BYD Unveils Updated Seagull EV for October 20 Launch

BYD announced that its second‑generation Seagull will launch on October 20 at the Zhengzhou International Circuit, following blind pre‑orders that opened on October 9. The company has not yet disclosed a price, but dealers are rumored to pre‑deduct a cost of about 85,000 yuan (roughly $12,500).

The updated model is 425 mm longer than the current Seagull, and its wheelbase has been extended by 150 mm, making it 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide and 1,570 mm high. The extra space adds a fifth seat, giving the hatch a more spacious interior.

Powertrain upgrades include a 95 kW (127 hp) permanent‑magnet synchronous motor and a second‑generation lithium‑iron‑phosphate Blade battery. The battery supports flash charging, reaching 10 %–70 % in 5 minutes and 10 %–97 % in 9 minutes, even at temperatures as low as –30 °C.

Both sources report an interior redesign featuring a larger central touchscreen, a two‑spoke steering wheel, retained physical buttons, a wireless charging pad and expanded storage. They also note the addition of a roof‑mounted LiDAR sensor and an advanced driver‑assist system. BYD’s own report adds that all models will receive a 140 km/h high‑speed tire blowout stability system, and higher trims will include the God’s Eye intelligent driving system and the DiPilot 300 driver‑assist package.

The Seagull remains one of the world’s top‑selling electric cars, ranking sixth globally for the first eight months of 2026. It is sold abroad as the Dolphin Surf in Europe and the United Kingdom and as the Dolphin Mini elsewhere. After its Chinese launch, BYD plans to roll out the upgraded model overseas under these rebadged names.

Current Seagull sales in China fell 66 % year‑over‑year, with 83,604 units sold from January to September 2026, according to China EV DataTracker.