The second-generation BYD Seagull is 425 mm longer than its predecessor and features a more powerful motor. Credit: BYD
- The redesigned model is 425 mm longer, bringing it closer in size to the larger BYD Dolphin.
- BYD opened pre-orders for the second-generation Seagull in China on October 9.
BYD (HKEX: 1211) will launch the second-generation Seagull in China on October 20, bringing increased dimensions and more power to the small electric vehicle.
Chinese automotive media outlet Yiche reported the plan on Wednesday, citing information from BYD. The automaker has yet to announce the date through its official channels, having previously said only that the model would launch before the end of the year.
BYD opened pre-orders for the second-generation Seagull in China on October 9 without disclosing pricing. The report provides a more specific timeline for the model’s generational update.
The launch comes after the Seagull posted year-on-year sales growth for 2 consecutive months, though its year-to-date total remains well below the year-earlier level.
The second-generation Seagull measures 4,205 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width and 1,570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, according to earlier regulatory filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
Compared with its predecessor, the new model is 425 mm longer and has a 150 mm longer wheelbase. Seating capacity increases from 4 to 5, bringing it closer in size to the larger BYD Dolphin.
Both versions in the earlier filings feature a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum output of 95 kW (127 hp), up from the previous generation’s 55 kW, and use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
Of the 2 versions, 1 offers optional LiDAR and additional radar hardware. BYD introduced a LiDAR option on the 2026 Seagull launched in May this year.
The second-generation Seagull features a redesigned front end and trident-style lights, with 6 exterior color options and changes to the cabin and storage space.
The new model features power-adjustable front seats, a driver’s seat massage function and rear air vents, according to Yiche. It also offers a 94-liter frunk and a maximum rear cargo capacity of 1,380 liters.
For reference, the previous-generation Seagull’s 2026 model launched in May with a price range of 69,900 yuan ($10,390) to 85,900 yuan, with LiDAR available at an additional cost on select variants.
The Seagull is a key sales driver in BYD’s Ocean lineup. The model sold 529,537 units in 2025, with cumulative sales reaching about 1.55 million units from its launch in April 2023 through the end of September this year, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.
BYD Seagull Monthly Sales 2024-2026
Month
2024
2025
2026
January
36,447
41,212
20,145
February
13,492
41,223
20,190
March
34,830
35,532
30,636
April
34,832
55,028
27,204
May
35,370
60,131
39,919
June
36,066
51,295
25,080
July
36,256
44,989
27,971
August
40,949
34,204
36,106
September
43,425
34,586
38,650
October
54,081
36,604
November
56,459
50,106
December
57,087
44,627
BYD Seagull monthly sales
2024
2025
2026
Seagull sales totaled 38,650 units in September, up 11.75% year-on-year and 7.05% from August, marking the second consecutive month of year-on-year growth.
However, sales in the first 9 months of the year totaled 265,901 units, down 33.22% year-on-year.
BYD posted its fifth consecutive month of year-on-year NEV sales growth and seventh consecutive month of sequential growth.
($1 = 6.7249 yuan)
