BYD is preparing to launch a new electric hatch, positioned between the Dolphin and Seagull (Dolphin Surf) in terms of size.
When is BYD launching the Great Seagull?
The Seagull, which BYD sells as the Dolphin Surf and Dolphin Mini outside of China, is among the best-selling EVs in the world.
In the first half of 2026, the BYD Seagull (Dolphin Mini/Dolphin Surf) was the sixth-best-selling EV globally.
In China, it starts at just 69,900 yuan, or about $10,000. We knew BYD was preparing to launch an updated version after Zhang Zhuo, the sales boss for BYD’s Ocean series, previewed the new Seagull for the first time last month.
The caption read, “As its silhouette gradually emerges in the shadows, the promise of growing up is about to be fulfilled. #BYDSseagull#.”
While no other details were shared about the new version, we now know it will officially be named the Great Seagull when it arrives.
Zhou revealed the name at the Chengdu Auto Show, confirming that the Great Seagull will go on sale by the end of 2026.
The new variant also appeared 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 key details.
According to the filing, the Great Seagull measures 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,570 mm tall, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase. In comparison, BYD’s current Seagull is just 3,780 mm long.
The bigger model will also use a larger 95 kW (127 hp) electric motor, up from just 55 kW (75 hp) that the current Seagull offers.
BYD has yet to reveal battery specs or prices, but the Great Seagull is expected to feature its new Blade Battery 2.0 and Flash Charging technology. The preview also shows the new Seagull model with a LiDAR on the roof, suggesting it will offer more advanced safety and convenience features.
The 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).
Since prices for the current version start at 69,900 yuan ($10,000), the Great Seagull is expected to cost slightly more.
We also caught a glimpse of the interior earlier this month. The cabin features BYD’s new interior design with a floating center infotainment screen and redesigned center console.
The new “Great” Seagull aligns with BYD’s new naming scheme, following the flagship Great Tang SUV and Great Han sedan. With plans to launch it by the end of 2026, we should learn more about the new electric hatch soon. Check back for updates.
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