The BYD Seagull has been completely overhauled: more space, LiDAR, and five-minute charging for just 10,000 euros.

After many developments, BYD has finally unveiled in China the second generation of the Seagull, the compact electric car that serves as the basis for the Dolphin Surf we know in Europe. The update goes far beyond just a visual refresh: it has grown significantly, gained an extra seating position, and features technologies that were until recently reserved for more expensive models. All this comes with a lower entry price in its home market.

The launch comes at an important time for the manufacturer. The Seagull needs to regain ground against increasingly fierce competition, led by the Geely EX2, known in China as Xingyuan. BYD’s response includes more space, better equipment, and a particularly notable improvement in the higher trims: the inclusion of its ultra-fast charging system.

A Much Larger Seagull with Advanced Technology

The size change is one of the most significant aspects. The new Seagull measures 4.21 meters in length, 1.81 meters in width, and 1.57 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 2.65 meters. Compared to the previous Chinese model, it is longer by 42.5 centimeters and wider by 15 centimeters—figures that reflect the fact that the Chinese version was smaller than the European one.

This increase allows the seating capacity to go from four to five, expanding its utility as a vehicle beyond just urban commuting. It also features a 94-liter front trunk, with an announced rear cargo space of up to 1,380 liters when the seats are folded down. This latter figure refers to the expanded volume, not the trunk space available when all seats are in use.

The design retains the aesthetic style of the Ocean family, with a lower and more sporty profile along with a new illuminated emblem. The lineup offers six body colors, including green, pink, white, orange, blue, and gray. This refresh aims to preserve the model’s casual character while featuring proportions quite different from those of its predecessor.

The cabin also sees an upgrade. The central screen measures 15.6 inches and uses the DiLink 150 system with DeepSeek integration. BYD introduces new materials and three interior themes, along with features that, depending on the version, include electric adjustment for the front seats, heating and ventilation, and a massage function for the driver.

The available equipment also includes 50 W wireless phone charging, 127-color ambient lighting, and an eight-speaker sound system. It should be noted that these are the features offered in the Chinese market: this does not mean all of them will be included in the cheapest version, nor that they will remain unchanged when introduced to Europe.

In terms of driving assistants, the most notable innovation is the availability of DiPilot 300 with LiDAR. This system enables features such as city and highway navigation assistance, traffic light recognition, and obstacle response. These are driving aids that require driver supervision, although the marketing name might suggest a higher level of autonomy.

Regarding safety, it features a reinforced body structure, up to six airbags, and a stability system for handling tire blowouts. Under the chassis aspect, BYD incorporates an independent multi-link rear suspension and claims a turning radius of 4.95 meters. These are significant improvements for a model that is evolving to offer greater comfort and stability.

The mechanical lineup includes engines of 85 kW (116 HP) and 95 kW (129 HP), both delivering 130 Nm of torque. The brand claims a fuel consumption of 9 kWh/100 km under the homologation conditions specified for the Chinese market, a figure that should not be confused with actual road performance nor directly compared to European fuel consumption figures measured under a different cycle.

The second-generation Blade batteries offer 30.1 kWh and 320 km CLTC range, or 39.2 kWh and 420 km CLTC range. Based on our estimates, these ranges would correspond approximately to 278 and 365 km WLTP range, respectively. These are approximate figures pending European homologation to determine the values applicable to our market.

The major upgrade is available in the three higher-end versions, which come equipped with larger batteries. According to BYD, its Flash Charging system allows the battery to go from 10% to 70% in just five minutes. This represents a significant advancement in reducing charging stops, although the stated range is not the typical 10-80% and it requires appropriate charging infrastructure and conditions.

With this refresh, BYD aims to stem the decline in sales for this model. According to data, the Seagull sold around 266,000 units globally from January to September 2026, a 33% drop compared to the previous year. In China, the decline was even more pronounced, at around 83,600 units, while the Geely EX2 achieved approximately 310,000 registrations.

For now, the launch is limited to China, and no date for an European version has been announced in the available information. The increased size also raises an interesting question for BYD: how would this generation fit alongside the Dolphin in our market, where the gap between the two models is smaller?

Regarding prices in China, the range starts at 8,800 euros at current exchange rates for the entry-level model, 9,700 euros for the Freedom, 10,100 euros for the Ease, 11,100 euros for the Flight, and 13,300 euros for the Smart. This means that access to Flash Charging begins at around 10,100 euros, not from the base price.

The prices are highly competitive even in the Chinese market compared to its direct rivals, such as the Geely EX2, suggesting a fierce competition to attract customers in the coming months. It remains to be seen whether it will reach Europe, when, and how much it will cost there.