BYD Seagull 2026

The BYD Seagull is a small, all-electric city car that has become a phenomenon for making electric mobility genuinely affordable without feeling like a penalty box. It's known internationally as the Dolphin Mini or Dolphin Surf in some markets.

Powertrain & Driving Experience (First-Gen)

The current Seagull is built for the city. Its 55 kW motor provides 135 N·m of instant torque, making it feel peppy from a standstill (0-50 km/h in 4.9 seconds) but noticeably runs out of steam above 80 km/h . The ride is generally comfortable, but the simple torsion-beam rear suspension can feel firm over bumps, and wind/tire noise becomes prominent at highway speeds . It's at its absolute best navigating tight streets and parking in spots larger cars can't.

Battery & Charging

The Seagull uses BYD's Blade Battery (Lithium Iron Phosphate), known for its safety . The first-gen offers two battery options: a 30.08 kWh pack (305 km CLTC) or a 38.88 kWh pack (405 km CLTC) . Real-world range is typically lower, especially in winter . It supports DC fast charging (30-80% in about 30 minutes) on higher trims, but entry-level versions may only have AC slow charging

Space & Practicality

Despite its tiny footprint (just 3.78 meters long), the Seagull is surprisingly usable. It has two rear doors, making it a proper 4-seater, with enough legroom for adults on short trips . The trunk is small at 230 liters but expands to 930 liters with the rear seats folded

Interior & Tech

The cabin is functional but uses hard plastics to keep costs down . The centerpiece is a 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen with voice control and smartphone connectivity . Higher trims add features like a wireless charger and a 360-degree camera . The biggest tech headline for 2026 is the availability of LiDAR (in China), enabling advanced driver assistance like highway navigation at a remarkably low price point