BYD Seagull Second Generation Gets More Power, Larger Body

BYD has begun teasing the second-generation BYD Seagull, releasing design sketches of the small battery electric vehicle as it prepares a major update amid weaker year-to-date sales. Zhang Zhuo, general manager of BYD's Ocean lineup sales division, shared the sketches on Weibo on Tuesday and described the vehicle as featuring "reshaped lines and refreshed surfaces," with additional details to follow. The teaser confirms that the model previously known as the "Big Seagull" will officially be called the second-generation Seagull. Key changes include a larger body, revised styling and substantially higher power output.

Second-Generation Seagull Gets Larger Proportions

The new model has been substantially enlarged compared with its predecessor. Regulatory filings published by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on July 10 list dimensions of 4,205 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width and 1,570 mm in height, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase. The second-generation Seagull is 425 mm longer than the previous generation and has a wheelbase that is 150 mm longer. Seating capacity also rises from four to five occupants, bringing the vehicle's overall size closer to the BYD Dolphin and marking a significant change for a model positioned within the compact battery electric vehicle segment.

Updated Exterior Design Brings Sportier Styling

The released sketches show a redesigned front end with distinctive trident-style headlights, while the rising beltline and floating roof create a sportier visual profile. Additional design images show changes to the front and rear bumpers, lighting elements and overall body proportions. The teaser material also depicts a green vehicle in side and three-quarter views, giving an early indication of how the larger dimensions have been integrated into the updated design. BYD has not yet disclosed a specific launch date or pricing for the second-generation Seagull, although Zhang said in an August interview that the "Big Seagull" would launch this year.

95 kW Motor Replaces Previous 55 kW Output

Regulatory filings identify two battery electric variants of the second-generation Seagull, with both using a permanent magnet motor rated at a maximum output of 95 kW, or 127 hp. That represents a substantial increase from the previous generation's 55 kW output. Both variants are equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries. One of the two versions can also be fitted with optional LiDAR together with front, rear and side radars, expanding the available driver-assistance hardware. The combination of higher motor output, a larger body and additional sensing equipment represents a broad technical update rather than a limited exterior refresh.

LiDAR Builds on BYD Driver-Assistance Technology

The second-generation model's optional LiDAR follows BYD's introduction of the technology on the 2026 Seagull launched in May. That vehicle offered the company's "God's Eye B" system, which supports urban navigation-assisted driving. The new regulatory filing indicates that LiDAR and multiple radar sensors will remain part of the available equipment strategy for the updated Seagull. The available information does not specify the exact configuration, software functions or pricing of the second-generation system, so the regulatory filing and teaser provide the clearest currently disclosed details about the vehicle's hardware and its driver-assistance equipment.

Seagull Sales Show Signs of Recent Improvement

The Seagull remains an important sales pillar for BYD's Ocean lineup, with the current model priced from 69,900 yuan to 85,900 yuan. The model sold 529,537 units in 2025, while cumulative sales from its April 2023 launch through the end of August this year exceeded 1.5 million units. August deliveries reached 36,106 units, representing a 5.56% year-over-year increase and a 29.08% rise from July. That August result ended a run of 12 consecutive months of year-over-year declines, although the broader 2026 sales trend remained weaker.

2026 Seagull Sales Remain Below Prior-Year Levels

The sales data show a mixed picture for the Seagull during the first eight months of 2026. Monthly sales totaled 20,145 units in January, 20,190 in February, 30,636 in March, 27,204 in April, 39,919 in May, 25,080 in June, 27,971 in July and 36,106 in August. Combined sales for the first eight months reached 227,251 units, down 37.50% year over year. By comparison, the model recorded 529,537 units for full-year 2025. The August improvement therefore represents a recent recovery in monthly volume, while cumulative 2026 performance continues to show substantial pressure relative to the prior year.

BYD Seagull Sales History Shows Changing Momentum

The model's monthly sales history also illustrates how demand has shifted across recent years. In 2024, monthly volume ranged from 13,492 units in February to 57,087 units in December. In 2025, sales reached 60,131 units in May before moving through lower monthly levels later in the year. The 2026 figures are lower than most comparable 2025 months through August, although August reversed the year-over-year decline seen during the preceding 12 months. The sales trajectory provides important context for the timing of the second-generation model, which introduces larger dimensions, increased power and expanded driver-assistance hardware.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The second-generation Seagull expands BYD's offering in the competitive Chinese battery electric vehicle market by combining a larger five-seat body with higher motor output and more advanced sensing hardware. The update is particularly relevant because the model's first eight months of 2026 sales were 37.50% below the same period a year earlier, despite August returning to year-over-year growth. For China's small EV market, the new configuration could increase the Seagull's appeal to buyers seeking more space and technology, while BYD's next disclosed steps on launch timing, pricing and equipment will determine how the updated vehicle is positioned against competing models.

Frequently Asked Questions

What changes are coming with the second-generation BYD Seagull?
The second-generation BYD Seagull is larger, more powerful and available with additional driver-assistance hardware. Regulatory filings list a 4,205 mm length, 1,810 mm width, 1,570 mm height and 2,650 mm wheelbase, with seating increasing from four to five. Both battery electric variants use a 95 kW permanent magnet motor and LFP batteries. One variant offers optional LiDAR with front, rear and side radars. BYD has not disclosed final pricing or a specific launch date, although the company previously indicated that the updated model would launch in 2026.