For 13,290€, BYD opens orders for its ‘reinvented’ cheapest electric car with 450 km of range and a 9-minute charge time

09/10/2026 17:00

Updated to

09/10/2026 17:00

BYD has just opened reservations for the second generation of the Seagull, one of its most affordable electric vehicles and a particularly important model for the Chinese manufacturer. This update is much more significant than it appears, as the compact city car sees its length increase by a full 425 mm, features a five-seater interior, and sees substantial improvements in performance. All of this is aimed at catching up with rivals such as the Geely Xingyuan (known here as the Geely E2), one of China’s best-selling electric cars.

The new model can already be reserved through BYD’s official app with a deposit of 2,000 yuan, approximately 240 euros at current exchange rates. However, the brand has not yet announced its final price or the different trim levels. What is known is much of its technical specifications, which suggest an electric vehicle that is far more comprehensive and equipped with technologies that were previously unimaginable in this category.

The new BYD Seagull becomes a more family-friendly electric vehicle

As we have learned earlier, the most significant change in the second generation lies in its dimensions. The new BYD Seagull measures 4,205 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm. This represents an increase of 425 mm compared to the previous model, bringing it closer to a higher category. Its design also evolves with more balanced proportions and a less urban appearance. BYD will offer 6 exterior colors: green, orange, white, pink, blue, and gray.

This evolution is evident inside, as the new Seagull features five seats compared to four in its predecessor, along with a cabin layout designed to make better use of the available space. One of its standout features is a central screen, with the left side also serving as an instrument panel. Additionally, it has a 94-liter front compartment and a trunk that expands to 1,380 liters when the rear seats are folded down.

A range of up to 420 km and ultra-fast charging in just 9 minutes

Mechanically, the BYD Seagull now features an electric motor located on the rear axle that produces 127 horsepower. The model will come with two batteries, sized at 30 and 39.2 kWh, which will enable an range of between 320 and 420 km under CLTC conditions. However, one of the most interesting innovations might lie in charging. The new Seagull is expected to incorporate BYD’s ‘Flash Charging’ technology, capable of charging the battery from 10% to 97% in approximately 9 minutes under optimal conditions. This feature has not yet been confirmed for all versions and will depend on compatible infrastructure.

In terms of technology, among the planned options is a LiDAR sensor installed on the roof, integrated with the 'DiPilot 300' driving assistance system, also known as 'God's Eye B'. Its final availability will depend on the versions that BYD announces during the commercial launch.

BYD aims to keep its price below 100,000 yuan

Although the brand has not yet revealed the official prices, early reports suggest that the new BYD Seagull could cost less than 100,000 yuan in China, which is approximately 13,290 euros at the current exchange rate. This would be a higher price than the existing model, which is currently priced between 69,900 and 85,900 yuan (between 9,290 and 11,420 euros), but it would still place it among the most affordable electric cars in the Chinese market.

For reference, from January to August 2026, deliveries of this model in China reached 74,087 units, a 66.5% decline compared to the same period the previous year. This drop has been particularly significant since the arrival of the Geely Xingyuan (here referred to as Geely E2), its main competitor. In Europe, the original Seagull serves as the basis for the BYD Dolphin Surf, although the latter comes with adjustments specific to our market. So far, BYD has not confirmed whether the second generation will be sold in Spain or if it will replace the current Dolphin Surf.