BYD reveals the updated Seagull EV will launch next week — SkimNews
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- BYD confirmed the second-generation Seagull will launch October 20 at the Zhengzhou International Circuit, with blind pre-orders having opened October 9, per general manager Zhang Zhuo of BYD's Ocean series.
- The updated Seagull is 425 mm longer than the current model with a 150 mm longer wheelbase (4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, 1,570 mm high, 2,650 mm wheelbase) and gains a fifth seat, per China's MIIT regulatory filing.
- BYD swaps the Seagull from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, upgrades the motor from 55 kW (75 hp) to 95 kW (127 hp), and installs a multi-link independent rear suspension to improve ride and handling.
- Two BYD LFP Blade Battery options deliver CLTC ranges of up to 320 km and 420 km; higher trims add 1,500 kW Flash Charging that takes the pack from 10% to 70% in 5 minutes and 10% to 97% in 9 minutes.
- Every Seagull ships with BYD's 140 km/h high-speed tire blowout stability system, while higher-priced variants add the God's Eye B intelligent driving system and DiPilot 300 driver assistance with roof-mounted LiDAR.
- Online dealer rumors peg the second-gen Seagull at roughly 85,000 yuan (~$12,500), a step up from the current 69,900 yuan ($10,000) starting price in China, with the larger model expected to roll out overseas as the Dolphin Surf and Dolphin Mini.
- The Seagull (sold abroad as Dolphin Surf and Dolphin Mini) ranked as the world's sixth best-selling EV through the first eight months of 2026, according to Cleantechnica data cited in the report.
Why it matters: BYD's sub-$10,000 Seagull already ranks among the world's top-selling EVs, and the second-generation model attacks its two biggest weaknesses — power and charging speed — by nearly doubling horsepower and cutting a 10–97% charge to 9 minutes. At a rumored ~$12,500 starting price, it sharpens pressure on every Western and Chinese rival still trying to crack the affordable-EV segment.
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![BYD offers a closer look at the new Seagull EV [Images]](https://electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/09/BYD-new-Seagull-EV-update.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1400)
