69,900 yuan (about $10,000), is rebadged as the Dolphin Surf in Europe and the UK and as the Dolphin Mini elsewhere. In Europe the Dolphin Surf starts at €22,900 ($25,000). The model has already cemented its place as one of the world’s top‑selling EVs, ranking sixth globally through the first eight months of 2026 according to Cleantechnica.

The new Seagull will launch on October 20 at the Zhengzhou International Circuit. It will be 425 mm longer than its predecessor, with a wheelbase that extends 150 mm, bringing overall dimensions to 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, 1,570 mm high and a 2,650 mm wheelbase. The cabin will now accommodate five passengers, thanks to an added seat.

Under the hood, the updated model will feature a 95 kW (127 HP) electric motor, up from the 55 kW (75 HP) unit in the current version, and will switch from front‑wheel drive to rear‑wheel drive. The rear suspension will be upgraded to a multi‑link independent setup to improve ride quality and handling.

Battery options include BYD’s LFP Blade Battery, with CLTC ranges of up to 320 km and 420 km. Higher‑trim variants will offer the 1,500 kW Flash Charging system, which can lift a battery from 10 % to 70 % in 5 minutes, from 10 % to 97 % in 9 minutes, and from 20 % to 97 % in 12 minutes even at –30 °C.

Inside, the Seagull will sport a larger center infotainment display, a two‑spoke steering wheel, a redesigned console and additional physical controls. All models will carry BYD’s 140 km/h high‑speed tire blowout stability system. Premium trims will add the God’s Eye B intelligent driving system and the DiPilot 300 driver assistance suite, which includes a roof‑mounted LiDAR.

Blind pre‑orders opened on October 9, but BYD has not yet disclosed a price. The company will reveal pricing at the launch event on October 20. Online chatter suggests dealers may pre‑deduct prices around 85,000 yuan (about $12,500). Once the model is live in China, BYD is expected to roll out the larger, upgraded version overseas, likely under the Dolphin Surf and Mini banners.