The Seagull is BYD’s most affordable EV, starting at about $10,000 in China. In Europe, the UK, and other markets, it’s sold as the Dolphin Surf or Mini, but BYD is preparing to launch a larger variant that may be an even “bigger” hit.
BYD Seagull EV grows up with new ‘Great’ version
BYD’s low-cost electric hatch is among the world’s best-selling electric vehicles. In China, the Seagull starts at just 69,900 yuan, or roughly $10,000.
Overseas, it’s sold as the Dolphin Surf and Dolphin Mini in places like Europe and the UK. According to Cleantechnica, the Seagull, including the Dolphin Surf and Mini, was the sixth most popular EV globally in the first half of 2026, with over 27,500 units sold.
BYD is now preparing to launch an updated variant that’s bigger, more powerful, and more advanced than the current model.
Zhang Zhuo, the sales boss for BYD’s Ocean series, previewed the new Seagull for the first time in July. Although the images were blurred, the caption read, “As its silhouette gradually emerges in the shadows, the promise of growing up is about to be fulfilled. #BYDSeagull#.”
At the Chengdu Auto Show last month, Zhou revealed the new model will be named the “Great Seagull” and confirmed it will go on sale by the end of 2026.
No other details were revealed, but the Great Seagull appeared in the batch of new energy vehicles approved for sale by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) last month, giving us a better idea of what to expect.
BYD’s new Great Seagull measures 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,570 mm tall, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase, according to the filing. In comparison, the current Seagull is just 3,780 mm long.
It will also use a more powerful 95 kW (127 hp) electric motor, up from 55 kW (75 hp) in the current Seagull.
BYD will reveal final specs soon, but the Great Seagull is expected to feature its latest Blade Battery 2.0 and Flash Charging technology, enabling it to recharge from 10% to 70% in 5 minutes.
The larger upgraded model has a roof-mounted LiDAR, suggesting it will be available with BYD’s God’s Eye B advanced driver assistance system.
A few images surfaced online, revealing the new BYD Great Seagull undisguised for the first time in public. In the images posted by BYD Fans Club, you can see the new front-end design and LiDAR on the roof.
We also caught a glimpse of the interior last month with a revamped cabin design. The new interior features a larger infotainment screen, a redesigned center console with more space, and a two-spoke steering wheel.
Following the Great Han sedan and Great Tang SUV, the “Great” Seagull aligns with BYD’s latest naming scheme.
BYD has yet to confirm it, but the new larger model is expected to launch overseas as some variant of the Dolphin Surf or Dolphin Mini.
As such, the electric hatch will likely get a bigger battery and added power to compete with new EVs such as the Volkswagen ID. 3 Neo and Renault Megane.
BYD’s current Dolphin Surf starts at about €22,900 ($26,500) in Europe, so the larger variant is expected to cost slightly more. It will likely still start at under €30,000 ($35,000), as a smaller sibling to the Dolphin.
Source: Autohome, BYD Fans Club
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