BYD has launched the second-generation Seagull in China, introducing a lower entry price, a larger five-seat body and flash-charging capability on higher-specification variants of its small electric vehicle.
Unveiled at an event in Zhengzhou, Henan, on Tuesday, the new Seagull is available in five variants with official guide prices ranging from 65,900 yuan ($9,810) to 99,900 yuan.
The Vitality, Freedom, Comfort, Flying and Smart versions are priced at 65,900 yuan, 72,900 yuan, 75,900 yuan, 82,900 yuan and 99,900 yuan, respectively.
The starting price is 4,000 yuan below that of the previous-generation 2026 model, which launched in May at 69,900 yuan. BYD has also announced trade-in prices ranging from 62,900 yuan to 96,900 yuan, representing a 3,000 yuan reduction from the guide price of each variant for eligible buyers.
Flash Charging Adds Faster Recharging
Flash charging is one of the major upgrades for the second-generation Seagull. The three higher-specification variants — Comfort, Flying and Smart — support the technology and can charge from 10% to 70% in five minutes when connected to compatible BYD flash-charging stations.
All three versions use a 39.2 kWh battery pack and have a claimed CLTC driving range of 420 km.
The entry-level Vitality and Freedom variants feature a smaller 30.1 kWh battery and a claimed CLTC range of 320 km. These versions do not support flash charging.
As part of the launch incentives, buyers of the three flash-charging variants who use their vehicles for non-commercial purposes qualify for one year of free charging at BYD flash-charging stations, beginning on the delivery date.
Larger Dimensions and Five-Seat Cabin
The redesigned Seagull measures 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide and 1,570 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm.
Compared with its predecessor, the new model is 425 mm longer and has a wheelbase extended by 150 mm. The additional space allows seating capacity to increase from four to five, bringing the car’s dimensions closer to those of BYD’s Dolphin.
Storage capacity has also expanded. The vehicle gains a 94-litre front trunk, while rear cargo capacity reaches up to 1,380 litres with the rear seats folded.
The exterior features a redesigned front end with trident-style lighting, while the cabin receives an updated layout and additional comfort equipment. Available features include heated and ventilated front seats and a massage function for the driver’s seat.
Rear-Wheel Drive and More Powerful Motors
The second-generation Seagull changes its drivetrain configuration from a front-mounted motor with front-wheel drive to a rear-mounted motor driving the rear wheels.
The rear suspension also moves from a torsion-beam arrangement to an independent multi-link setup.
Power output increases across the lineup. The two variants with a 320 km CLTC range use an 85 kW motor, equivalent to approximately 114 hp. The three 420 km versions receive a 95 kW motor. Both outputs exceed the 55 kW motor used in the previous generation.
The revised drivetrain, increased power and independent rear suspension represent substantial mechanical changes alongside the vehicle’s larger dimensions and updated equipment.
Seagull Remains Important to BYD’s Ocean Lineup
The launch comes as the Seagull’s monthly sales have returned to year-on-year growth, although its year-to-date sales remain under pressure.
As a key contributor to BYD’s Ocean lineup, the model occupies an important position in the company’s affordable electric vehicle range. The second-generation version combines a lower starting price with additional cabin space, more powerful motors and faster charging on selected variants.
Its market performance will depend in part on how buyers respond to the revised pricing and whether access to compatible flash-charging infrastructure supports the higher-specification versions’ appeal.