These are all the updates on the BYD Seagull: five seats, a new battery, and a size that threatens the Dolphin

To the surprise of many, including us, BYD has launched a major refresh of one of its most popular electric cars. The compact Seagull, known in Europe as Dolphin Surf, is about to make a significant leap forward with a second generation that will greatly transform its design approach. It seems the Chinese brand is determined to elevate its entry-level model in terms of size, technology, performance, and features.

The transformation is so significant that it raises an interesting question for the European market. Rather than directly replacing the current Dolphin Surf, which differs from its Chinese version with a longer body, the new model might arrive to complement the existing offerings at a higher price point, taking over the space occupied by the BYD Dolphin. This option makes considerable sense given its new dimensions and features, although the brand has not yet confirmed its plans for our market.

The new BYD Seagull retains the Ocean Aesthetics design philosophy, featuring a sharp-fronted design, a three-element illuminated emblem, and more pronounced bumpers. The body offers a robust and sporty appearance, with a side line running along the vehicle to the rear pillar. The lineup will include six exterior colors—lime green, pink, cream white, orange, blue, and gray—as well as 16-inch tires in two different designs.

But the most significant change lies in its dimensions. The new BYD Seagull is 4.21 meters long, 1.81 meters wide, and 1.57 meters tall, with a wheelbase of 2.65 meters. This represents an increase of 42.5 centimeters compared to the current Chinese Seagull, which is 3.78 meters long, while the wheelbase has increased by 15 centimeters. It’s a substantial evolution that moves it away from the concept of a small urban vehicle and brings it closer to models in a higher segment.

It’s important to note here that the Seagull we know in Europe, sold under the name BYD Dolphin Surf, is already larger than its Chinese counterpart, with a length of 3.99 meters. Thus, the size difference compared to the European model is about 22 centimeters. While this difference is significant, it suggests that both models could coexist, especially if BYD decides to keep the Dolphin Surf as its more affordable and urban-oriented option.

The interior also undergoes a major transformation. One of the most significant updates is that the new Seagull replaces the four-seater layout of the previous Chinese model with five seats, which greatly enhances its suitability as a family car. Interestingly, BYD has just released a five-seater version of the Dolphin Surf in Europe.

The dashboard features a horizontal design, with a more elaborate central console and three color combinations for the interior. The technological equipment takes another step forward thanks to the DiLink 150 multimedia system, which includes a 15.6-inch central screen, integration of DeepSeek artificial intelligence, and a customizable interface that allows using multiple applications simultaneously. Available features include electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation at three levels, as well as a massage function for the driver. It also comes equipped with a 50 W wireless charging pad, 127-color ambient lighting, and an eight-speaker sound system. All this in a car in China’s entry-level segment.

BYD has also paid special attention to space utilization. The cabin features over 30 storage compartments, including two hidden spaces in the second row that together hold 24 liters. But one of the most interesting additions is the 94-liter front trunk, which allows storing charging cables and other items without taking up space in the rear area. Meanwhile, the main trunk can reach 1,380 liters when the rear seats are folded down.

New Blade battery, ultra-fast charging, and even LiDAR-assisted driving

In terms of mechanics, the new BYD Seagull also sees improved performance. The electric motor delivers a maximum power of 95 kW (129 HP), with a torque of 130 Nm. Of course, it’s expected that BYD will adjust the specifications for Europe, where the current Dolphin Surf reaches 156 HP in its most powerful version. This would be a minimum figure for the new variant.

Another major innovation will be the introduction of BYD’s second-generation Blade battery, which, according to the company, increases its energy density by 5% compared to the previous version. The capacity of the available batteries and the official range figures have not yet been disclosed, though the manufacturer claims a power consumption of just 9.0 kWh/100 km. This is a very promising figure that will, however, need to be verified against the numbers approved under the European WLTP cycle and subsequently through real-world driving tests.

The propulsion system has also been revised. BYD claims its new integrated powertrain increases power density by 94%, combining improved performance with reduced weight. This is complemented by the inclusion of Flash Charging technology for ultra-fast charging, though the maximum supported power levels and charging times have not yet been announced. This is particularly interesting given that the company is making a strong effort to reduce waiting times in its new models.

There are also significant changes under the hood. The new Seagull features an independent multi-link rear suspension, a technical improvement over the torsion beam setup commonly used in this segment. This system is expected to offer greater driving comfort and more refined handling on uneven roads. Additionally, BYD claims a minimum turning radius of 4.95 meters, ensuring good maneuverability despite the larger vehicle size.

But perhaps one of the most surprising innovations is the possibility of incorporating an advanced driver assistance system with LiDAR. The new Seagull will be equipped with the DiPilot 300 system, also known as God's Eye B, which offers assisted navigation capabilities on highways and in urban areas, traffic light recognition, driving through roundabouts, and obstacle avoidance maneuvers.

We are talking about a feature that until recently was reserved for cars in much higher categories and price ranges. It should be noted, however, that this is not autonomous driving, and the driver must remain in constant control. Additionally, it will be necessary to determine which functions can be approved and activated in Europe, where regulations differ from those in China. In terms of safety, the model features a reinforced chassis, up to six airbags, and a stability system that helps maintain control in the event of a tire blowout.

What about the BYD Dolphin Surf and Dolphin in Europe? This is where this new generation could have interesting implications. The current Dolphin Surf, at 3.99 meters long, might continue to occupy the entry-level position in the range, while the new Seagull, at 4.21 meters long, would sit right above it. This would allow BYD to offer two distinct options—one more suited for urban use and another with more space, power, and features.

In fact, it was expected that the new Seagull would replace the current European BYD Dolphin, which is 4.29 meters long. The size difference between the two is only about eight centimeters, while the new generation of Seagull features more modern technological solutions and a design that fits perfectly into that market segment. Additionally, it would allow BYD to simplify its product lineup and take advantage of the scale benefits from one of its most popular models in China.

Of course, this possibility is a hypothesis based on the dimensions and features of the new model, not a decision announced by the manufacturer. It remains to be seen whether BYD will keep the Seagull name, adopt another designation, or reorganize its Dolphin lineup directly for the European market. In any case, the arrival of this second generation opens the door to a fairly logical restructuring of its range of small electric cars.

For now, the new BYD Seagull has already opened early reservations in China, though its final price won’t be known until October 20. It will then be possible to see to what extent this significant increase in size, technology, and equipment translates into a price rise. This is a crucial issue, as much of the success of the first generation stemmed from its excellent cost-performance ratio.

It’s clear that BYD is taking the competition in affordable electric cars to a completely different level. It’s no longer enough to offer a small, simple, and inexpensive model. Chinese buyers are starting to demand more space, better finishes, higher power output, faster charging speeds, and advanced driver assistance systems. The new Seagull is a good example of how far this transformation has gone, changes that will eventually impact the European market as well.