BYD Seagull Second Generation Launches in China October 20

BYD Seagull Second Generation Set for October 20 Launch in China

BYD is expected to launch the second-generation Seagull electric vehicle in China on October 20, according to Chinese automotive media outlet Yiche, which cited information from the automaker. The updated model brings larger dimensions, increased motor output, five-seat capacity, and changes to its cabin and storage arrangements. BYD has not yet confirmed the launch date through its official channels, having previously stated only that the vehicle would arrive before the end of the year. The company opened pre-orders on October 9 without announcing pricing. The reported October 20 date provides a more specific timeline for the generational update of a model that remains an important contributor to BYD's Ocean lineup.

Updated BYD Seagull Dimensions and Five-Seat Configuration

The second-generation Seagull measures 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,570 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, according to earlier regulatory filings submitted to China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Compared with its predecessor, the updated electric vehicle is 425 mm longer and has a wheelbase extended by 150 mm. Seating capacity increases from four to five occupants, bringing the model closer in size to the larger BYD Dolphin. These dimensional changes represent a substantial update to the Seagull's packaging, while the additional seat expands its passenger capacity. The figures come from earlier regulatory filings rather than a newly published specification sheet accompanying the reported launch date.

Motor Output Increases to 95 kW With LFP Battery Technology

Earlier regulatory filings identify a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum output of 95 kW, equivalent to approximately 127 hp, for both listed versions of the second-generation Seagull. This represents an increase from the previous generation's 55 kW motor output. The filings also specify lithium iron phosphate batteries, commonly abbreviated as LFP. The published information establishes the motor's maximum output and battery chemistry but does not provide a complete set of performance figures, charging specifications, or driving-range estimates for the updated model. Buyers will need the finalized launch specifications to assess those aspects. The available filings nevertheless confirm that the generational update includes a notable increase in rated motor power.

LiDAR Option and Exterior Design Changes

One of the two versions listed in the earlier regulatory filings offers optional LiDAR and additional radar hardware. BYD had already introduced a LiDAR option on the 2026 Seagull launched in May, so the technology is not entirely new to the model line. The second-generation vehicle also receives a redesigned front end and trident-style lighting, along with six exterior color choices. Although the available information confirms the presence of optional sensing hardware on one version, it does not establish the complete driver-assistance feature set or specify the operating capabilities associated with that equipment. Final variant-level details will be needed to clarify how the available hardware and features differ across the lineup.

Cabin Equipment and Expanded Storage Capacity

According to Yiche, the updated Seagull adds power-adjustable front seats, a massage function for the driver's seat, and rear air vents. These changes accompany revisions to the cabin and storage space as part of the vehicle's broader generational update. The model provides a 94-liter front trunk, commonly called a frunk, and a maximum rear cargo capacity of 1,380 liters. Together with the longer wheelbase and five-seat layout, the revised interior packaging gives the vehicle a different combination of passenger accommodation and cargo utility. The available report does not specify the measurement conditions for the maximum cargo figure or provide a full breakdown of storage configurations across individual variants.

Pricing Reference From the Previous BYD Seagull Model

For comparison, the previous-generation 2026 Seagull launched in May with prices ranging from 69,900 yuan to 85,900 yuan, with LiDAR available at additional cost on selected variants. BYD opened pre-orders for the second-generation model on October 9 but did not disclose its price. Consequently, the earlier model's price range provides historical context rather than confirmation of the updated vehicle's pricing. The larger dimensions, higher motor output, additional seating capacity, and revised cabin equipment distinguish the new generation from its predecessor, but the financial implications for buyers cannot be assessed until official pricing and variant information become available. The October 20 launch report does not establish whether the previous pricing structure will continue.

