ZHENGZHOU, October 16, 2026 — BYD opened pre-orders for the second-generation Seagull electric vehicle in China on October 9, with the official launch set for October 20 at the Zhengzhou International Circuit.
Key Upgrades in Size and Power
The new 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 regulatory filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Compared with its predecessor, the model is 425 mm longer and has a 150 mm longer wheelbase. Seating capacity increases from four to five passengers, bringing it closer in size to the larger BYD Dolphin. The updated Seagull will use a more powerful 95 kW (127 hp) electric motor, up from the 55 kW (75 hp) offered in the current model. Unlike the current front-wheel-drive configuration, the second-generation model will switch to rear-wheel drive.
Battery, Charging and Technology Features
The new Seagull will be available with two BYD lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery options, offering CLTC ranges of up to 320 km and 420 km. Higher-priced trims will include BYD’s 1,500 kW Flash Charging technology, enabling a charge from 10% to 70% in five minutes. All models will feature BYD’s 140 km/h high-speed tire blowout stability system. Higher-priced variants will offer BYD’s God’s Eye B intelligent driving system and DiPilot 300 with roof-mounted LiDAR. Interior updates include a larger center infotainment screen, a two-spoke steering wheel, a redesigned center console, and added physical controls.
Pricing and Market Position
BYD said the second-generation Seagull will launch as the “Great Seagull” and go on sale by the end of 2026. Pricing is expected to remain under $15,000 despite the enhancements, though specific figures were not disclosed during the blind pre-order phase. Zhang Zhuo, general manager of BYD’s Ocean series, announced that blind pre-orders opened on October 9 with six exterior color options. The Seagull remains one of the world’s best-selling electric vehicles, having 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 2026. In September alone, Seagull sales totaled 38,650 units, up 11.75% year-on-year, marking the second consecutive month of year-on-year growth. However, sales in the first nine months of 2026 totaled 265,901 units, down 33.22% compared to the same period in 2025.
Interior Design and Comfort Enhancements
The second-generation Seagull features a redesigned cabin with a larger center infotainment screen and a two-spoke steering wheel, replacing the previous model’s three-spoke design. Physical controls have been added below the infotainment screen and on the steering wheel for easier access to climate and audio functions while driving.
Ambient lighting and massaging front seats are now available on higher trims, adding a premium touch to the vehicle’s interior. Rear passengers benefit from increased legroom due to the extended wheelbase, and rear air vents have been included to improve cabin comfort.
The vehicle no longer includes a traditional instrument cluster behind the steering wheel; instead, driving information is displayed on the central infotainment screen. Storage space has been optimized with a redesigned center console and a 94-liter frunk, enhancing practicality for daily use.
Launch Event Details at Zhengzhou International Circuit
The official launch of the second-generation Seagull will take place on October 20 at the Zhengzhou International Circuit, as confirmed by BYD through media invitations and regulatory filings. The venue, known for hosting motorsport events, will serve as the backdrop for unveiling the updated model to the public and press.
BYD has not disclosed further specifics about the event format, but the choice of a professional racing circuit underscores the automaker’s emphasis on the vehicle’s enhanced performance, particularly its rear-wheel-drive layout and upgraded 95 kW electric motor. The setting aligns with the model’s positioning as a more capable and dynamic iteration of the Seagull.
Pre-orders opened on October 9 across China, with six exterior color options available, though pricing remains undisclosed during the blind pre-order phase. The launch event will mark the transition from reservation phase to official sales availability by the end of 2026.
Sources
- BYD launches pre-orders for the new Seagull, a larger version of its popular $10K EV
- BYD reveals the updated Seagull EV will launch next week
- BYD to launch second-gen Seagull on October 20
Photo: User3204 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
