BYD’s low-cost Seagull EV, sold as the Dolphin Surf in Europe and Dolphin Mini in other overseas markets, is due for an upgrade. Here’s a sneak peek.
BYD prepares to launch the new Seagull EV
The current 2026 Seagull starts at just 69,900 yuan in China, or about $10,000, making it BYD’s most affordable pure electric vehicle.
It’s also among BYD’s most popular models. According to data compiled by Cleantechnica, BYD’s Seagull (Dolphin Mini/Dolphin Surf) was the sixth-best-selling EV globally through the first half of 2026.
With new competition emerging, BYD is preparing to introduce the upgraded Seagull. The new version is expected to roll out in China first, then to overseas markets.
About a month ago, Zhang Zhuo, the sales boss of BYD’s Ocean series, previewed the new Seagull for the first time, posting several blurry images on social media.
The caption read, “As its silhouette gradually emerges in the shadows, the promise of growing up is about to be fulfilled. #BYDSseagull#.”
While it’s still blurry, you can see the new version has a LiDAR on the roof to support new ADAS features.
While BYD has yet to announce the details, the new Seagull was released in the batch of new energy vehicles approved for sale by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) last month, revealing a few new upgrades.
For one, the new Seagull is a bit longer than the current version. According to the release, the upgraded Seagull measures 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,570 mm tall, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase. In comparison, the current Seagull is just 3,780 mm long.
While the interior was expected to feature BYD’s updated design, a new spy photo from ThinkerCar offers a sneak peek.
An alleged spy shot of the all-new #BYD Seagull interior has surfaced. The model is reportedly set for comprehensive upgrades to styling, cabin, dimensions, and powertrain, boosting its competitiveness. https://t.co/gq4z2Fs9Kd pic.twitter.com/2GSGPXdXlv
— ThinkerCar (@thinkercar) August 16, 2026
From what’s shown, BYD revamped the new Seagull interior with a single large center infotainment screen and a redesigned center console. It still retains physical buttons below the infotainment screen and on the steering wheel.
The upgraded version will also gain a more powerful 95 kW (127 hp) electric motor, up from the 55 kW (75 hp) in the current Seagull.
We will have to wait closer to launch to learn battery specs and more details, but the upgraded Seagull will likely be equipped with BYD’s new Blade Batteries and Flash Charging tech.
The current 2026 Seagull is available with two battery packs: 30.08 kWh and 38.88 kWh. The former provides a CLTC range of up to 305 km (190 miles), and the latter, 405 km (251 miles).
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