Source: byd.com - BYD is preparing a new electric hatchback that will be called Great Seagull and will sit between the affordable Seagull and the larger Dolphin.
- It measures 4 205 mm, so it is more than 42 centimeters longer than the current Seagull, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase.
- The motor has 95 kW instead of the current 55 kW.
- Launch is expected by the end of 2026; the name was confirmed by BYD at the Chengdu auto show.
- The current Seagull sells in China from 69 900 yuan, and in Europe as the Dolphin Surf from €22 900.
The small BYD Seagull, which is sold here under the name Dolphin Surf, is among the best-selling EVs in the world. That’s exactly why it’s interesting that BYD is preparing a bigger sibling for it — a car that will fit neatly between it and the larger Dolphin.
It will be called Great Seagull
As Electrek reported, a BYD representative confirmed the name of the new model at the Chengdu auto show. The first hint came back in July, when the head of Ocean series sales posted a silhouette of the car in the shadows with a note that “the promise to grow up will soon be fulfilled.”
It’s worth adding that BYD hasn’t officially unveiled the car yet. So far, it has only released a teaser with a silhouette, and the car’s shape was revealed by photos from Chinese homologation. Full specs and pricing are still to come.
42 centimeters longer and nearly twice as powerful
The difference compared with the current Seagull is quite significant. The new model should measure 4 205 mm in length, while the current one is 3,780 mm — so we’re talking about more than forty centimeters extra. Width should be 1,810 mm, height 1,570 mm and wheelbase 2,650 mm, which promises significantly more space in the rear seats.
Performance should also increase: 95 kW instead of the current 55 kW, almost double. That makes sense — a larger and heavier body would feel sluggish with a weaker motor. According to available information, it should get a second-generation Blade battery with Flash Charging fast charging, meaning the same tech BYD uses in its higher-end models.
An interesting detail from the documents is the lidar on the roof. In a car of this class, that’s unusual — until recently, lidars only appeared in much more expensive models, and its presence suggests that BYD wants to bring advanced driver-assistance systems into its most affordable segment as well.
How much will it cost
BYD hasn’t released an exact price. The current lineup gives a reference point: the Seagull sells in China from 69 900 yuan, which is roughly around ten thousand dollars. The Great Seagull will logically be more expensive, since it is both bigger and more powerful.
Launch on the Chinese market is expected by the end of 2026. When, and whether at all, it will arrive in Europe is still unclear.
What it would mean for us
This is actually the most interesting part. The Dolphin Surf, i.e. the European version of the Seagull, sells here from €22 900 and is one of the most affordable EVs on the market. A larger model with better rear-seat space would fill a gap in Europe that only a few cars cover today — a family electric hatchback at a reasonable price.
However, you should be careful: not every Chinese model will make it to us, and European versions are often more expensive than the Chinese ones due to customs duties. For now, treat the Great Seagull as a sign of where BYD is heading, not as a car you’ll be able to order from us in a few months at a showroom.
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