BYD is preparing to launch a new electric hatch, positioned between the Dolphin and Seagull (Dolphin Surf) in size and price.
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, BYD’s Seagull (Dolphin Mini/Dolphin Surf) was the sixth-best-selling EV globally, with over 27,500 units sold according to data compiled by Cleantechnica.
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 in July.
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).
2026 BYD Seagull EV interior (Source: BYD)
Since prices for the current version start at 69,900 yuan ($10,000), the Great Seagull is expected to cost slightly more.
Ahead of its upcoming debut, BYD’s new electric hatch was spotted undisguised in public for the first time.
As you can see in the image from Autohome, the Great Seagull features a redesigned front end with slim LED headlights, a closed-off grille, and sharp character lines, giving it a distinct look from the standard version.
We also caught a glimpse of the interior earlier this month. The cabin features BYD’s new interior design with a larger center infotainment screen, a redesigned center console for added space, and a new two-spoke steering wheel.
The new “Great” Seagull aligns with BYD’s new naming scheme, following the flagship Great Tang SUV and Great Han sedan.
Although it has yet to be confirmed, BYD is expected to introduce the larger model overseas after its launch in China, likely as a variant of the Dolphin Surf and Dolphin Mini.
BYD Dolphin Surf EV (Source: BYD)
If it does, the larger Dolphin Surf will likely use a bigger battery to compete with new EVs in its segment, like the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo and Renault Megane. It could also be even a bit bigger than the Chinese version (Great Seagull).
We will have to wait to learn prices, but the current Dolphin Surf starts at about €22,900 ($26,500) in Europe, so you can expect it to be slightly more expensive. It will likely still start at under €30,000 ($35,000), as a smaller sibling to the Dolphin.
With plans to launch it by the end of 2026, we should learn more about the new electric hatch soon. Check back soon for updates.
Source: AutoHome, BYD Fans Home
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