BYD's Bigger Second-Generation Seagull Launches in China From 65,900 Yuan, Cheaper Than Before

Update, October 20: BYD launched the second-generation Seagull in China at an event in Zhengzhou, priced from 65,900 yuan (about $9,810) to 99,900 yuan across five variants. That is 4,000 yuan below the 69,900 yuan starting price of the outgoing model (CnEVPost).

BYD first opened blind pre-orders on Friday, October 9, without a price (CnEVPost). The new car is a much bigger hatchback than the original, which has become one of the cheapest and best-selling electric cars in the world.

Prices and variants

Second-gen Seagull variant	Guide price	Battery	CLTC range	Flash charging
Vitality	65,900 yuan	30.1 kWh	320 km	No
Freedom	72,900 yuan	30.1 kWh	320 km	No
Comfort	75,900 yuan	39.2 kWh	420 km	Yes
Flying	82,900 yuan	39.2 kWh	420 km	Yes
Smart	99,900 yuan	39.2 kWh	420 km	Yes

The three higher trims can charge from 10 to 70 percent in about 5 minutes at BYD's dedicated flash-charging stations. Trade-in buyers get 3,000 yuan off each variant. Before launch, CarNewsChina had expected a price below 100,000 yuan, and the top variant landed at 99,900.

How pre-orders worked

Zhang Zhuo, general manager of sales for BYD's Ocean line, opened reservations on Weibo. Buyers paid a refundable 2,000 yuan deposit through the BYD app, which BYD described as a sign of purchase intent rather than a contract (CarNewsChina). The car was first shown as the "Great Seagull" at the Chengdu Auto Show in August, in green, pink, orange, blue, white and gray.

A much bigger car

The new model is 4,205mm long, 1,810mm wide and 1,570mm tall on a 2,650mm wheelbase: 425mm longer than the 3,780mm original, with 150mm more between the axles. Seating rises from four to five. The 95kW motor (about 127hp, up from 55kW) moves to the rear axle; the original Seagull is front-wheel drive. There is a 94-litre front boot and up to 1,380 litres of luggage space with the rear seats folded.

Some variants add a massaging driver's seat, power front seats and a column-mounted gear selector, and one offers roof-mounted LiDAR and extra radar, expected to carry BYD's God's Eye B driver assistance. Inside there is no traditional instrument cluster; driving information moves to the central screen, and physical buttons return.

Why it matters

The existing Seagull was the sixth best-selling electric car in the world through August, with more than 212,000 sold. Offering a much larger, better-equipped car for less money puts heavy pressure on rivals in China's small-EV segment. Abroad, the current car sells as the Dolphin Surf in Europe from 22,900 euros and as the Dolphin Mini in Brazil and Mexico, and a version of the new model is expected overseas later. BYD has not announced the Seagull for India.

What to watch next

Delivery timing and early sales, reviews of the flash-charging trims, and when and under what name the larger car reaches Europe and Latin America.

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