BYD teases larger second-gen Seagull EV with design sketches

• The second-generation BYD Seagull is 425 mm longer and features a 5-seat layout.
• Seagull sales returned to year-on-year growth in August, but cumulative sales for the first 8 months remained down 37.50%.

BYD (HKEX: 1211) has begun teasing the second-generation Seagull, releasing design sketches of the small battery electric vehicle as it prepares an overhaul amid pressure on year-to-date sales.

Zhang Zhuo, general manager of BYD's Ocean lineup sales division, shared the sketches on Weibo on Tuesday, describing the car as featuring "reshaped lines and refreshed surfaces," with more details to come.

The teaser confirms that the model previously referred to as the "Big Seagull" will be named the second-generation Seagull, with key changes including a larger body, updated styling and more power.

Zhang said in an interview in August that the "Big Seagull" would launch this year. The release of the design sketches did not disclose a specific launch date or pricing.

The sketches show a redesigned front end with trident-style headlights, while a rising beltline and floating roof give the second-generation Seagull a sportier appearance.

According to regulatory filings published by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on July 10, the car measures 4,205 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width and 1,570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm.

Compared with its predecessor, the second-generation Seagull is 425 mm longer and has a 150 mm longer wheelbase. Seating capacity increases from 4 to 5, bringing its size closer to the Dolphin.

BYD filed for 2 battery electric variants, both powered by a permanent magnet motor with a maximum output of 95 kW (127 hp), up from the previous generation's 55 kW.

Both variants feature lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Of the 2, 1 offers optional LiDAR and front, rear and side radars, providing a broader range of driver-assistance hardware.

BYD already introduced optional LiDAR on the 2026 Seagull launched in May, with its "God's Eye B" system supporting urban navigation-assisted driving.

The Seagull is a key sales pillar of BYD's Ocean lineup, with the current model priced from 69,900 yuan ($10,360) to 85,900 yuan.

The model sold 529,537 units in 2025, and cumulative sales from its launch in April 2023 through the end of August this year exceeded 1.5 million units, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.

Seagull sales reached 36,106 units in August, up 5.56% year-on-year and 29.08% from July, ending a run of 12 consecutive months of year-on-year declines.

However, cumulative sales for the first 8 months of this year totaled 227,251 units, down 37.50% year-on-year.