BYD revealed the second-generation Seagull inside and out in a series of sketches: a bigger, smarter version of its most affordable EV.
When is BYD launching the new Seagull EV?
The Seagull, sold as the Dolphin Surf and Dolphin Mini in markets outside China, is BYD’s entry-level electric hatch.
In China, the Seagull starts at just 69,900 yuan, or about $10,000. That’s much cheaper than any new vehicle in the US. To give you a better idea, the most affordable new car in the US is the 2026 Hyundai Venue, which starts at just over $20,500.
Even overseas, BYD’s electric hatch is among the most affordable EVs. In Europe, the Dolphin Surf starts at about €22,900 ($26,500).
It’s no wonder the low-cost electric hatch is among the world’s top-selling electric vehicles. According to Cleantechnica, the Seagull (including the Dolphin Surf and Mini) was the sixth best-selling EV globally through the first half of 2026, with over 27,500 units sold.
BYD is now preparing to launch the second-generation model. Zhang Zhuo, the general manager of BYD’s Ocean series sales division, offered a closer look at the new Seagull this week.
Zhou revealed several design sketches of the updated version with the caption: “Preserving the classic design while embracing new expression, the lines have been reshaped and the surface refreshed #BYD Second Generation Seagull# More surprises are coming soon!”
When translated into English, the first image reads: “Brand new layout” and “Space size expands together.”
Another reads: “Clean appearance” and “The driving posture is even more extreme.” The other sketches reveal new “Trident-shaped” front and rear lights and the second-generation Seagull’s “Dynamic new look.”
No other details were mentioned, but Zhuo revealed at the Chengdu Auto Show last month that the new model will be named the “Great Seagull” and will go on sale by the end of 2026.
The new Seagull also appeared in China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) regulatory filing last month, revealing a few key specs.
The filing revealed that the Great Seagull measures 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,570 mm high, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase. That’s considerably bigger than the current Seagull, which is just 3,780 mm long.
It will also gain a more powerful 95 kW (127 hp) electric motor. In comparison, the current Seagull uses a 55 kW (75 hp) motor.
Zhuo released the first images of the new Seagull’s interior on Thursday. The updated interior features a new two-spoke steering wheel with just two control knobs on each side.
The infotainment screen appears slightly bigger, while the images don’t show an instrument cluster. A row of physical buttons is now found below the center A/C vents. Otherwise, the cabin has a clean, minimalist feel.
Like the current Seagull, the second-generation model will retain the wireless phone charger and two cupholders between the driver and passenger.
Zhuo said “the spacious interior, with its refined details and meticulous craftsmanship, is truly stunning.”
We will learn more soon, with its official debut just around the corner, but you can expect the updated version to feature BYD’s second-generation Blade Batteries and Flash Charging technology.
Earlier this week, several spy images of the new Seagull undisguised surfaced online, revealing a roof-mounted LiDAR. As such, the new version will likely get an upgraded ADAS system with BYD’s God’s Eye B.
We also caught a sneak peek of the interior last month confirming several of the updates shown in the sketches released by Zhuo. The spy images revealed the larger infotainment screen, redesigned center console, and two-spoke steering wheel.
Will BYD release the second-gen model in overseas markets, like Europe and the UK? It hasn’t been confirmed, but the larger updated electric hatch is expected to launch overseas, likely as the second-gen Dolphin Surf.
The current Dolphin Surf starts at around €22,900 ($26,500) in Europe, so the larger variant will likely cost a bit more. It will likely still start at under €30,000 ($35,000), as a smaller, more affordable option than the Dolphin.
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