A Look at bYD files all-new Seagull with larger body, optional LiDAR
- The all-new BYD Seagull is 425 mm longer at 4,205 mm, bringing its dimensions close to the pricier Dolphin.
- The all-new BYD Seagull is powered by a 95-kw (127 hp) motor, a significant increase from the current model’s 55 kw.
BYD (HKEX: 1211) has filed regulatory paperwork for an all-new generation of the Seagull, upgrading the best-selling mini electric vehicle (EV) in size, power and intelligent features.
The company filed two battery electric versions of the Seagull, according to the latest batch of the regulatory catalog for new vehicle models released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on July 10.
Both models measure 4,205, 1,810 and 1,570 millimeters in length, width and height respectively, with a wheelbase of 2,650 millimeters and a five-seat layout.
Compared with the model currently on sale, the all-new Seagull is 425 millimeters longer, with a wheelbase extended by 150 millimeters.
That brings its overall footprint very close to the BYD Dolphin, which is 4,280 millimeters long, and interior space is expected to improve significantly.
The filing images show that the new car features a redesigned front fascia, with sharp creases paired with narrow polygonal headlights for a stronger visual impact.
The sides of the body feature semi-hidden door handles, while the rear is fitted with two sets of inverted-trapezoidal taillights with the BYD lettering inlaid in the middle.
Both models are powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor produced by BYD, with a peak power of 95 kilowatts (127 hp), a significant increase from the current model’s 55 kilowatts.
Both models are equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and have a top speed of 150 kilometers per hour.
The main differences between the two filed models lie in weight and sensor configuration. The base version has a curb weight of 1,180 kilograms.
The other model has a curb weight of 1,255 kilograms and can be optionally equipped with richer sensor hardware including LiDAR, front radar, rear radar and side radar. This indicates that the higher-end version of the new car will be equipped with BYD’s more advanced assisted driving system.
BYD introduced LiDAR for the first time on the current 2026 Seagull, which went on sale in May this year, making it the first A00-class mini car in China’s EV market to support LiDAR.
The God’s Eye B version equipped with LiDAR starts at 90,900 yuan ($13,410) and supports urban navigation-assisted driving.
The Seagull is a core pillar of BYD’s Ocean lineup, with full-year sales of 529,537 units in 2025, making it one of the best-selling models in the Chinese market.
Since its launch in April 2023, the model has accumulated more than 1.45 million units in sales, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.
However, the Seagull’s sales performance has come under clear pressure this year. In the first half of 2026, cumulative sales of the model reached 163,174 units, down 42.63% year-on-year. Sales in June came in at 25,080 units, down 51.11% year-on-year.
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Against the backdrop of increasingly fierce competition in China's entry-level EV market, the generational upgrade of the all-new Seagull is significant for BYD.
The larger dimensions and trickle-down of intelligent features are expected to help the model regain growth momentum and put new pressure on rivals' budget offerings.
Completing the regulatory filing usually means a new car is not far from its official launch. BYD has yet to announce the launch timing and pricing of the all-new Seagull.
($1 = 6.7770 yuan)
