BYD has invited media to the October 20 launch of the second-generation Seagull at Zhengzhou International Circuit, a significant refresh of the company's entry-level electric hatchback that grew sharply in size and moved to rear-wheel drive.
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filings show the new car measures 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide and 1,570 mm tall on a 2,650 mm wheelbase, 425 mm longer overall with a wheelbase stretched by 150 mm, and seating increased from four to five. The redesign brings its bulk close to the BYD Dolphin, which has long sat one rung above the Seagull in the Ocean hatchback lineup.
The drive layout flips from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, with a 95 kW motor replacing the old 55 kW unit and top speed rising from 130 km/h to 150 km/h. Blade lithium iron phosphate packs are rated at 320 km and 420 km on the CLTC cycle. Higher trims support flash charging that takes the pack from 10 to 70 percent in five minutes on a dedicated pile, and selected versions can add lidar and God's Eye B driver assistance for highway navigation and automated parking.
The launch comes as exports dominate the Seagull's wholesale numbers. September wholesale reached 38,650 units, of which 32,027 were exports, while domestic retail fell to 9,517, down about 62 percent from a year earlier, as BYD repositions the model for overseas buyers.
Source: GlobalChinaEV and Chinese media coverage citing MIIT filings and company invitations, October 20, 2026.