BYD Seagull Sales Show Recent Monthly Growth Despite Year-to-Date Decline

The Seagull is a key sales contributor within BYD's Ocean lineup. The model sold 529,537 units in 2025, while cumulative sales reached approximately 1.55 million units between its launch in April 2023 and the end of September 2026. In September 2026, sales totaled 38,650 units, representing an 11.75% increase from September 2025 and a 7.05% rise from August 2026. This marked the second consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth. However, the improvement in recent monthly results has not reversed the broader year-to-date decline: sales for the first nine months of 2026 reached 265,901 units, down 33.22% from the corresponding period a year earlier.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The second-generation Seagull's larger body, five-seat configuration, higher motor output, and revised cabin equipment broaden the product's offering in China's competitive electric passenger-car market. Its importance to BYD's Ocean lineup makes the launch commercially significant, particularly as recent monthly sales growth contrasts with a substantial year-to-date decline. The updated model's eventual pricing will help determine how buyers assess its additional features against the previous generation and other vehicles in the market. Optional LiDAR also preserves a technology differentiator within the range, although the available information does not establish its full functionality or take-up. Official confirmation of the launch, pricing, and final specifications will clarify how the generational update is positioned commercially.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the second-generation BYD Seagull launch in China?
The second-generation BYD Seagull is reported to launch in China on October 20, according to automotive media outlet Yiche, citing information from BYD. The automaker has not independently confirmed that date through its official channels and had previously said the model would arrive before the end of the year. BYD opened pre-orders on October 9 without announcing pricing. The reported date therefore provides a more specific expected launch timeline, but the announcement should not be treated as an official confirmation from the manufacturer.

How large is the second-generation BYD Seagull?
The second-generation BYD Seagull measures 4,205 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase. Compared with its predecessor, it is 425 mm longer and has a wheelbase extended by 150 mm. Its seating capacity also increases from four to five occupants. These specifications come from earlier regulatory filings with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The revised dimensions bring the vehicle closer in size to the larger BYD Dolphin, while changing its passenger packaging and overall proportions.

How much power does the updated BYD Seagull produce?
The second-generation BYD Seagull is listed with a permanent magnet synchronous motor producing up to 95 kW, equivalent to approximately 127 hp. That is an increase over the previous generation's 55 kW maximum motor output. Earlier regulatory filings identify lithium iron phosphate batteries for both listed versions. The available information does not provide a complete set of acceleration, top-speed, charging, or driving-range specifications. Buyers should therefore distinguish the confirmed motor-output information from other performance details that may be announced when BYD releases the finalized launch specifications.

Does the second-generation BYD Seagull offer LiDAR?
Yes, earlier regulatory filings indicate that one of the two listed versions of the second-generation BYD Seagull offers optional LiDAR and additional radar hardware. BYD had previously introduced a LiDAR option on the 2026 Seagull launched in May. However, the available report does not specify the full driver-assistance package, the precise capabilities of the sensors, or which functions will be available on each variant. The presence of optional LiDAR confirms a hardware offering rather than a complete description of the vehicle's assisted-driving performance or operating limitations.

What cabin and storage features does the updated Seagull include?
The second-generation BYD Seagull adds power-adjustable front seats, a driver's seat massage function, and rear air vents, according to Yiche. Its storage specifications include a 94-liter front trunk and maximum rear cargo capacity of 1,380 liters. The vehicle also receives cabin revisions and increases passenger capacity from four to five seats. These updates accompany its larger dimensions and longer wheelbase. The report does not provide a detailed breakdown of cargo configurations or specify how the maximum rear storage figure is measured, so final product information may be needed for a complete comparison.

How much will the second-generation BYD Seagull cost?
BYD has not disclosed pricing for the second-generation Seagull in the available launch report, despite opening pre-orders in China on October 9. The previous-generation 2026 model launched in May with prices ranging from 69,900 yuan to 85,900 yuan, with LiDAR available at additional cost on selected variants. That range provides historical context but does not establish the new model's price. Its revised dimensions, higher motor output, additional seat, and updated cabin equipment may be relevant to buyer comparisons, but the financial impact cannot be determined until official prices are announced.

How are BYD Seagull sales performing in 2026?
The BYD Seagull recorded sales of 38,650 units in September 2026, up 11.75% year over year and 7.05% from August. This marked its second consecutive month of year-over-year growth. However, total sales for the first nine months of 2026 reached 265,901 units, down 33.22% from the same period in 2025. The model sold 529,537 units during 2025, and cumulative sales reached approximately 1.55 million units from its April 2023 launch through the end of September 2026.