BYD has opened blind pre-orders for the second generation of its highly popular BYD Seagull EV. Announced on Weibo by Zhang Zhuo, general manager of BYD’s Ocean series, the new model is available in six exterior colors, though pricing remains undisclosed.
The current Seagull is BYD’s most affordable electric vehicle, starting at 69,900 yuan (around $10,000) in China. It is sold internationally as the Dolphin Surf in Europe, where it starts at €22,900 ($25,000), and as the Dolphin Mini in markets like Brazil and Mexico. According to CleanTechnica data, it was the world’s sixth-best-selling EV through August with over 212,000 units sold, trailing only the BYD Yuan Up (Atto2), Tesla Model 3, Geely Xingyuan (EX2), BYD Song (Seal U), and Tesla Model Y.
Upgraded Dimensions and Performance
A regulatory filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in August revealed that the new Seagull is significantly larger. It measures 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,570 mm high, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase. This makes it 425 mm longer overall with a 150 mm longer wheelbase compared to the current 3,780 mm model.
The filing also showed a shift in performance, moving from the current 55 kW (75 hp) front-mounted motor to a more powerful 95 kW (127 hp) rear-mounted electric motor. Additionally, the second-generation vehicle features a roof-mounted LiDAR, which is expected to support an upgraded advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) using BYD’s God’s Eye B intelligent driving technology.
Premium Interior Features
BYD is positioning the new model to compete with an incoming wave of entry-level electric cars by adding luxury touches. The refined cockpit includes ambient lighting, massaging front seats, and increased legroom for rear passengers.
The redesigned center console offers extra storage, and the traditional instrument cluster behind the new two-spoke steering wheel has been removed. Instead, driving information is displayed on a larger central infotainment screen, complemented by physical buttons on the steering wheel and below the display.
Expected Launch and Availability
Zhang confirmed at the Chengdu Auto Show in August that the vehicle will launch as the “Great Seagull” by the end of 2026. While battery specifications are not yet confirmed, the new model is expected to offer BYD’s latest Blade Batteries 2.0 and Flash Charging technology on higher-end trims. Following its Chinese debut, BYD is expected to release the larger version overseas as a variant of the Dolphin Surf and Dolphin Mini.
