BYD will launch the updated Seagull next week, its popular EV that sells for around $10,000 in China.
When is BYD launching the updated Seagull EV?
The Seagull is BYD’s smallest, most affordable electric car in its home market. In China, the electric hatch starts at just 69,900 yuan, or roughly $10,000.
BYD sells the electric hatch in Europe and the UK as the Dolphin Surf. Elsewhere, it’s rebadged and sold as the Dolphin Mini.
Outside of China, the Dolphin Surf is among BYD’s lowest-priced EVs, starting at €22,900 ($25,000) in Europe.
It’s no wonder the Seagull, including the Dolphin Surf and Mini, is one of the world’s top-selling EVs. According to the most recent data from Cleantechnica, BYD’s Seagull (Dolphin Surf/Mini) was the sixth most popular electric car in the world through the first eight months of 2026.
With a flood of low-cost competition arriving, BYD is preparing to launch an updated Seagull in China that will be bigger, smarter, and feel more premium.
According to a report from Chinese tech outlet IT Home News, BYD sent out a media invitation, confirming the second-generation Seagull will launch on October 20 at the Zhengzhou International Circuit.
The updated Seagull is bringing several major improvements. For one, it will be 425 mm longer, with a 150 mm longer wheelbase than the current Seagull.
A regulatory filing from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) revealed the second-generation Seagull is 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,570 mm high, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase.
It also gains another seat, with room for five passengers. The updated version will use a more powerful 95 kW (127 hp) electric motor, up from the 55 kW (75 hp) the current Seagull offers.
Unlike the current front-wheel-drive (FWD) Seagull, the second-generation model will switch to rear-wheel drive (RWD).
BYD upgraded the rear suspension to a multi-link independent system to improve ride quality and handling.
The new Seagull will be available with two BYD lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Batteries, offering CLTC ranges of up to 320 km and 420 km. Meanwhile, higher-priced trims will include BYD’s 1,500 kW Flash Charging technology.
This setup enables the battery to charge from 10% to 70% in 5 minutes. To go from 10% to 97%, it takes just 9 minutes. Even at temperatures as low as -30°C, it takes 12 minutes to charge from 20% to 97%.
Inside, the interior is revamped with a larger center infotainment screen, a two-spoke steering wheel, a redesigned center console, and added physical buttons.
Like many of its new vehicles, the second-generation Seagull will receive updated safety and convenience features.
All models will have BYD’s 140 km/h high-speed tire blowout stability system. Higher-priced variants will offer BYD’s God’s Eye B intelligent driving system and the DiPilot 300 driver assistance system with a roof-mounted LiDAR.
Zhang Zhuo, general manager of BYD’s Ocean series, announced that blind pre-orders for the updated Seagull opened on October 9. However, he didn’t disclose a price.
BYD will reveal prices during the launch event on October 20, but online rumors suggest dealers will “pre-deduct prices” for the second-generation Seagull at around 85,000 yuan, or about $12,500.
After it launches in China, BYD is expected to introduce the larger, upgraded model overseas. It will likely be some variation of the Dolphin Surf and Mini.
Source: IT Home News, BYD
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